Machine Operator (FLS) - REQ1114_1766146528

Forestry and Land Scotland; Stirling; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A forestry management entity in Scotland is seeking Forestry Machine Operators to join their teams in Aberfoyle and Dalbeattie. These full-time, permanent positions require experience in forestry or agriculture and operation of forestry machinery. A Forestry Machine Operator qualification is essential, with training available for suitable candidates. Duties include timber extraction and machine maintenance, with work primarily in remote forest locations. Candidates should have a UK driving licence and be prepared for potential overnight stays.

Qualifications

• Experience in a commercial forestry or agricultural environment.
• Experience operating forestry machinery is essential.
• FMO qualification for harvester and forwarder operation is required.
• Chainsaw felling experience is desirable.
• Mechanical knowledge and emergency first aid qualifications are advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Operate harvesters and forwarders in clearfell crops with some thinning work.
• Fell and extract timber to roadside efficiently.
• Carry out routine machine maintenance and report faults.
• Ensure all work is delivered safely and to high standards.

Skills

Experience in commercial forestry or agricultural environment

Operating forestry machinery

Chainsaw felling experience

Mechanical knowledge

Emergency first aid qualifications

Education

Forestry Machine Operator (FMO) 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.