Estates Operative
The Heart of England Forest
Location: Colletts Farm, Dorsington (working across the wider Estate)
Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 p/a
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Mon–Fri, with occasional weekend work)
Join Our Estates Team
Are you practical, hands-on, and take pride in a job well done? We’re looking for someone join our small but highly effective estates team, helping to care for and develop our beautiful Forest estate.
This is a varied and active role where no two days are the same. From fixing gates and maintaining land to responding to urgent repairs, you’ll play a vital role in keeping the estate running smoothly and safely.
What You’ll Be Doing
As part of the Estates team, you’ll be involved in a wide range of tasks, including:
Maintenance & Land Care
- Maintaining estate infrastructure such as fencing, gates, tracks, and bridges
- Carrying out groundworks, drainage and water supply tasks
- Supporting land management activities (mowing, hedgerow cutting, path maintenance, site clearance)
- Handling general building upkeep such as painting, minor plumbing, and repairs
Repairs & Problem Solving
- Responding to repair requests across the estate
- Diagnosing faults such as leaks or damaged infrastructure
- Fixing locks, facilities, and general estate issues
Working Across the Estate
- Operating agricultural vehicles, tools, and machinery
- Collaborating with colleagues and external contractors
- Identifying risks and helping prioritise solutions
- Supporting wider organisational activities when needed
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Experience in maintenance, labouring, or land-based work
- Confidence using tools, machinery, and equipment
- A practical, problem-solving mindset with attention to quality
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
- Strong awareness of health & safety
- Full manual driving licence
Desirable:
- Experience in fencing, groundworks, or plant operation
- Tractor and agricultural implement experience
- Basic plumbing or woodworking skills
- Land management qualifications (or willingness to gain them)
Why Join Us?
- Work in a beautiful rural setting
- Be part of a supportive, hands-on team
- Enjoy a varied role where you can use and grow practical skills
- Make a real difference to the upkeep and safety of the estate
Who This Role Suits
This role is perfect for someone who:
- Enjoys practical work outside
- Likes solving problems and fixing things
- Takes pride in maintaining high standards
- Values teamwork but can also work independently
If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into meaningful, hands-on work, we’d love to hear from you.
The Heart of England Forest is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Applicants must be willing to undergo protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Apply now and become a key part of our Estates team!
Closing date: Sunday 31st May 2026 - midnight
About The Heart of England Forest
The Heart of England Forest is an exciting and ambitious charity. We want to help reverse centuries of woodland decline and create and conserve a magnificent 30,000 acre broadleaf forest for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people. A place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come.
We establish and grow the Forest on land that we have purchased to ensure it is safe and protected for hundreds of years to come.
The Heart of England Forest is an exciting and ambitious charity. We want to help reverse centuries of woodland decline and create and conserve a magnificent 30,000 acre broadleaf forest for the benefit of the environment, wildlife and people. A place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come. We establish and grow the Forest on land that we have purchased to ensure it is safe and protected for hundreds of years to come.
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