We are recruiting four trainees to commence work in September 2023 on a year-long paid placement that will offer a grounding in practical woodland management, including chainsaw operation and making of products. Successful completion of the traineeship will provide the basis for a career in woodland work.

Dates

The traineeship will run from September 2023 to August 2024. Trainees will be contracted to work three days per week, with paid holiday (pro-rata). Work days are usually 8am-4pm, though some flexibility is required.

Place

Wye Coppice undertakes work on a variety of sites around Monmouthshire and surrounding counties (in England and Wales). Trainees will chiefly work on sites close to Monmouth and Trellech, but must be willing to travel to other sites as required, within reason. It is expected that trainees will have their own transport or means of getting to site.

Salary: £12,480 including 17 days paid holiday

What you will learn 

• Chainsaw use

Successful candidates will be enrolled on NPTC chainsaw training in cross-cutting, maintenance and small tree felling. On successful completion of this qualification, they will go on to gain practical felling experience under the supervision of Wye Coppice. It is essential you are able to attend this course in September.

• Sustainable woodland management

Trainees will gain a grounding in sustainable woodland management – types of woodland, management aims, relevant environmental and ecological concepts, safe use of forestry equipment, legal requirements (e.g. felling licences) and government policy, working with different landowners. 

• Products and crafts

As well as felling, trainees will learn how to identify and select wood for different products, and how to make various value-added products.

• First Aid

Trainees will be undertake the Emergency First Aid at Work + Forestry course and learn safe working practices.

• Environmental outreach

Part of the work of Wye Coppice is public engagement – communicating about our work to non-specialists both as part of courses (e.g. charcoal making, crafts etc) and in everyday contexts, as passers-by ask us about what we are doing.

Equipment

Chainsaws, PPE (chainsaw trousers, helmet, boots) and other tools (e.g. billhooks) will be provided. 

The work year

Felling is mostly carried out in autumn, winter and early spring. In summer we mostly concentrate on making and selling products such as charcoal and polewood. Courses are held throughout the year and trainees will be helping to facilitate these (sometimes on weekends).

Who should apply

Anyone who is serious about getting into woodland work. College leavers, career changers, entry-level foresters, outdoor workers, conservation workers… anyone passionate about trees and learning woodland management skills who is fit and capable of undertaking outdoor work for 50 weeks a year!

The role involves heavy manual work, so you will need to be physically fit. You must be willing to work in all weathers, when safe to do so. We also expect workers to be willing to engage with the public at events and in day-to-day situations, to promote and explain what we do. The traineeship is especially suited to people interested in woodland management for biodiversity conservation, and heritage crafts.

Find out more

Take a look at our website www.wyecoppice.co.uk for more information about us. If you would like to discuss the role, get in touch with Joe Weaver on 07931 695104 or email josephweaver.cwm@gmail.com.

Apply

Please email CVs and cover letters to info@wyecoppice.co.uk. In the cover letter, please detail:

• How you heard about the traineeship and why you are interested
• Any relevant experience (e.g. paid or voluntary outdoor work; environmental studies etc)
• Why you’re ideal for the traineeship

Deadline: 30 June 2023

Interviews: w/b 10 July