Machine Plant Operator; Arboriculture

Machine Plant Operator (Arboriculture) Ground Control
• Newark, England, United Kingdom

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 Banksman
• 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

This advert would perform particularly well with the title "Plant Operator (Arboriculture & Infrastructure)" or "Arboricultural Plant Operator", as candidates typically search by both the machinery and arboriculture elements of the role.

We aim to make our process clear, supportive, and straightforward - so you always know what’s coming next.

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…