The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required have also been included. Workplace role categories describe our approach to workplace attendance
Salary: £28,430 - £31,490 (Full time equivalent)
Contractual Hours: 21 hours (average) and 35 hours per week (Please note 1 position available at 35 hours per week, 2 positions available at average of 21 hours per week)
Basis: Permanent
Workplace category: Workplace Based
Attachments: Job Information Pack
Join Our Team – Protect, Engage & Preserve
Are you passionate about nature, conservation, and public engagement? We are seeking a dedicated Assistant Forest Keeper to be the welcoming face of Epping Forest. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the preservation of nature, heritage, and cultural assets while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
Key Responsibilities:
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Provide a warm and friendly welcome to visitors and stakeholders, encouraging responsible exploration of the Forest and Bufferlands.
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Conduct regular patrols on foot or via sustainable transport to ensure a high-visibility presence.
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Assist in litter management and recycling efforts, working with the Recycling and Waste team and local authorities.
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Conduct visual site checks and report defects to maintain infrastructure and visitor safety.
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Open and close car parks as per shift schedules, reporting any concerns promptly.
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Maintain and update promotional materials, ensuring clear and accessible information for visitors.
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Operate and maintain tools, machinery, and specialist vehicles as required (training provided).
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Support Forest Keepers (Constables) with conservation tasks, land management, and byelaw enforcement.
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Assist in gathering data for land, asset, and conservation monitoring.
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Engage with local stakeholders and community groups to foster positive relationships.
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Provide support during incidents and emergencies alongside relevant authorities.
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Adhere to health and safety protocols, risk assessments, and best practices.
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Work flexibly, including weekends, early mornings, and late shifts.
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
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GCSEs (Grade 4 or above) in English and Maths or equivalent.
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Full, clean driving licence.
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Experience working in a countryside or park environment.
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Proven track record of excellent customer service.
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Ability to work effectively as part of a high-performing team.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience:
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NVQ Level 2 in Countryside, Conservation, Ecology, or a related subject.
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First Aid certification.
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Experience in routine maintenance and minor repairs in an open space setting.
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Knowledge of litter and waste management in line with sustainability targets.
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Experience using and maintaining hand and power tools.
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Understanding of open space estate and nature conservation work.
Working Conditions:
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Outdoor work in all weather conditions.
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Shift-based work, including weekends and bank holidays.
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Seasonal work schedule (e.g., 30 hours/week in winter, 40 hours/week in summer).
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Hours between 07:00 – 22:30 as per roster.
Why Join Us?
This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in one of the UK's most treasured natural landscapes. If you are passionate about conservation, public engagement, and outdoor work, we want to hear from you!
Join us in protecting and enhancing Epping Forest for generations to come!
Closing date: 12 noon on 22 August 2025
To apply online please click the Apply online button below.
Alternatively, please contact 020 7332 3978 (24 hr answerphone) quoting reference number OENV762 if you experience any difficulties. A minicom service for the hearing impaired is available on 020 7332 3732.
The City of London Corporation is committed to Equal Opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.
Because our roles are so varied, we don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ policy for workplace attendance. How many days a week you’ll be required to attend your workplace will depend on the requirements of your role. It’s important that you understand the requirements before applying to ensure you are able to meet them. We are committed to considering requests to work flexibly and job share. Requests will be considered by the recruiting manager in line with our policies and business needs.
For more information on our categories for workplace attendance, please view our guide here.
We will be reviewing this policy and approach at regular intervals to ensure we’re meeting our attendance needs.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as part of the selection process the successful applicant will be required to obtain a standard Disclosure & Barring Service check.
The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.