Site Manager - North East

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Site Manager - North East. This role will be responsible for Woodland Trust Sites in Durham and wider north-east England. This includes Low Burnhall a woodland creation site in the heart of Durham, Ragpath Wood a Plantation Ancient Woodland Site in the Deerness valley, several woodlands around Washington and other Woodland Trust sites across north-east England.

A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that out Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Role:

• Manage a diverse portfolio of high-profile woodland sites in line with the UK Woodland Assurance Standard, including ancient woodland, designated sites, veteran trees and high-biodiversity areas.
• Lead on specifying, tendering and managing contracts, ensuring high-quality delivery through effective on-site contractor monitoring.
• Carry out Woodland Condition Assessments and use findings to develop, write and implement long-term management plans.
• Ensure site safety and compliance, including tree safety inspections, risk assessments and implementation of Woodland Trust health & safety policies.
• Plan, deliver and monitor a programme of woodland management work, collaborating with foresters, engagement teams, communications specialists and external partners.
• Build positive relationships with local communities, stakeholders and visitors, representing the Woodland Trust professionally and promoting understanding of our work.
• Support delivery of regional projects, fundraising, VIP visits and communications, providing compelling estate-based information and helping secure funding.
• Coordinate and support volunteers and manage budgets, grants and resources to deliver effective woodland management across the region.
• This is a homeworking position. Occasional travel to offices and remote locations will be required.

The Candidate:

• You ll have experience in forestry, conservation, land or woodland management, including sites of high conservation value.
• A background in strong project and contract management skills, including budgeting, tendering, monitoring and coordinating multiple workstreams.
• Knowledge of woodland ecology, legislative requirements, H&S procedures and safe working practices in varied and remote environments.
• Experience working with stakeholders such as government agencies, contractors, and deer managers to meet conservation and statutory objectives.
• Ability to manage tree safety inspections, tree pests, diseases, and invasive species.
• Leadership or people-management experience.
• Understanding of Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) certification or willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Possess a HND/Degree in forestry, land management or related field (or equivalent experience) and a full driving licence with ability to travel.

Benefits and Wellbeing:

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

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:

The Woodland Trust is the UK s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:

For fairness we keep our candidates personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - 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.

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. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on May 26th & 29th