Salary: Up to £29,762 per annum (pro rata)

Plumpton College is a leading provider of land and environmental education in the UK, situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses for students of all ages studying from Level 1 to Masters degree and across nineteen subject areas including agriculture, animal management, veterinary sciences, horticulture, equine studies, wine, and environmental studies.

Our approach is underpinned by our core values — Professional, Ambitious, Passionate, Supportive, Progressive, and Enterprising — which guide everything we do. We are proud to foster a culture that expects high standards, encourages innovation, and prioritises the learner experience.

About the role

We are seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Forestry Trainer/Technician to support the delivery of high-quality teaching and practical learning within our Forestry & Arboriculture department. This is a varied, hands-on role that combines technical support, resource management, machinery upkeep, and practical teaching support to help deliver an excellent student experience.

You will:

support the day-to-day running of the Forestry & Arboriculture department, ensuring resources, facilities and equipment are ready for teaching and learning
oversee departmental purchasing, ordering, deliveries and supplier liaison in line with College finance procedures
maintain practical teaching areas, machinery, plant and equipment to a high standard, keeping accurate maintenance and health and safety records
support practical teaching sessions and provide subject specialist input that enhances the curriculum and student experience
contribute to departmental quality improvement, housekeeping, compliance, open events and wider College activities

About you

You will bring:

a Level 3 qualification in Forestry & Arboriculture, or equivalent industry experience
Strong practical knowledge of forestry and arboriculture machinery, plant, equipment maintenance and associated health and safety requirements
NPTC or Lantra competency tickets in Chainsaw Maintenance & Cross Cutting and Manually Fed Woodchipper
Excellent communication, organisation and digital skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, students, suppliers and other departments
a professional, collaborative and self-motivated approach, with a full UK driving licence.

You’ll benefit from:

We offer a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and efficiency days, pro rata. The role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme, including employer contributions and life assurance. Staff also benefit from high-quality CPD and professional development opportunities. As a Disability Confident Committed employer and signatory of the Menopause Pledge, we are proud to support an inclusive working environment.

New colleagues benefit from a structured induction, a supported four-month probationary period, and a strong coaching culture led by in-house Level 5 trained coaches.

Employees also enjoy lifestyle and wellbeing benefits, including eligibility for a TOTUM and Blue Light Card, free eye tests, free use of our onsite gym, cycle-to-work scheme, electric vehicle salary sacrifice, discounted Plumpton produce and courses, free onsite parking, and access to our Employee Assistance Programme.

Our commitment to wellbeing and community is further demonstrated through active EDI and Sustainability committees, regular staff events and social activities throughout the year.

We reserve the right to interview or close the vacancy early should we receive a high volume of applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Plumpton College is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities and is dedicated to pursuing non-discriminatory policies and practices and eliminating unfair discrimination on any basis.

Plumpton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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