Forestry Machine Operator (FLS) - REQ1114_1766155896

Forestry and Land Scotland; Dalbeattie; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A forest management organization in Scotland seeks Forestry Machine Operators for permanent, full-time positions. Responsibilities include operating harvesters and forwarders, felling timber, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Candidates should have experience in forestry or agriculture and possess a Forestry Machine Operator qualification. Enjoy working in various forest locations, with occasional overnight stays for training. Competitive benefits provided.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial forestry or agricultural environment is essential.
• Forestry Machine Operator (FMO) qualification for harvester and forwarder operation is necessary.
• Candidates may be considered without the qualification, with training provided.

Responsibilities

• Operate harvesters and forwarders in predominantly clearfell crops.
• Fell and extract timber to roadside, conduct routine machine maintenance.
• Ensure work is delivered safely and efficiently.

Skills

Operating forestry machinery

Chainsaw felling experience

Mechanical knowledge

Emergency first aid qualifications

Education

Forestry Machine Operator qualification

Job description

We're looking for Forestry Machine Operators to join our Harvesting and Marketing teams, with posts based in Aberfoyle (Central Region) and Dalbeattie / South Region. These are full-time, permanent roles, with two positions available.

Our Harvesting and Marketing teams play a critical role in delivering Forestry and Land Scotland's timber production programme, supplying customers across Scotland while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and environmental stewardship.

As a Forestry Machine Operator, you'll be responsible for operating harvesters and forwarders in mainly productive clearfell crops, with some thinning work. Day-to-day duties include felling and extracting timber to roadside, carrying out routine machine maintenance, identifying and reporting faults, and ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard. Work is site-based and locations may vary across the region depending on programmes.

To be successful, you'll need experience working in a commercial forestry or agricultural environment and experience operating forestry machinery. A Forestry Machine Operator (FMO) qualification for harvester and forwarder operation is essential, although candidates without this qualification may still be considered, with training provided for the right individuals. Chainsaw felling experience, mechanical knowledge, and emergency first aid qualifications are desirable.

You'll need a full UK driving licence (or suitable alternative) and be comfortable working in remote forest locations. There may be occasional requirements for overnight stays for training or operational cover.

Please click here to view the full list of benefits of working for us.

If this sounds like a role you're interested in, we'd encourage you to apply with your CV - please ensure you provide evidence of the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description and success profile.