Machine Operator (Arboriculture

Machine Operator (Arboriculture)

Location:

Midlands, with national travel

Salary:
Base salary + commercial vehicle

Contract Type:
Permanent

Working Hours:

40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Looking for a role where you can combine your plant operating skills with hands‑on arboriculture work? Join Ground Control as a Plant Operator and play a key role in delivering Arboricultural and vegetation management projects across rail, highways, utilities, and infrastructure environments.

This is a varied role where you'll operate specialist machinery, support project delivery, and work alongside experienced teams to complete work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

• Operate a range of plant and machinery safely and efficiently across multiple work environments
• Support the delivery of Arboricultural and vegetation management projects
• Carry out daily plant inspections and report defects or maintenance requirements
• Assist with the scoping of works and provide operational input into work planning
• Work in line with RAMS, risk assessments, and site‑specific instructions
• Support the maintenance, cleanliness, and organisation of machinery, equipment, and yard facilities
• Liaise with colleagues, subcontractors, and haulage providers to ensure smooth project delivery
• Maintain high standards of environmental protection and site housekeeping
• Comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation and company procedures
• Act as a role model for trainee Plant Operators and other team members

• Opportunity to work on a wide variety of Arboricultural and infrastructure projects
• Access to specialist machinery and equipment within a growing operational team
• Ongoing training and development to expand your technical skills and qualifications
• The chance to work alongside experienced operators, arborists, and industry specialists
• A supportive, safety‑first culture where teamwork and professionalism are valued
• Opportunities to develop your career within Ground Control's Rail and Infrastructure division
• Exposure to rail, highways, utilities, and construction environments
• A role where no two days are the same and your contribution has a direct impact on project success

• Experience operating plant machinery within arboriculture, construction, rail, highways, or utilities environments
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Passion for arboriculture and vegetation management
• Full UK Driving Licence
• NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2) – Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting
• NPTC Unit 203 (CS31) – Fell and Process Trees up to 380mm
• NPTC FMO Crane-Fed Chipper and Base Unit
• CPCS Red Card Excavator (Tracked) below and above 10 tonnes
• CPCS Red Card Excavator (Wheeled) below and above 10 tonnes
• CPCS Excavator Lifting Operations
• NPORS/CPCS Slinger Signaller
• NPORS/CPCS Banksman
• First Aid + Forestry
• Willingness to work away from home when required

• PTS
• Highways Passport
• CPCS Tractor Operating
• NPTC CS38 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
• NPTC CS39 – Aerial Tree Cutting
• NPTC CS40 – Aerial Tree Pruning
• Previous experience operating excavators within Arboricultural projects

• Application review:
  Once you apply, our Talent team will carefully review your application against the key skills for the role
• Optional video:
  You’ll have the chance to submit a short video to showcase your skills and personality - this is completely optional
• Intro call:
  If you’re a good match, we’ll invite you to book a short (up to 30 minutes) telephone interview at a time that suits you
• First interview:
  If selected you’ll then take part in an interview, either on Teams or in person, depending on the role
• Next steps:
  For some roles, there may be a technical assessment and a second‑stage interview either on teams or in person.

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
• Holiday buy…