Machine Operator (FLS) - REQ1114_1766146528

Forestry and Land Scotland; Aberfoyle; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A government forestry agency in Scotland is seeking Forestry Machine Operators for full-time, permanent positions. Responsibilities include operating harvesters and forwarders, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring safety during timber extraction. Candidates should have experience in commercial forestry, a full UK driving licence, and ideally a Forestry Machine Operator qualification. The role requires working in varied locations, sometimes necessitating overnight stays. Training may be offered for suitable candidates without the qualification.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a commercial forestry or agricultural environment.
• Full UK driving licence or suitable alternative.
• Comfortable working in remote forest locations.

Responsibilities

• Operate harvesters and forwarders.
• Fell and extract timber to roadside.
• Carry out routine machine maintenance.
• Identify and report faults.
• Ensure safe and efficient work delivery.

Skills

Operating harvesters

Operating forwarders

Chainsaw felling experience

Mechanical knowledge

Emergency first aid qualifications

Education

Forestry Machine Operator qualification

Job description

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 clearfell 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.