Forestry worker

It’s a great time to join the forest industry, whether you're starting out or changing career. You'll help tackle the climate emergency and work towards a green recovery after Covid-19.

Forestry plays an important part in the nature-based sector. It has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions, including creating 18,000 hectares of woodland a year by 2024. This is helping to support Scotland's transition to net zero by 2045.

In this role, you'd carry out practical tasks in forests and woodlands to help care for and protect the environment. You’d plant, prune, and fell trees. You’d also protect trees from pests and disease.

You’d need to be safety-conscious, responsible and may need a good head for heights.

You would:

• mark and measure trees for cutting down

• prepare the ground for planting by clearing undergrowth

• plant new tree seedlings

• dig out or install drainage systems

• trim and cut back shrubs and other ground cover to promote the healthy growth of trees

• use specialist tools to thin out densely wooded areas

• harvest trees, strip branches and cut felled tree trunks into specific lengths

• protect the forest against insect pests and disease, particularly young trees

• clear footpaths and nature trails, and maintain adjoining car parks

Other tasks include keeping recreational sites and woodland areas fit for public use. This may involve putting up fences, gates, footpath signs and public information notices.

You may be responsible for checking and looking after basic fire-fighting equipment near wooded areas. Your work could involve helping to tackle forest fires if necessary.

• The Conservation Volunteers — support to discover, improve and enjoy your local green spaces

• Lantra Scotland — training and skills for the land-based, aquaculture and environmental sector

• Institute of Chartered Foresters — the chartered body for forestry and arboricultural professionals

• Forestry and Land Scotland — the craft of forestry is attracting a growing number of women