Machine Operative - Highways

eRecruitSmart; Bradley; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full PPE and equipment provided

Ongoing training and industry certs

Christmas time off

Job summary

eRecruitSmart is assisting a client in recruiting skilled Machine Operatives to support highways vegetation management, tree work, and machinery maintenance across the UK. The role involves night shifts, outdoor work, and safety-focused operations in various regions.

The ideal candidate will have excavator experience (up to 10t), tree work background, and relevant certifications. A competitive salary, full PPE, and ongoing training are provided.

Qualifications

• Highways maintenance experience desirable
• Excavator operation (360 up to 10t) essential
• Tree work experience desirable (Arborist or Groundsman)
• Experience with excavators fitted with tree shears & mulchers desirable
• Fastrac with sidearm & front deck desirable
• HGV Class 1 desirable

Responsibilities

• Operate excavators, tractors and machinery for vegetation clearance and maintenance
• Perform ditch works and trial hole excavations to support highways infrastructure
• Grass cutting using various mower machinery
• Tree and hedge maintenance including hazardous removals and sign visibility
• Support Arborist Climbers and Grounds Teams as needed
• Deliver ad-hoc planting schemes and bespoke landscaping projects

Skills

Highways maintenance background

Excavator operation

Tree work experience

Excavators with tree shears & mulchers

Fastrac with sidearm & front deck

HGV Class 1

Education

CSCS / CPCS / NPORS

Highways Passport / ROLO

Lantra Brush Cutter / Strimmer

NPTC Chainsaw: CS30, CS31a, CS31b, CS38, CS39

MEWP Chainsaw: CS47

NPTC Woodchipper

IPAF - MEWPs

Operator 360 (up to 10t)

Job description

Our client is expanding! They're looking for skilled Machine Operatives with highways experience, excavator operation expertise, and tree work knowledge to join their growing team. If you take pride in working outdoors, maintaining green spaces, and supporting the UK's infrastructure, this is the role for you.

Location: Staffordshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire & Surrounding Areas

Salary: £30,000 - £50,000 per annum (DOE)

Hours: Minimum 40 hours/week | Night shifts with bonus

About the role

As a Machine Operative, you'll play a key role in maintaining highways and supporting arboricultural works. Your responsibilities will include:

• Operating excavators, tractors, and other machinery for vegetation clearance and maintenance.
• Performing ditch works and trial hole excavations to support highways infrastructure.
• Grass cutting using tractors, flails, bank mowers, ride-on mowers, and handheld equipment.
• Tree and hedge maintenance, including hazardous tree removals and ensuring sign visibility.
• Supporting Arborist Climbers and Grounds Teams where necessary.
• Delivering ad-hoc planting schemes and bespoke landscaping projects.

Preferred experience

• Highways maintenance background (Desirable)
• Excavator operation (360 up to 10t)
• Tree work experience (Arborist or Groundsman) (Desirable)
• Excavators with tree shears & mulchers (Desirable)
• Fastrac with sidearm & front deck (Desirable)
• HGV Class 1 (Desirable)

Useful qualifications

• CSCS / CPCS / NPORS
• Highways Passport / ROLO
• Lantra Brush Cutter / Strimmer
• NPTC Chainsaw: CS30, CS31a, CS31b, CS38, CS39
• MEWP Chainsaw: CS47
• NPTC Woodchipper
• IPAF - MEWPs
• Operator 360 (up to 10t)

What they offer

• Competitive hourly rate + night shift bonus.
• Salary £30,000 - £50,000 per annum (DOE).
• Full PPE and equipment provided.
• Ongoing training and industry certifications.
• Supportive team culture focused on safety and sustainability.
• Guaranteed time off over Christmas.

About the company

Our client specialises in highways vegetation management, delivering services nationwide. From precision tree work and large-scale grass cutting to seasonal maintenance and full vegetation clearance, they ensure safety and sustainability across every project. 90% of their operations take place at night, with occasional daytime work.