Machine Plant Operator

Ground Control; Newark on Trent; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Recognition schemes

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control is seeking a Plant Operator to join our Arboriculture team. You will operate a range of plant and machinery on arboriculture and vegetation management projects across rail, highways, utilities and infrastructure environments.

You’ll work 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with opportunities to travel nationally. The role emphasizes safety, RAMS compliance, and high standards in environmental protection while supporting project delivery and team development.

Qualifications

• Experience operating plant machinery in arboriculture or related fields.
• Full UK Driving Licence required.
• Certifications listed under tools above.

Responsibilities

• Operate plant and machinery safely across various environments.
• Support arboricultural and vegetation management projects.
• Carry out daily plant inspections and report defects.
• Assist with scoping works and input into planning.
• Work in RAMS and site-specific instructions.
• Maintain equipment and yard facilities for safety and cleanliness.
• Coordinate with colleagues, subcontractors and haulage providers.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Teamwork

Passion for arboriculture

Willingness to work away from home

Safety-conscious

Environmental awareness

Tools

CPCS Red Card Excavator

NPORS/CPCS Slinger Signaller

NPORS/CPCS Banksman

NPTC CS30.1/CS30.2 Chainsaw maintenance

NPTC Unit 203 CS31 - Fall trees up to 380mm

NPTC FMO Crane-Fed Chipper

NPORS/CPCS Excavator Lifting Operations

NPTC CS38/CS39/CS40 (Arboriculture)

Full UK Driving Licence

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

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.