STUDENT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITIES 2024-25

Are you looking for a placement next year that will reward you with a wide range of experience in many aspects of forest management? A placement that gets you out into the woods overseeing a range of forest operations and carrying out a variety of surveys? Do you want to spend your year with a forest management company that can offer you a rewarding year that will set you up for your return to studying and for your future career in forestry? If so, RTS Forestry could be company you are looking for.

We are looking to recruit enthusiastic students for 2024-25 and are offering placements commencing from June 2024 through to your return to university in 2025. RTS recognises that each student has a different level of forestry experience and knowledge, and as such, a training and work programme will be tailored to the successful applicants’ requirements.  You will have a forest manager as mentor who will coordinate your programme of work to give you a balanced and rewarding year within the team at RTS.

The placements will be based in one of our offices in Crieff, Hexham, Inverurie or Inverness. We would expect that the majority of your time will be spent out in the forest gaining great experience in all aspects of forestry management/harvesting.

As part of the package offered, you will be provided with a vehicle and receive a competitive salary with holiday and pension entitlement.

Please send your application for this position, or any questions you may have, to:

mike.thomson@rtsforestry.co.uk

Applications should arrive by 22^nd December 2023 & should consist of a short CV and covering letter detailing your interests in forestry and in the placement with RTS.

We will then be in touch via email by the 12th January 2024 to let you know if you will be offered an interview. We would intend that interviews are held by the end January (date to be confirmed).

This is what our current placement students have to say about their time with RTS so far…..

Ewan Rae, University of the Highlands & Islands, Inverness – RTS Crieff office

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement with RTS to date. The variety of tasks has given me a really good insight into and understanding of the role of a forest manager. I have particularly enjoyed being part of an operation from start to finish – supervising fencing, then the ground preparation and finally the planting”

Noah Morgan, University of the West of England, Bristol - RTS Inverurie office

“My time at RTS has been an excellent experience. While there is plenty of training and support, the placement feels more like a job than an internship. Taking ownership of projects and seeing them through has been satisfying and I have learnt a lot. The job involves a real variety of work, spending time in forests across beautiful Aberdeenshire and some desk-based tasks as well as.”

Ethan Robertson, University of the Highlands & Islands, Inverness – RTS Hexham office

“My placement at RTS so far has given me the opportunity to be involved in projects of all different sizes and aspects. From windfarm operations to establishment to clipping Sitka regen on paths, each day has been different. All the while the job gives me a comfortable mix of site days and office time. The guidance from current woodland managers at all levels has really helped fill in the gaps from what you don’t learn from university.”

Jack Green, University of Cumbria, Ambleside – RTS Inverurie office

“The RTS placement has been flexible, allowing me to learn about different areas of the industry. As much as you are given responsibility you are still within the safety net of experienced managers guiding and helping you when needed. I feel I have developed greatly and the knowledge and skills I have gained will help me in my final year at university.”