Plant Operator - Arboriculture Mechanised Arboriculture · Newark

Arboriculture Plant Operator

Location: East Midlands & National

Salary: Competitive base + overtime opportunities + vehicle

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 40 per week, Monday–Friday

We’re looking for an experienced Arboricultural Operative to join our Rail & Infrastructure team at Ground Control. You’ll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality tree works across a range of environments including highways, railways, utilities, and construction projects.

• Carry out safe and efficient tree works in line with industry and project standards
• Operate and maintain Arboricultural and plant machinery (training provided where required).
• Support your team to complete projects safely, on time, and to a high standard.
• Maintain clean, professional, and compliant worksites, vehicles, and tools.
• Follow all health, safety, and environmental regulations (LOLER, COSHH, RAMS, etc.).
• Report hazards or near misses promptly and promote a positive safety culture.
• Communicate clearly with your team and managers to keep work flowing smoothly.

• NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2) – Chainsaw maintenance and cross-cutting.
• NPTC Unit 203 (CS31) – Felling and processing trees up to 380mm.
• NPTC FMO – Crane-fed chipper and base unit.
• First Aid + Forestry qualification.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to work away from home when required.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving skills.

• CPCS Red Card – Excavator (tracked/wheeled, lifting ops).
• NPORS/CPCS Slinger Signaller or Banksman.
• PTS (Personal Track Safety) and Highways Passport.
• NPTC Units 206 & 306 (CS38) – Rope & harness and aerial tree rescue.
• NPTC Units 308 & 307 (CS39/CS40) – Aerial cutting and pruning.
• Experience using excavators in arboriculture.

If you take pride in your work, value safety, and want to be part of a skilled team delivering essential infrastructure projects across the UK - we’d love to hear from you.

Join Ground Control and grow your career in a business that values people, safety, and the environment.

Apply today.

We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:

23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays

Robust pension scheme

Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service

Free or subsidised national gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.