Forestry workers plant, manage and harvest trees and care for the environment in forests and woodland.


Typical Salary

£24,000 – £30,000

per year

Working Hours

42–44

hours per week

Career Area

Forestry and related workers

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

As a forest worker, you could:

  • clear undergrowth like shrubs and plants so you can plant tree seedlings
  • cut down trees and branches and get timber ready to be removed
  • put up fences, gates and public information notices
  • clear footpaths and nature trails
  • maintain equipment, drainage systems and car parks
  • protect the forest from pests and diseases and prevent forest fires

We've identified this as a green job

As a forestry worker you'll look after forests and woodlands. This can have a positive impact on the environment.

Find out more about green careers

Skills needed

  • the ability to use your initiative
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • knowledge of geography
  • the ability to work well with others
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of maths
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • volunteering
  • applying directly

Career progression

With experience you could:

  • become a forest works supervisor, woodland manager or arboricultural officer
  • work as forest ranger with wardens or conservation officers to look after wildlife
  • educate community groups on the importance of forest and wildlife conservation to sustainability