Build a career in commercial forestry.
Buka Forestry recruits for commercial forestry and tree planting work across the Highlands and north of Scotland. Previous forestry experience is not essential; reliability, willingness to learn and a good attitude to work matter more.
Accredited Living Wage Employer.
Buka Forestry Ltd is an accredited Living Wage Employer.
What the work is like
Commercial forestry is physical outdoor work in a changing environment. The sites, operations and conditions vary throughout the year — and the Highland weather is part of the job.
The normal working week is Monday to Friday, with Saturday work sometimes available by employee choice.
A typical paid day is around 9–11 hours portal to portal, depending mainly on travel time to the site. This includes travel in company transport to and from the work site, with a 30-minute unpaid break.
The work includes planting, beat-up, tree protection, vegetation management, pesticide and repellent application, fertilising and other forest establishment and maintenance operations.
What we offer
Guaranteed base pay
Productivity-related earnings
Portal-to-portal paid time
Fortnightly pay
Workplace pension
Paid annual leave
Company transport
PPE, tools and equipment
Relevant training and qualifications
Ongoing support
Employees who demonstrate independence, competence and leadership may have the opportunity to progress into supervisory roles as positions become available.
What we expect
Attendance. Turn up when expected and be ready for work.
Politeness. Treat colleagues, clients, members of the public and other people properly.
Effort. Work towards and meet the targets set for the operation as experience develops.
Safe and responsible working. Follow site briefings, training, the Buka Forestry Employee Handbook and relevant company procedures.
Fit for work. Employees must arrive fit to work safely. Intoxication at work is not accepted.
Starting without forestry experience
New employees work alongside experienced members of the team while learning the job.
During the first week, this normally means working side-by-side with an experienced operative. Independence is introduced gradually while experienced staff remain close enough for guidance and communication.
First Aid + Forestry training is arranged early, with further qualifications provided according to the employee's work, development and involvement within the business.
Who can apply?
There is no particular age or gender profile we are looking for. A driving licence is useful but is not essential for every applicant, particularly for people living in or close to Dingwall or Inverness where transport arrangements are practical.
Applicants need sufficient spoken English to understand instructions, site briefings and safety information and to communicate with the team.