Machine Operator

Reed; Thame; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural services provider is seeking a skilled Machine Operator located just outside Thame, Oxfordshire. This hands-on role requires experience in operating heavy machinery like arb diggers and HGV vehicles, along with teamwork skills for outdoor tasks. The position offers a competitive salary starting from £35,000 and supports various arboriculture operations, ensuring efficiency and safety while maintaining equipment standards.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

Varied, engaging work

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Full, clean UK driving licence.
• Experience operating tractors and HGV vehicles.
• Proven experience using an arb digger or similar equipment.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery such as arb diggers and loaders.
• Transport machinery and conduct equipment checks.
• Assist the arboriculture team with daily tasks.

Skills

Operating tractors

Heavy machinery operation

Teamwork

Proactive work ethic

Job description

Salary: From £35,000 (DOE) Hours: Monday–Friday, 07:00–16:30 (occasional weekend work if available) Location: Just outside Thame, Oxfordshire

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and confident Machine Operator to support arboriculture and tree-care operations. This is a hands-on role involving the operation of heavy and specialised equipment—including a Bobcat arb digger, grapple saw, Magni, tractors, loaders, and HGV vehicles—alongside machinery transportation between sites.

When machine work is not scheduled, you will assist the arboriculture team with day-to-day grounds and tree-care tasks. This position suits someone who enjoys working outdoors, thrives in a team environment, and is passionate about operating large machinery safely and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities

Machinery & Transport

• Operate machinery including arb diggers, grapple saws, tractors, loaders, and HGV vehicles.
• Transport machinery and equipment to and from various sites using an HGV and trailer.
• Conduct daily vehicle and plant checks (oil, water, fuel, tyres, brakes, lights, and mechanisms).
• Drive all allocated vehicles safely and in accordance with the Highway Code.

Site & Operational Support

• Assist the arboriculture team on general daily tasks when machine work is not scheduled.
• Manage site preparation, debris handling, biomass loading, and site clean-up.
• Set up machinery and equipment prior to work to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Maintain all tools, vehicles, and machinery to a high standard of cleanliness and safety.

Essential Requirements

• Full, clean UK driving licence
• Experience operating tractors and HGV vehicles
• Proven experience using an arb digger or similar equipment
• Confidence in manoeuvring heavy machinery in varied environments
• Strong teamwork skills and a proactive work ethic

Working Conditions

• Outdoor, practical work in all weather conditions
• Physical, hands-on tasks supporting both machine and arboriculture operations

What We Offer

• Competitive starting salary from £35,000 (dependent on experience)
• Varied, engaging work across different locations
• Opportunity to work with a supportive and highly skilled arboriculture team