Forester

About us

The estate has been part of the Scottish Borders since 1358. Everything we do, is to ensure that we
continue into the next millennium. Through our longevity we have developed deep connections with the
land and its people, and we are guided by the principle that our operations benefit the health of the
environment and the prosperity of local communities. We are not just enduring; we will constantly
innovate and grow to maximise the potential of the region and land under our care so we will be a source
of inspiration and a model estate for the 21 st Century.

Passionate People

It takes a certain sort of person to flourish in such an exciting, multi-dimensional environment like Floors
Castle and the wider Roxburghe Estates.  We look for talented, self-motivated and enthusiastic individuals
who will be able to share our passion for providing a warm welcome and amazing experiences.

Our Values

Custodians  Community  Authenticity  Drive   Warmth 

“To understand, improve and develop our natural, heritage and built environments, allowing them to
flourish as sustainable businesses capable of making significant contributions to a vibrant Borders

community, now and for generations to come.”

Purpose of the role

• Assist the Forestry Manager with day-to-day management of the Estate woodland
  portfolio.
• Carry out planting and maintenance of the Estate woodlands to a high standard
• Supervise forestry operations across the Estate.
• Identify and plan work requirements

Key responsibilities

•  Supervision of contractors.
• Tree/hedge planting, establishment and maintenance.
• Estate maintenance (windblown trees and branches, drainage, fencing).
• Liaise with Forestry Manager to identify and plan work.
• Roadside tree surveying.
• Beat up surveying and restocking condition checks.
• Assist with ground-truthing surveys for woodland creation planning.
• Risk assessments.

Hours of Work

39 hours per week.  A work vehicle will be provided.
Salary offered will relate to the experience of candidate.
An Estate property may be available under a separate rental agreement.

Qualities you will possess

• Passion for what you do and a general
  interest in the countryside
•  Ability to prioritise and organise work
  programmes
• Positive and friendly with a ‘can do
  attitude’
•  Ability to work individually or within a
  small team
• Flexible approach to work and self-
  motivated
• Good communication skills

 What do you need to be successful?

Essential

• Experience of extensive outdoor work, including working on difficult terrain and
  vegetation.
• Full UK driving licence
• 3 years working experience in forestry
• A comprehensive knowledge and experience of tree planting and maintenance from
  commercial conifer / broadleaved plantations to individual parkland / amenity trees and
  hedge planting
• Ability to work both individually and as part of a small team and to use own initiative

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Forestry
• Chainsaw certificate (maintenance & felling trees up to 380mm)
• Pesticide’s certificate PA1/PA6
• Ability to assess the condition and safety of roadside trees. Identification of diseases and
  fungi and understanding of how decay and fractures can affect tree safety. (Training can
  be given)
• A basic knowledge of H&S requirements for common place forestry operations (both
  forest maintenance and harvesting). Training can be provided.
• A basic knowledge and experience of timber harvesting from commercial conifer
  plantations to individual hardwood felling.
• Digital mapping skills and previous use of geospatial apps. Training can be provided.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a covering letter and CV to:
[email protected]

For an informal chat about the role or for more information, please call the
Estate Office on 01573223333