Woodland Operations Assistant

Job Introduction

We are committed to the development of our workforce. This position is only available to applicants who already work for Surrey County Council. We thank you for your interest in our roles and would encourage you to review our vacancies which are open to all.

This role has a starting salary of £33,552 based on a 36 hour working week.

Are you passionate about woodland management and looking for an opportunity to build on your career? Do you want to be part of a team which works towards making Surrey a greener place, protecting, and enhancing our valuable natural assets?

We are excited to be hiring a Woodland Operations Assistant to join our fantastic team based in Merrow, Guildford.

Our Offer to You

• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years’ service (prorated for part time staff)
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Up to 5 days of carer’s leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
• A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the Role

As our Woodland Operations Assistant, you will work within a 2-man team on the practical woodland management of our countryside estate across Surrey. The team will deliver the objectives set out in our woodland management plans for around 20 different sites, undertaking a range of practical woodland tasks. This will include: tree felling, weeding, ride clearance, vegetation control/clearance, thinning and harvesting. You will also help support our objectives to produce a range of sustainable woodland products.

You will work to an agreed plan and keep accurate records of work completed, and liaise with contractors, work with volunteers and other team members and partners.

We are seeking an enthusiastic self-starter, often working independently on site, inspecting issues and reports. You should have good IT and communication skills and be able to form excellent relationships with partner organisations, such as: other councils, landowners, contractors, voluntary and community groups.

Your Application

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

• An interest and understanding of woodland and countryside management issues and of practical maintenance techniques
• An ability to operate a variety of woodland machinery and equipment
• Ability to communicate effectively with a range of internal and external teams/bodies
• Ability to drive and tow a trailer
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather and sometimes in difficult terrain
• Flexibility to work weekends and evenings

Surrey has both urban and rural areas therefore you will be expected to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area (a vehicle is provided). Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.

To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 3 questions:

What are the potential benefits to wildlife of good woodland management?

Tell us about your experience of carrying out practical woodland/countryside management work and the tools you have used.

What are some of the challenges we face managing sensitive woodlands?

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description.

Contact Us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion prior to applying, please contact Jack Morgan (Woodland Operations Officer) or Steve Mitchell (Countryside Estate Operations Manager) via email.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)

Surrey County Council is undergoing Local Government Reorganisation, moving from a two-tier system to two new unitary councils in April 2027. If you are employed by Surrey on 1st April 2027, your role will transfer with current terms and conditions to one of the new organisations, supporting local devolution and greater powers for our communities.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Please see more information here: Information for applicants on Local Government Reorganisation - Surrey County Council

Our Commitment

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Your skills and experience truly matter to us. From application to your first day, we’re committed to supporting you with any adjustments you need, we value inclusion and warmly welcome you to join and help build a workplace where everyone belongs.