Machine Operator/ Supervisor

Tilhill Harvesting; Horsmonden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading forestry services company in the UK is seeking a Machine Operator / Supervisor to deliver high-quality vegetation clearance and harvesting services. This role requires strong leadership skills and at least 2 years of experience. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, have relevant certifications, and a passion for the industry. The position offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Company health plan

Life Assurance policy

Company pension with up to 10% contributions

31 days holiday entitlement

Funded learning and career development opportunities

Employee benefits portal

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in a similar job role.
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.
• Holds a full, valid driving licence (preferably including B & E).
• NPTC – Felling small trees to 300mm and cross cutting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality vegetation clearance and harvesting services.
• Assist in scoping works and preparation of method statements.
• Ensure equipment is maintained in a clean and undamaged state.
• Ensure operations are delivered to clients' expectations and on schedule.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Motivation

Teamwork

Education

Forest Machine Operators Certification

NVQ Level 3 in Arboriculture or similar

CSCS Gold Card

Tools

Woodchipper

Brushcutter

Job description

Machine Operator / Supervisor

• Southern England and across UK
• Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits
• 48hrs
• Permanent

As a Machine Operator / Supervisor, you will be responsible for delivering a high-quality vegetation clearance, harvesting, coppicing and contracting service for our clients.

Specifically, some responsibilities of a Machine Operator / Supervisor include:

• Using your experience to assist in the scoping of works, preparation of method statements and risk assessments.
• To be able to read and understand site plans and work according to written or verbal instruction.
• You will be required to work in a clean and tidy manor ensuring you protect the environment and avoid pollution.
• The operator is required to look after all equipment keeping it in a clean and undamaged state; all damage to equipment must be reported.
• To complete pre‑start equipment checks, record findings and submit as required.
• To complete routine maintenance and lubrication of equipment.
• To operate any plant or equipment you are trained and competent to use, this may be owned or hired and will include the use of specialised attachments.
• Comply with legislation i.e. Health and Safety at Work, LOLER, PUWER, COSHH, environmental and quality standards etc.
• Have the experience which enables you to anticipate operational issues which need managing and/or communicating to the client.
• Ensuring operations are delivered to clients' expectations & on schedule.

About you:

You will be a self‑motivated individual with the ability to lead by example, motivate and manage a small team. Have a passion and take pride in your work and have a good understanding of current industry best practices. In addition to this, you’ll preferably have:

• NPTC – Felling small trees to 300mm and cross cutting
• NPTC / Lantra – Woodchipper
• NPTC / Lantra – Brushcutter
• Forest Machine Operators Certification
• PA1/PA6
• First Aid
• Holds a full, valid driving licence (preferably incl. B & E)
• 2+ years’ experience in a similar job role
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships
• CSCS Gold Card
• NVQ Level 3 in Arboriculture or similar
• CITB SSSTS

About BSW:

BSW Group is the largest timber and forestry business in the UK, with operating divisions spanning the whole supply chain, from tree nurseries and woodland management to sawmilling and pallets.

We market 35 million saplings annually through the country’s leading commercial tree nursery, have planted a billion trees through Tilhill Forestry, supply sustainable timber products to an array of industries as BSW Timber, and manufacture millions of pallets a year as Scott Pallets. We work to keep industry moving and aim to be the most technically advanced timber business in the country.

With an ethos to use everything and waste nothing, we leverage technology and cutting‑edge practices to supply the diverse demands of the UK, helping to build sustainable worlds.

Benefits:

• Company provided health plan and Life Assurance policy
• Company sick pay, enhanced with a length of service
• Company pension, with up to 10% company contributions
• 31 days (inclusive of bank holidays) holiday entitlement
• Funded learning and career development opportunities
• Discounted rate on a range of BSW products including Woodfuel Direct
• Employee benefits portal with access to exclusive deals and discounts on 100s of high street brands, utilities, eating out and more!
• Confidential 24/7 support with Wellbeing Hub
• Cycle to Work scheme

Interested? Click APPLY to be directed to our career’s portal.

Closing date for applications: 30th November 2025

The Company’s Job Applicant Privacy Notice is available on www.bsw.co.uk/careers/terms