Plant Operator - Arboriculture

Ground Control; Newark on Trent; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Employee support and free flu jabs

Subsidised gym memberships

Employee recognition scheme

Job summary

A UK grounds-maintenance company is seeking an experienced Arboricultural Operative to join their Rail & Infrastructure team. The role involves safe and efficient tree works across various environments such as highways and railways. Required qualifications include NPTC units in chainsaw operations, a full UK driving license, and strong teamwork skills. The position offers a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a range of benefits like holidays and employee support services.

Qualifications

• NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2).
• NPTC Unit 203 (CS31).
• NPTC FMO.
• Flexibility to work away from home.
• CPCS Red Card.
• PTS and Highways Passport.
• NPTC Units 206 & 306 (CS38).
• NPTC Units 308 & 307 (CS39/CS40).

Responsibilities

• Carry out safe and efficient tree works.
• Operate and maintain Arboricultural machinery.
• Support team to complete projects safely.
• Maintain clean and compliant worksites.
• Report hazards promptly.
• Communicate clearly with teams.
• Communicate clearly with the team and managers to keep work flowing.

Skills

Chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting

Felling and processing trees up to 380mm

Crane‑fed chipper

Full UK driving licence

Teamwork and communication

CPCS Red Card – Excavator

Personal Track Safety

Aerial tree rescue

Excavator experience in arboriculture

Education

NPTC CS30.1/CS30.2 (201 & 202)

NPTC CS31 (203)

NPTC CS38 (Rope & harness)

NPTC CS39/CS40 (Aerial cutting)

NPTC CS38/CS39/CS40 combo certs

NPTC CS206 & CS306 (Rope rescue)

NPTC 208/207 (additional)

CPCS Excavator Card

PTS (Personal Track Safety)

Highways Passport

Tools

Excavator operation

Crane-fed chipper operation

Rope & harness systems

Aerial cutting/pruning gear

Job description

Join to apply for the Plant Operator - Arboriculture role at Ground Control.

We’re looking for an experienced Arboricultural Operative to join our Rail & Infrastructure team. You’ll play a key role in delivering safe, high-quality tree works across a range of environments including highways, railways, utilities, and construction projects.

Salary

Competitive base + overtime opportunities + vehicle.

Contract type

Permanent.

What You’ll Do

• Carry out safe and efficient tree works in line with industry and project standards.
• Operate and maintain Arboricultural and plant machinery (training provided where required).
• Support your team to complete projects safely, on time, and to a high standard.
• Maintain clean, professional, and compliant worksites, vehicles, and tools.
• Follow all health, safety, and environmental regulations (LOLER, COSHH, RAMS, etc.).
• Report hazards or near misses promptly and promote a positive safety culture.
• Communicate clearly with your team and managers to keep work flowing smoothly.

What You’ll Bring

• NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2) – Chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting.
• NPTC Unit 203 (CS31) – Felling and processing trees up to 380mm.
• NPTC FMO – Crane‑fed chipper and base unit.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Flexibility to work away from home when required.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• CPCS Red Card – Excavator (tracked/wheeled, lifting ops).
• PTS (Personal Track Safety) and Highways Passport.
• NPTC Units 206 & 306 (CS38) – Rope & harness and aerial tree rescue.
• NPTC Units 308 & 307 (CS39/CS40) – Aerial cutting and pruning.
• Experience using excavators in arboriculture.

We value safety, pride in work, and teamwork. If that sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Career Development Focus

We support your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job‑specific accreditations, and higher‑education opportunities.

Competitive Package

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, flexible working options, and:

• 23 days holiday (increasing with length of service) + bank holidays.
• Medigold employee support, free flu jabs, online private GP service.
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships.
• Employee recognition scheme.

Ground Control is a UK‑based grounds‑maintenance company, providing forestry and infrastructure services to over 50,000 commercial properties across the UK and Ireland.

Inclusive Workplace

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on protected characteristics.

#INDHP