Forestry Operative

Service Care Solutions; Croft; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Care are recruiting a Forestry Operative for Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. This hands-on outdoor role covers forestry, grounds maintenance and arboricultural duties across the region.

You will work within a small team, operate machinery to maintain rights of way, verges and planting schemes, and may lead on site as needed. Applicants should have forestry/arboriculture or grounds experience, and a valid UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• Experience in forestry or arboriculture or grounds maintenance.
• Experience using chainsaws, wood chippers, hedge cutters and strimmers.
• Knowledge of tree/shrub maintenance and planting schemes.
• Good health and safety awareness when using outdoor machinery.
• Ability to work as part of a team and show initiative.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Carry out ground-based forestry and arboricultural work and site maintenance.
• Undertake tree and shrub planting and related landscaping duties.
• Carry out hedge trimming, hedge laying and verge maintenance.
• Maintain public rights of way and nearby green spaces.
• Operate equipment such as chainsaws, wood chippers and hedge cutters.
• Assist with tree felling and tree surgery from ground level.
• Perform routine vehicle and equipment safety checks.
• Support site supervision and lead on site when required.
• Follow risk assessments, method statements and traffic management rules.
• Engage professionally with the public and report issues to supervision.

Skills

Forestry

Arboriculture

Grounds maintenance

Teamwork

Safety

Driving licence

Education

NPTC / CS chainsaw

NRSWA / Chapter 8 Traffic Management

PA1 / PA6 Pesticides

First Aid certificate

LGV licence and Driver CPC

Tools

Chainsaws

Wood chippers

Hedge cutters

Strimmers

Job description

Forestry Operative

Location: Mountsorrel, Leicestershire

Pay Rate: £14.37 per hour PAYE | £18.35 per hour Umbrella (estimated)

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Temporary

The Opportunity We are currently recruiting a reliable and experienced Forestry Operative to join a busy Highways and Forestry team based in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. This is a hands-on outdoor role involving a variety of forestry, grounds maintenance and arboricultural duties across Leicestershire and occasionally surrounding counties. Working as part of a small operational team, you will help maintain public footpaths, hedgerows, highway verges and planting schemes, using specialist machinery and equipment to ensure work is completed safely and to a high standard. You will also be expected to take the lead on site when required, supporting other operatives and helping ensure daily work is completed efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out ground-based forestry and arboricultural work, including processing felled trees, clearing foliage and general site maintenance.
• Undertake tree and shrub planting, maintenance and associated landscaping duties.
• Carry out hedge trimming, hedge laying, strimming and highway verge maintenance.
• Maintain public rights of way, footpaths and surrounding green spaces.
• Operate specialist equipment and machinery, including chainsaws, wood chippers, hedge cutters and other forestry tools.
• Assist with tree felling and tree surgery operations from ground level.
• Carry out routine maintenance and safety checks on vehicles, machinery and equipment.
• Support the Supervisor or Site Team Leader with the day-to-day organisation of work.
• Take the lead as a senior operative when required, ensuring colleagues follow health and safety procedures.
• Follow risk assessments, method statements and traffic management requirements.
• Deal professionally with enquiries from members of the public and report any issues to the Supervisor.

Requirements

• Previous experience in forestry, arboriculture, grounds maintenance or a similar outdoor operational role.
• Experience using machinery and equipment such as chainsaws, hedge cutters, strimmers and wood chippers.
• Knowledge of tree and shrub maintenance, planting schemes and general forestry practices.
• Good understanding of health and safety when working with machinery and outdoor equipment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and use your own initiative.
• Full, valid UK driving licence.
• Good communication skills and a reliable, hardworking approach.

Desirable Qualifications

• NPTC / CS chainsaw and tree felling qualifications.
• NRSWA or Chapter 8 Traffic Management qualifications.
• National Highways Sector Scheme 12D (T1/T2).
• PA1 / PA6 Pesticides qualifications.
• First Aid certificate.
• LGV licence and current Driver CPC.
• Candidates with demonstrable relevant experience may also be considered, with a willingness to work towards the relevant qualifications.