Tree & Woodland Officer

The Forest of Avon is an independent charity and one of England’s network of Community Forests. We deliver the region’s leading tree planting programme, ‘Trees for Climate’, offer a diverse range of health and wellbeing outreach sessions and provide woodland management throughout the region. We are increasing our woodland creation team which distributes the Trees for Climate grant and are seeking a Tree and Woodland Officer to join our team.

We are looking for a committed individual to plan, design, cost and deliver woodland creation and tree planting projects across the region, working with local councils, communities and charity partners. Through this work, you can help bring the woodland creation goals of the Forest of Avon Plan to fruition.

Are you knowledgeable about tree planting? Experienced in bringing projects to life? Keen to play your part in our region’s fight against the ecological and climate crises? If so, this could be the ideal role for you.

Key Details

Permanent contract, to start as soon as possible.

• Salary £32,630 - £36,759 per annum
• Full Time Role (37.5 hours)
• Flexible working hours
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Main office based at St Pauls, Bristol, with some homeworking optional and attending frequent meetings and site visits in the Forest of Avon area
• Employee Pension Scheme with 7% employer contribution
• Opportunity to join a dedicated friendly team and influence tree planting nationally through the Community Forest Network.

Deadline for applications: 5pm, 13th April 2026.

Job Description

This role will work towards delivering the woodland creation and tree planting aims of the Forest of Avon Plan. Specifically, your role will be to deliver a caseload of tree planting projects using the Trees for Climate grant. This is an opportunity to lead on designing, costing and delivering tree planting projects using planting styles including woodland, wood pasture, traditional orchard, natural colonisation and hedgerows.

Tasks will include:

• Identifying, advising on, designing, planning, costing and coordinating tree planting projects at a range of sites.
• Managing a caseload of grant-funded planting projects with competing deadlines, keeping grant applicants informed, meeting deadlines and maintaining an organised pipeline of projects.
• Providing tree planting, establishment and grant advice to a range of landowners including Local Authorities, private landowners and community groups, offering a professional, friendly and accessible service.
• Progressing projects through the relevant regulatory processes ensuring the historic environment, existing ecology and habitats are protected.
• Feeding information into regular reporting on planting projects and metrics.
• Supporting and/or leading seasonal tree planting volunteer days.
• Supporting and promoting the Forest of Avon Plan, and its actions and goals.

You would be working as part of the Forest of Avon's Woodland Creation team, including a Woodland Creation Manager and three other Tree and Woodland Officers.

Essential Criteria

• A practical knowledge of trees and woodlands
• Good knowledge of the maintenance requirements of woodlands, orchards, specimen trees and hedgerows
• Experience of managing a caseload of projects and keeping track of multiple competing deadlines
• Ability to build and maintain partnerships with organisations and local stakeholders
• Professional and friendly communication skills to keep grant applicants informed
• Strong attention to detail including Health and Safety procedures, knowledge of risk assessments and data protection
• Ability to work independently without supervision, where required
• Ability to work well within a team
• Full driving licence and use of a vehicle (mileage paid)
• A professional manner when representing the charity and willingness to promote its mission and values.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of overseeing grant funding and/or project finances
• Experience of using QGIS or another GIS software and ability to produce clear, accurate maps
• Experience of leading volunteers in conservation tasks
• Good knowledge of regulatory processes for afforestation including Environmental Impact Assessments
• Good knowledge of practical tree planting skills
• Experience with working farms and knowledge of trees on farms
• Experience of productive forestry practices, including timber markets
• Knowledge of grassland species and habitat identification
• Good knowledge of the Forest of Avon area.

We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, in particular candidates from communities and areas in which The Forest of Avon Trust is engaged. We are pleased to be an equal opportunity employer, and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment.

A Disclosure and Barring Service check may be required for this role.

For more information about the role, please contact [email protected] with your number and Lewis our Woodland Creation Manager will give you a call.

For more information on the Forest of Avon Trust, please go to: www.forestofavontrust.org.