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The Opportunity
The Forbes Estate is a working Scottish estate based near Keig in Aberdeenshire, encompassing productive farmland, managed woodland and a range of residential and agricultural properties. We are seeking a skilled and versatile Estate and Forestry worker to join our small team on a full-time permanent basis.
This is a hands-on, varied role working across multiple sites on the estate. Approximately half of your time will be spent on forestry and woodland operations, with the remainder covering general estate maintenance across buildings, grounds, roads and water infrastructure. The successful candidate will be confident working both independently and as part of a small team, taking ownership of tasks while also responding to direction from estate management.
Key Responsibilities
Forestry & Woodland
- Operation of forestry machinery including forwarder and harvester.
- Operation of a tracked digger for forestry and estate groundworks.
- Chainsaw work including felling, cross-cutting and clearance of tree limbs (NPTC/Lantra certification required).
- Erection and maintenance of deer and stock fencing in forestry and woodland contexts.
- Operation of a band saw for timber processing; storage and stacking of timber cut on the estate (equipment to be acquired).
- Tree planting, establishment and general woodland management tasks as directed.
- Maintenance of forestry access tracks across estate woodland sites including Corrie Hill and Cattie Hill.
General Estate Maintenance
Building Repairs & Maintenance
- Replacement of broken and missing slates; re-pointing stone walls.
- External painting of houses and buildings including paint removal, preparation and application.
- Repair of rotten timbers, doors and doorframes and re-glazing of windows.
- General joinery and building fabric repairs across estate properties.
- Meter readings in estate properties.
- General office maintenance e.g. lighting replacement.
- Escorting council staff to inspect wells and water infrastructure, assist with risk assessments.
- Supply to Castle of logs and wood.
- Management and audit of estate supplies and materials e.g. water infrastructure equipment, tools, building supplies.
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Roads & Drainage
- Pot hole repairs using hardcore and sub-base; use of vibrating roller and plate.
- Cutting of asphalt roads using disc cutter.
- Digging and clearing of road offlets and drainage ditches.
Water Supply
- Repair of burst mains across the estate water supply network (MDPE, alkathene, polythene, copper and concrete pipe).
- Knapsack spraying around gathering and reservoir tanks and stop cock tobbies.
- Routine inspection and maintenance of gathering and reservoir tanks across estate locations.
Grounds & Gardens
- Mowing of lawns and grounds at Castle Forbes and other estate properties.
- Trimming of river banks, castle grounds, game cover plots and orchard.
- Tractor and topper operation across grazing fields, deer lawns and burial ground.
- Hedge cutting at estate properties and along estate roads.
Machinery & Vehicles
- Day-to-day operation and care of estate vehicles, tractors and equipment including 4x4 vehicles across varied terrain.
- Tractor and trailer operation for a range of estate tasks.
- Knapsack sprayer operation for weed control across estate roads, yards and buildings.
- Roof gutter cleaning across estate buildings.
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in forestry and/or woodland management operations.
- NPTC/Lantra chainsaw certificates (minimum CS30/CS31; further units an advantage).
- Experience operating forestry machinery (forwarder, harvester or similar).
- Competent operator of a tracked digger.
- Practical skills in fencing — deer fencing, stock fencing and gate hanging.
- General building maintenance skills: painting, basic joinery, slating and glazing.
- Experience of road and drainage maintenance on a rural estate or similar.
- Full, clean UK driving licence.
- Competent tractor driver and experienced 4x4 operator, including off-road use.
- Able to work safely and effectively outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Reliable, self-motivated and able to manage your own workload.
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Desirable
- Experience working on a Scottish rural or highland estate.
- Familiarity with rural water supply systems (MDPE/alkathene pipework, tanks and stop cocks).
- Pesticide application certificate (PA1/PA6 knapsack sprayer).
- Experience with timber processing including band saw operation.
- Experience with grounds maintenance including lawn mowing and hedge cutting.
- Knowledge of deer management or game cover.
Package & Terms
- Salary: £39,000 per annum gross (£16 per hour net / £20 per hour gross, based on 40 hours per week).
- Hours: 7.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week with 1 hour deducted for breaks).
- Holiday: 25 days annual leave plus 4 statutory days.
- Payment: Monthly by BACS.
- Accommodation: Estate accommodation may be available for the right candidate — please enquire.
- NEST pension scheme available.
- 4x4 vehicle available for work use.
How to Apply
Please send a CV and the details of two references to:
Andrew Campbell
Forbes Estate Office
Castle Forbes, Keig
Aberdeenshire
or by email via the link below
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