About Mulgrave Estate The estate's woodland currently covers approximately 1,000 hectares out of a 5665 hectare traditional rural estate which encompasses farming, property and tourism related diversification. There is a diverse range of habitats to be managed in a landscape that runs from the east coast right up
to the moorland edge. The estate's forestry interests range from mixed amenity woodland in and around Mulgrave Castle - which are open to the public Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday - through to several blocks of commercial coniferous woodland the largest of which is currently 205ha. The estate has ambitions to create further woodland, where appropriate.
Job Description We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head Forester to lead our forestry team. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all forestry operations, ensuring sustainable management of our woodlands, and contributing to the environmental stewardship of the estate.
Key Responsibilities - Leadership and Management: Lead and manage the forestry team, providing guidance, training, and support to ensure high standards of work and safety.
- Woodland Management: Develop and implement woodland management plans, including planting, thinning, and harvesting operations.
- Conservation and Sustainability: Promote and implement sustainable forestry practices, ensuring compliance with relevant environmental regulations and certifications.
- Project Management: Plan and design woodland creation projects, including site assessment and stakeholder engagement while implementing forestry best practice.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise directly with the estate's owner, tenants, North Yorks Moors National Park, statutory bodies, and other stakeholders.
- Financial Management: Prepare budgets, annual reports, and financial forecasts. Create and maintain project budgets, monitoring cashflow on behalf of the estate.
- Firewood Processing: Oversee firewood processing operations, ensuring efficient and safe production.
- Equipment and Safety: Ensure all forestry equipment is properly maintained, tree safety surveys/monitoring undertaken and that all team members adhere to safety protocols.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other estate departments, including farming, property management, and holiday accommodation, to support the overall goals of the estate.
- Public Engagement: Engage with the local community and visitors, promoting the estate's forestry and conservation efforts.
Qualifications and Experience - Proven experience in forestry management, with commercial acumen and good understanding of sustainable forestry practices.
- Relevant forestry qualifications and certifications (e.g., chainsaw tickets).
- Relevant forestry qualifications and certifications (e.g., chainsaw tickets).
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Full and clean driving licence.
- Professional membership of the Institute of Chartered Foresters or another relevant professional body is desirable.
Benefits - Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to live and work on a beautiful, historic estate (accommodation available).
- Supportive and friendly working environment.
How to Apply Please send your CV and a cover letter to Ben Garstang, The Estate Office, Lythe, Whitby, YO21 3RJ, or email office@mulgrave.net
The closing date for applications is 18 April 2025.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.
