Machine Operator (Arboriculture)

Ground Control; Balderton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control is seeking a Plant Operator (Arboriculture) to join the Midlands-based team with national travel. The role combines plant operation with hands-on arboriculture duties across rail, highways, utilities, and infrastructure projects.

You will operate specialist machinery, support project delivery, and work with experienced teams to complete work safely, efficiently, and to high standards. The position offers a base salary plus a commercial vehicle and opportunities for growth within

Qualifications

• Experience operating plant machinery within arboriculture, construction, rail, highways, or utilities environments.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2) – Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting.
• NPTC Unit 203 (CS31) – Fell and Process Trees up to 380mm.
• CPCS Red Card Excavator (Tracked) below and above 10 tonnes.
• CPCS Red Card Excavator (Wheeled) below and above 10 tonnes.
• CPCS Excavator Lifting Operations.
• NPORS/CPCS Slinger Signaller.
• NPORS/CPCS Banksman.
• First Aid + Forestry.

Responsibilities

• Operate a range of plant and machinery safely and efficiently across multiple work environments.
• Support the delivery of Arboricultural and vegetation management projects.
• Carry out daily plant inspections and report defects or maintenance requirements.
• Assist with the scoping of works and provide operational input into work planning.
• Work in line with RAMS, risk assessments, and site-specific instructions.
• Support the maintenance, cleanliness, and organisation of machinery, equipment, and yard facilities.
• Liaise with colleagues, subcontractors, and haulage providers to ensure smooth project delivery.
• Maintain high standards of environmental protection and site housekeeping.
• Comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation and company procedures.
• Act as a role model for trainee Plant Operators and other team members.

Skills

Plant machinery operation

Job description

Machine Operator (Arboriculture)

Location: Midlands, with national travel

Salary: Base salary + commercial vehicle

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Looking for a role where you can combine your plant operating skills with hands‑on arboriculture work? Join Ground Control as a Plant Operator and play a key role in delivering Arboricultural and vegetation management projects across rail, highways, utilities, and infrastructure environments.

This is a varied role where you'll operate specialist machinery, support project delivery, and work alongside experienced teams to complete work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

What you'll do

• Operate a range of plant and machinery safely and efficiently across multiple work environments
• Support the delivery of Arboricultural and vegetation management projects
• Carry out daily plant inspections and report defects or maintenance requirements
• Assist with the scoping of works and provide operational input into work planning
• Work in line with RAMS, risk assessments, and site‑specific instructions
• Support the maintenance, cleanliness, and organisation of machinery, equipment, and yard facilities
• Liaise with colleagues, subcontractors, and haulage providers to ensure smooth project delivery
• Maintain high standards of environmental protection and site housekeeping
• Comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation and company procedures
• Act as a role model for trainee Plant Operators and other team members

What you'll get

• Opportunity to work on a wide variety of Arboricultural and infrastructure projects
• Access to specialist machinery and equipment within a growing operational team
• Ongoing training and development to expand your technical skills and qualifications
• The chance to work alongside experienced operators, arborists, and industry specialists
• A supportive, safety‑first culture where teamwork and professionalism are valued
• Opportunities to develop your career within Ground Control's Rail and Infrastructure division
• Exposure to rail, highways, utilities, and construction environments
• A role where no two days are the same and your contribution has a direct impact on project success

What we're looking for

• Experience operating plant machinery within arboriculture, construction, rail, highways, or utilities environments
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Passion for arboriculture and vegetation management
• Full UK Driving Licence
• NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2) – Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting
• NPTC Unit 203 (CS31) – Fell and Process Trees up to 380mm
• NPTC FMO Crane-Fed Chipper and Base Unit
• CPCS Red Card Excavator (Tracked) below and above 10 tonnes
• CPCS Red Card Excavator (Wheeled) below and above 10 tonnes
• CPCS Excavator Lifting Operations
• NPORS/CPCS Slinger Signaller
• NPORS/CPCS Banksman
• First Aid + Forestry
• Willingness to work away from home when required

Desirable

• PTS
• Highways Passport
• CPCS Tractor Operating
• NPTC CS38 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
• NPTC CS39 – Aerial Tree Cutting
• NPTC CS40 – Aerial Tree Pruning
• Previous experience operating excavators within Arboricultural projects

Recruitment Process at Ground Control

• Application review: Once you apply, our Talent team will carefully review your application against the key skills for the role
• Optional video: You’ll have the chance to submit a short video to showcase your skills and personality - this is completely optional
• Intro call: If you’re a good match, we’ll invite you to book a short (up to 30 minutes) telephone interview at a time that suits you
• First interview: If selected you’ll then take part in an interview, either on Teams or in person, depending on the role
• Next steps: For some roles, there may be a technical assessment and a second‑stage interview either on teams or in person.

Benefits

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero‑tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.