Coppice Crafts opportunities
We are delighted to be able to offer two new roles, both offered as 0.6FTE and on a self-employed basis, thanks to funding from Forth Valley and Lomond Community Led Local Development. The roles have been designed to help us build our capacity in coppicing and coppice crafts. We currently manage 2 hazel coppice sites, and work would take place across these two sites and on our main site nr Port of Menteith, Stirling. We may also work in other woodlands nearby. The project will focus on coppice cutting, extracting materials, making products from the coppiced hazel, charcoal making, and community/ volunteer engagement. It forms part of our larger focus on restoring coppicing in Scotland.
Coppice Craft Supervisor, 0.6FTE (5 month position offered on a self-employed basis)
This is a rare opportunity in Scotland for an experienced coppicer to join our team and oversee a coppice crafts trainee as we build knowledge and understanding about the value of coppicing in Scotland and how it can contribute to mitigating the climate disaster.
Key responsibilities & accountabilities include:
Leading the coppice activity for Green Aspirations Scotland CIC, across established coppice sites: cutting, processing, extraction, and restocking
Working with the Directors of Green Aspirations to identify potential new restoration sites
Leading volunteer coppicing sessions
Contributing to the coppice products made by Green Aspirations, including charcoal, games and household items
Overseeing the work of the Coppice Crafts Trainee
Using tools, equipment and PPE effectively, and showing others how to do so
Looking after tools, equipment and PPE to ensure they remain fit for purpose
Being responsible for health and safety in the coppice sites
Skills, knowledge and experience
Essential:
Strong knowledge and experience of coppicing practices Organisational, communication and independent working skills
Ability to manage own time and workload efficiently, prioritise and meet tight deadlines
Ability to work with volunteers and members of the public
Ability to work outdoors in all seasons
Ability to do physically demanding work
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable:
Supervisory experience
Green woodworking skills for product line
Chainsaw training (will be provided if you do not have this)
Outdoor first aid certificate (will be provided if you do not have this)
Contract value
This role will be offered on a self-employed basis, at 0.6FTE (3 days per week). Full contract value is £8000, paid in equal monthly instalments over the course of the contract (5 months).
To apply
Please send us a short statement (no more than 500 words) or video (2-3 minutes) outlining your relevant experience and what you can bring the role. We will then invite shortlisted candidates to meet, either at one of the coppice sites or on our main site, to chat in more detail and do a practical task.
Please send you statement or a link to your video to hello@greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk by Friday 31 July. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet on Thursday 6th August or Tuesday 11th August. We expect the successful appointee to start work by the end August (where possible).
Coppice Craft Trainee, 0.6FTE (5 month traineeship offered on a self-employed basis)
We are seeking a new Coppice Crafts Trainee to join a growing team as we try to raise the profile of coppicing in Scotland. This traineeship will offer a grounding in practical coppice management, including chainsaw operation, product processing and community engagement. We particularly encourage applications from women.
What you’ll learn:
Coppicing Trainees will gain a grounding in coppicing and coppice restoration. They will experience working in different coppice sites, learn safe use of tools, and build an understanding of restoring and managing coppice sites in Scotland. Tasks will chiefly involve felling and processing of hazel sticks, extracting materials, and installing deer fencing.
Chainsaw use Successful candidates will be enrolled on appropriate chainsaw training in cross-cutting, maintenance and small tree felling. On successful completion of this qualification, they will go on to gain practical felling experience in the coppice.
Products As well as working in the coppice, trainees will learn also how to identify and select wood for different products, ranging from bean poles and hurdles to traditional games pieces and jewellery. Charcoal is a big part of our product line, and trainees will be involved in all aspects of charcoal production, from wood processing to bagging the finished product.
First Aid Trainees will undertake an Outdoor First Aid course and learn safe working practices.
Volunteer and public engagement A large part of this project is to increase understanding and knowledge of coppicing and other sustainable woodland management techniques across Scotland, so the trainee will work with volunteers, community groups and members of the public to communicate coppicing to non-specialists.
Equipment provided: Chainsaws, PPE (chainsaw trousers, helmet, boots) and other tools (e.g. forestry saws, billhooks).
Skills, knowledge and experience
Essential:
Interest in coppicing/ small scale sustainable woodland management
Communication and independent working skills
Team working skills
Ability to manage own time and workload efficiently
Ability to work outdoors in all seasons
Ability to do physically demanding work
Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
Desirable :
Experience of coppicing
Ability to work with volunteers and members of the public
Green woodworking skills for product line
Contract value
This traineeship will be offered on a self-employed basis, at 0.6FTE over a 5-month period. The traineeship is offered at the Real Living Wage hourly rate of £13.45ph, paid monthly.
To apply Please send us a short statement (no more than 500 words) or video (2-3 minutes) outlining your relevant experience and what you can bring the role. We will then invite shortlisted candidates to meet, either at one of the coppice sites or on our main site, to chat in more detail and do a practical task.
Please send you statement or a link to your video to hello@greenaspirationsscotland.co.uk by Friday 31 July. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet on Thursday 6th August or Tuesday 11th August. We expect the successful appointee to start work by the end August (where possible).
