Assistant Site Manager – Devon

The Role

• This is a key role in the South West region Operation team which works with Site Managers and the Rainforest Project team based in Devon to support and deliver the management of the Trust’s temperate rainforest sites, principally in Dartmoor and South Devon.
• The work will include carrying out on-site inspections and surveys, organising and supervising a variety of contracts, overseeing the work of volunteers and communicating with the public. The area has a lot of active harvesting, so a working knowledge of timber mensuration is desirable for the role.
• You will be responsible with planning, implementing, monitoring the financial management of budgeted woodland management programmes using contractors, agents and volunteers.
• The work will include carrying out on-site inspections and surveys, organising and supervising a variety of contracts, overseeing the work of volunteers and communicating with the public.
• Actively monitor and review the woodland management plans including woodland Condition Assessments, PAWS assessments, compartment record/species checks and site surveys throughout the South West.
• You will be responsible for optimising the engagement opportunities for visitors, local community and volunteers across the key sites to support with events such as community tree planting.
• You will be responsible for developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders to maximise income and grant aid potential to support ongoing projects and programmes.
• This role is based in Devon and will require the successful candidate to travel around the South West region.

The Candidate

• Experience of land-based management in the forestry and conservation sector, managing and supervising contracts and contractors on site.
• Qualified to HND/degree level in forestry, land management or other related field would be desirable.
• Understanding of project management and the ability to coordinate multiple workstreams and ongoing contracts at one time and to budget. You’ll have a positive approach and be able to prioritise, manage your own time and meet targets to tight deadlines.
• Experience in carrying out on-site inspections and surveys, frequently conducting woodland condition assessments, PAWS assessments and record/species checks.
• You’ll have a collaborative approach, with the ability to work with multiple teams, building relationships with both internal and external stakeholders effectively.
• Ability to engage with visitors, local communities and volunteer manage to support with events across the South West region sites.
• Knowledge of Health and Safety protocols, FSC and FISCA policies and procedures with the ability to supervise and manage adherence to these on a daily basis.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbally being able to liaise with contractors, site managers and wider members of the team and support those around you.
• This role does require regular travel around the South West region. A full driving licence is required. A company car is provided with this role.

Our Organisational Nature enables us to better understand what it means to be part of the Woodland Trust, empowering us to make an impact, every day. We want you to be able to role model our values; ‘Grow Together’, ‘Focus’, ‘Explore’ and ‘Make it Count’ to ensure each of us plays our part in helping to protect, restore and create our woods and trees.

Benefits & Wellbeing

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our employees, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

The Woodland Trust embraces diversity and inclusion. We want our team to reflect the UK’s diverse community. We support people from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who are under-represented.

Application Advice

Even if you don’t meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. Your enthusiasm for the environment and our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count-are what matter most. We also keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows your experience and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact [email protected].

Apply Now

If you’re ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it’s a good idea to apply soon. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to make a positive impact on our planet.

First Stage Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams.