Assistant Site Manager - South East

  • The Woodland Trust
  • Canterbury, Kent
  • Apr 17, 2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Assistant Site Manager in the South East (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire). The role forms part of the Southeast Region s Operations team and involve working closely with the two Site Managers responsible for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. Together, you will support the management of the Woodland Trust s sites across these three counties.

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:

  • To assist in the delivery of landscape management works by supporting the management of site-based contracts, supervising contractors, managing and working alongside volunteers.
  • To support the review of woodland management plans, including carrying out Woodland Ecological Condition Assessments and site surveys.
  • To implement WT Health and Safety policy on sites, including tree safety inspections, site risk assessments, monitoring of work contractors and appropriate recording of visits.
  • To support the Trust s engagement with visitors and the communities at key sites across the 3 counties, and support across the SE region as required.
  • To assist with the effective communication of estate-based information and stories, to support our local communication plans
  • To ensure works adhere to FSC, FISA and Woodland Trust policies, standards and procedures.
  • To assist other staff in delivering the WT s business and projects on the estate, for example by supporting corporate and legacy events and VIP visits.
  • To assist in delivering the WT s business and projects on the estate, for example by supporting corporate and legacy events and VIP visits.
  • To maintain effective and regular communication with site managers for Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, and to maintain an up-to-date record of activity.
  • This is a homeworking position with a mix of home working and occasional site visits. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required

The Candidate:

We are looking for candidates who have the following:

  • You ll have practical experience of land-based management in the forestry or nature conservation sector.
  • Proven experience of community engagement and managing strong, inclusive relationships with volunteers to deliver effective engagement activity, ensuring best practice and safeguarding.
  • Proven experience of contractor work, including having worked as a land-based contractor or working with external contractors, with an understanding of contractual requirements and site standards.
  • Experience in being results focused - self-motivated, flexible and well organised, you will be able to demonstrate experience of prioritising and meeting targets to tight deadlines. You will have a can do positive approach and be comfortable working independently and remotely, and able to respond and resolve to any site-specific issues as and when they arise, promptly.
  • You ll be IT literate, with MS Office experience, and proficient in the use of Apps on mobile devices.
  • Proven communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to represent the WT, both internally and externally, in a professional, competent and positive manner.
  • Qualified to HNC / Level 4 in forestry, countryside management, or a related field, or able to demonstrate equivalent relevant professional experience.
  • A full driving licence and the ability to undertake regular travel across Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and other parts of the Southeast region.

Benefits & 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 + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
  • Buy and Sell Annual Leave
  • 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.

Commitment to Diversity & 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, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed. Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - 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.

First round interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the 1st June 2026.