Supervisor – Tree Seed Collection and Processing

Supervisor – Tree Seed Collection and Processing

Location

Hadnall, Shrewsbury, Shropshire

 

Job type

Permanent

 

Hours

Full time

 

 

JOB SUMMARY

Forestart is a major supplier of tree seed in the UK; our operations are key to plantings throughout the UK. We provide tree and shrub seed to nurseries for forestry, amenity and conservation purposes. We collect seed throughout the UK then process, treat and store it at our sites near Shrewsbury. Our team works hard to ensure that sufficient good quality seed is available in the marketplace and that customer needs are met in all aspects of supply.

The Supervisor is responsible for leading and overseeing teams who are either collecting seed off-site, processing seed on-site or maintaining our seed orchards. They must ensure that all seed collection and processing work is carried out safely, efficiently, and in accordance with company policies and procedures.

The role requires strong leadership, organisation, and communication skills to manage people, resources, and site operations while maintaining high standards of health and safety, productivity, and compliance. The Supervisor acts as the primary point of contact when working away from the main unit and reports directly to the Line Manager.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Team Management

  • Supervise, support, and motivate varying teams of 1-20 people to ensure seed collection, processing and orchard work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standard.
  • Organise workloads and delegate tasks effectively both in the yard and on site.
  • Ensure all team members have the necessary tools, equipment, PPE, and materials before leaving the main yard and that they leave in a timely manner.
  • Train, mentor, and support employees to maximise productivity while maintaining safe working practices.
  • Monitor staff competency and ensure employees are trained in the proper and safe use of equipment, including ladders and other work equipment/machinery.
  • Enforce company policies and procedures, including the correct use of PPE and adherence to authorised break times.
  • Act as the primary point of contact for the team when working away from the main unit.

Health, Safety & Compliance

  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company policies, health and safety legislation, and safe systems of work.
  • Complete daily dynamic risk assessments, identify potential hazards, and implement appropriate control measures.
  • Ensure all team members have the necessary tools, equipment, PPE.
  • Monitor safe working practices throughout the working day and take corrective action where required.

Operations & Resource Management

  • Oversee the safe loading and unloading of vehicles and ensure company equipment and crops are handled correctly.
  • Ensure seed collections are identified and labelled correctly on site so that every bag can be accurately recorded in terms of species and collection location.
  • Ensure daily collections are accurately recorded on Goods Received Notes.
  • Delegate unloading, housekeeping, and vehicle cleaning duties as required ensuring that company vehicles are maintained in a clean and serviceable condition.
  • Manage team resources efficiently to support effective day-to-day operations.
  • Manage team finances and expenses while working away from the main unit in accordance with company procedures.

Communication & Administration

  • Accurately record and communicate employee working hours and other operational information.
  • Complete required operational documentation accurately and within required timescales.
  • Maintain clear communication with the Line Manager regarding site progress, operational issues, incidents, hazards, or concerns.
  • Report any concerns or issues promptly to the Line Manager.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Strong leadership and team management skills.
  • Strong organisational, administrative and record-keeping skills.
  • Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving abilities.
  • Good knowledge of workplace H&S legislation and safe working practices.
  • Ability to complete risk assessments and implement effective control measures.
  • Ability to work independently, make sound decisions, and take initiative.
  • (Highly desirable) – Hold a full driving licence, competent to drive pickup and flatbed vehicles on short and long journeys with and without passengers. Journeys will be in varying conditions and road types across the UK.

Working Conditions

  • Based at our main yard in Hadnall but working at satellite yards and at collection sites.
  • Often working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
  • Regular travel and periods of working away from the main units may be required.
  • The role is physically demanding and involves lifting, handling equipment, and undertaking manual tasks safely.

 

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

  • Regular hours of work Monday to Friday 8.30am-5.00pm plus overtime during peak periods
  • £16.10 per hour
  • Overtime paid at 1.5 x standard hourly rate
  • Half hour lunch break and two additional paid breaks
  • Weekly pay
  • 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Travel away from site is an integral part of the role. Such travel may involve overnight stays or a length of time away (travel, accommodation and a meal allowance is paid for by the employer, vehicle provided by the company for business travel)
  • On-site parking and employee assistance programme provided
  • Immediate start available for the right candidate

 

HOW TO APPLY

 

Please email your CV and a cover letter to emma@forestart.co.uk .

To ensure your application is processed correctly, use the subject line:

“Application – Supervisor  – Your Full Name”

 

Informal discussions about the role are welcomed. Please contact Sam Firkins on 01939 210638.

 

 

CLOSING DATE

14th August 2026