Machine Operator

Forestry and Land Scotland; Aberfoyle; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A government forestry organization in Aberfoyle is looking for skilled Forestry Machine Operators to join their teams. Applicants will operate harvesters and forwarders, ensuring timber is extracted safely and efficiently. Candidates must have experience in forestry machinery operation and possess a relevant qualification. A full UK driving licence is essential. The role is full-time, permanent, and may require working in remote locations. Competitors will benefit from comprehensive training and a substantial pension contribution.

Benefits

28.97% pension contribution (defined)

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial forestry or agricultural environment required.
• FMO qualification for harvester and forwarder operation is essential.
• Comfortable working in remote locations and full UK driving licence needed.

Responsibilities

• Operates harvesters and forwarders for timber extraction.
• Carries out routine machine maintenance.
• Identifies and reports faults on machinery.

Skills

Experience operating forestry machinery

Chainsaw felling experience

Mechanical knowledge

Emergency first aid qualifications

Education

Forestry Machine Operator qualification

Tools

Harvesters

Forwarders

Job description

Reference: REQ1114
Type: Permanent
Location: Aberfoyle, Scotland
Industry: Agriculture Fishing and Forestry
Salary: £32875 - £34450 per annum + 28.97% pension contribution (defined)

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 clear‑fell 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.

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