Forwarder Operator

COOMBES; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Forwarder Operator to support mechanised tree felling and harvesting operations. This role involves ensuring safety and efficiency on site, operating harvesting machinery, and maintaining equipment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in mechanised harvesting, a strong understanding of health and safety practices, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. Join a family-run company that values collaboration and integrity, and contribute to exciting projects in woodland management and timber harvesting across the UK.

Benefits

Company vehicle & fuel card

Annual bonus based on company performance

Company pension scheme

Training opportunities

Employee Assistance Programme

Access to online GP service

Rewards & discounts for retail/leisure

Regular social events

Length of service awards

Opportunities for community volunteering

Qualifications

• Experience in large-scale mechanised harvesting operations.
• Strong understanding of health, safety, and environmental practices.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate records for site operations and ensure safety standards.
• Operate harvesting machines efficiently, minimizing downtime.

Skills

Mechanised harvesting operations

Health, safety & environment practices

Map reading and GPS/GIS interpretation

Tools

Grapple saw

Job description

Petersfield, Hampshire (and surrounding areas)

Competitive

Hours:

Monday to Friday (50 hours per week)

About the vacancy

As our Forwarder Operator, you will support colleagues with mechanised tree felling/harvesting works, including clear fell, thinnings and Duty of Care (DOC) works.

Responsibilities:

1. Walking sites ahead of works, producing accurate written records for submission
2. Conducting all tasks to the highest standard, ensuring that sites are left tidy and safe
3. Working harvesting machines at a good level of output without unnecessary idling or stoppage time
4. Completing all forest operations in line with health, safety and environmental standards (including site management plans and risk assessments)
5. Ensuring machinery and tools are always used for their intended purpose and operated in line with safe operating procedures
6. Carrying out routine maintenance on machinery being operated and completing associated paperwork in a timely manner

To be successful as our Forwarder Operator, we would ideally like you to have the following skills/experience:

1. Significant experience of large-scale mechanised harvesting operations, including operating a grapple saw, or similar
2. Excellent understanding application of health, safety & environment practices
3. Ability to read and interpret maps, including GPS/GIS

Additional Requirements:

As this is a multi-site role, a full, UK driving license is essential. The role can be physically demanding and involve working at height. As you will be working outdoors, you must be happy working in all the British weather has to offer.

What can you expect from us?

1. Competitive basic salary (reviewed annually)
2. Company vehicle & fuel card
3. Annual bonus (based on company performance)
4. Company pension scheme
5. Training opportunities and support with personal/professional development
6. Employee Assistance Programme – to support mental/physical health and provide legal/financial advice if required
7. Access to online GP service for you/your family 24/7
8. Rewards & discounts for retail/leisure & more
9. Regular social events like our Summer Family Day & The COOMBESmas (Christmas) party
10. Length of service awards to celebrate significant milestones
11. Opportunities to support COOMBES Social Value objectives (community volunteering/fundraising, etc.)

About COOMBES UK:

COOMBES UK are a leading Arboricultural and Forestry Contractor, with over 20 years’ experience and expertise in the Forestry sector. We have forged a strong industry reputation, and we believe we have an unrivalled skill set and peerless knowledge of Forestry work at all levels.

COOMBES play a key role within the Rail industry, providing a whole manner of off-track solutions, and minor civils works, in partnership with Network Rail and other major contractors.

Following recent, significant growth, we currently have some exciting projects underway in woodland management, timber harvesting, rail and civils works across the UK. We have a strong record of achievement and are committed to meeting the growing demands for safe and efficient delivery.

A family-run SME, we believe in working collaboratively and operating as one team. Our success is only achieved through the hard work, dedication and skill of our people. Operating with transparency and integrity in all that we do, we take responsibility for our actions, empowering and supporting each other to be the best, most authentic version of ourselves consistently.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion:

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities, whilst ensuring that all employees and applicants are treated fairly and with respect.

Even if you don't meet all the qualifications or have all the experience listed, we still encourage you to apply. You may just be the ideal candidate for this role, or suitable for future vacancies. We are always keen to speak with talented individuals with an interest in joining us here at COOMBES and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Agency Notice:

We do not accept unsolicited CVs and will not be responsible for any fees relating to this. Please contact the Recruitment Team for further information.

General Data Protection Regulations:
As part of our recruitment processes, COOMBES collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. Sending us your CV for a vacancy is your consent for us to process your data for the purpose of recruitment. Your data is not used in any other way and you can withdraw your consent at any point in the recruitment process. We will keep your CV on our records for 6 months after the closing date, at which point it will be destroyed.