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Excellent opportunities to join the Dowdeswell Forestry Services team for a diverse role encompassing forestry, tree surgery, gardening and firewood deliveries working in some of the most beautiful parts in the Cotswolds.

We have 3 vacancies open at present.
Forestry Machine Operator, Multi Skilled Gardener & Arborist/Tree Climber

Forestry Machine Operator - Komatsu 901 Harvester Operator

We are looking for an experienced Forestry Machine Operator to join our team and operate our Komatsu 901 Harvester in woodland and forestry operations. This is a hands‑on, practical role for someone with proven experience in mechanised timber harvesting and a strong commitment to safe working practices. We envisage that the ideal applicant will have a passion for forestry operations, enjoy working outside, be a team player and take pride in their work. Working hours are 06:30 to 15:30 Monday – Friday. Overtime and weekend work available

Main Duties:

Primarily operate and maintain a Komatsu 901 Harvester for tree felling, processing and stacking.
Occasional use of tractor based forestry machinery i.e Mulcher, Winch & Crane Trailer
Carry out daily maintenance checks and minor repairs on the machine
Work safely and efficiently in varied forestry environments.
Assist with ground operations where required.

Requirements:

Chainsaw qualification(s) – NPTC/Lantra certificates (CS30/31 minimum, CS32 preferred)
Proven experience within the field (2-3yrs) operating a forestry harvester (preferably Komatsu)
Good knowledge of forestry operations and timber production
Ability to work to production targets while maintaining safety standards
Physically fit, have excellent time keeping, great communications and able to work in all weather conditions
Full driving licence

The ideal applicant will have a strong background working previously within forestry operations. Experience is preferred but candidates with experience on farming or construction equipment looking to work in forestry would be considered. It is vital that you are professional, have excellent time keeping, exceptional communication and can work collaboratively as part of a team but also be self-motivated to be productive when working alone. A tidy appearance is also essential.

All uniform and required PPE will be provided, and 28 days paid holiday (including Bank Holidays)
All applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have your own transport as Dowdeswell is not served by any public transport
Competitive hourly pay dependant on experience

To apply for this position or if you have any questions please send your cv to [email protected]
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Full Time Arborist/Tree Climber

Due to an increase in workload, we are looking for a dedicated, reliable and skilled arborist & tree climber to join our friendly and professional team. This is a varied, hands‑on role for someone who is passionate about arboriculture, enjoys working outdoors in all seasons and takes pride in high standards of tree care. Working hours are 07:30 to 16:30 Monday – Friday. Overtime work available.

Main Duties:

General tree surgery works in both domestic and estate properties, performing tree surgery techniques including crown lifting, thinning and sectional felling.
Climbing trees to carry out pruning, reductions and dismantling.
Hedge cutting and general domestic arboricultural works.
Operating chainsaws, chippers, and rigging equipment safely and efficiently
Supporting ground operations when needed
Aiding with basic equipment maintenance and checks
Assisting with forestry work such as ground based felling works.
Supporting other outdoor tasks as required
Working professionally on-site, maintaining a tidy and presentable appearance

We’re looking for someone who:

Has a minimum of 2 years professional tree climbing experience.
Chainsaw Qualifications NPTC CS30/31 & CS38/39 certification (Essential)
Has proven experience with rigging operations and the use of woodchippers.
Has confidence in performing a wide range of tree surgery techniques
Is physically fit, hardworking, and enjoys practical outdoor work
Has excellent time keeping and great communication.
Works well as part of a small team
Has a positive, can‑do attitude and takes pride in their work

General gardening work, including mowing, planting, weeding, hedge cutting, pruning and general grounds maintenance.
Assisting with forestry work such as tree planting and occasionally helping a busy tree surgery team.
Helping with our busy Christmas Tree season in November & December – serving customers and supporting festive sales.
Helping with yard operations – stock replenishment, bagging nets of logs and kindling.
Supporting other outdoor tasks as required

We’re looking for someone who:

Is physically fit, hardworking, and enjoys practical outdoor work
Has excellent time keeping and great communication.
Is flexible and can turn their hand to different tasks and adapt to the season’s needs
Works well as part of a small team but can also work independently
Has a positive, can‑do attitude and takes pride in their work
Gardening and horticulture experience is an advantage (but not essential if you are willing to learn)
Applicants should have a good eye for detail and good plant identification skills. Spraying certificates (PA1/PA6) are desirable but not essential
It is also important that you know how you use and maintain garden machinery

All uniform and required PPE will be provided, and 28 days paid holiday (including Bank Holidays)
All applicants must hold a full UK driving licence and have your own transport as Dowdeswell is not served by any public transport
Competitive hourly pay dependant on experience £26,000 - £29,000 per year

We’re looking for a hands‑on, practical person who loves working outdoors in all seasons.
From summer gardening 🌱 to selling Christmas trees in winter 🎄 — no two days are the same!

To apply for this position or if you have any questions please send your cv to [email protected]

An opportunity has arisen to join the team at Dowdeswell Forestry Services. We are a small family run firm based just outside Cheltenham in Gloucestershire. The business encompasses Tree Surgery, Forestry and Firewood Deliveries etc. in some of the most beautiful parts of the Cotswolds.
Following continued growth of our business, an exciting opportunity for a skilled Climber has arisen to join our professional, friendly and busy team. We envisage that the ideal applicant will have a passion for tree surgery, enjoy working outside, be a team player and take pride in their work.
You must have a strong background working previously as a Climber. Have a good knowledge of common native trees and shrubs also also understand and be able to carry out different tree surgery techniques and services. It is essential that applicants hold a minimum of NPTC CS30/31 NPTC CS38 or 39 (308) and have 2-3 years experience within the field. All candidates must have plenty of experience using chainsaws and chippers and good understanding of rigging operations at ground level. An appreciation for mechanical maintenance to assist in basic repairs and up keep of equipment is also useful.
You must possess a full UK drivers licence and have your own transport as Dowdeswell is not served by any public transport.
You will need to have a true ‘team work’ approach. Knowledge of the local area is desirable but not essential. However, you must be flexible, professional and have excellent time keeping.
You will also be working with a highly skilled team colleagues. Competitive hourly pay dependant on experience and 28 days paid holiday. Overtime and weekend work available.
To apply for this position or if you have any questions please send your cv to [email protected]

Feel free to send your CV over and any suitable opportunities that may arise, you will be contacted.

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