Trainee Forestry Machine Operator

BSW Timber Ltd.; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking Trainee Harvesting Machine Operators to join their team in Beattock. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to start a career in the forestry sector, providing essential training in operating advanced harvesting machinery. Candidates will gain hands-on experience while learning about safety regulations and operational best practices. With a commitment to sustainable forestry, this company offers a supportive environment where you can grow and thrive in your career. Join a leader in the timber industry and contribute to impactful projects while enjoying competitive benefits and a pathway to professional development.

Benefits

Discounted products

Employee benefits portal

24/7 wellbeing support

Cycle to Work Scheme

Funded learning opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be 17 years old and hold a driving licence.
• Willingness to participate in structured learning.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery to fell trees and extract timber.
• Inspect equipment for safety and perform maintenance.
• Minimise environmental impacts during operations.

Skills

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Self-Motivation

Education

Driving Licence

NPTC City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification

Tools

Forestry Harvesting Machines

John Deere Simulator

Job description

Trainee Harvesting Machine Operators

• Based Beattock, Moffatt
• Full-time / Permanent

In support of our continued and exciting growth, we are recruiting for Trainee Forestry Harvesting Operators to work as part of a dedicated team planning and carrying out tree harvesting operations.

We are looking for local based people who are interested in starting a career in the forestry industry.

To be eligible for our Tilhill Harvesting, Forestry Machine Operator training program, you must be at least 17 years old and hold a driving licence.

Training requirements:

Initially based at Tilhill Harvesting Beattock your basic training will provide you with the knowledge to:

• Work safely.
• Prepare, drive and manoeuvre the Forestry Harvesting Machines.
• Know and understand the relevant health and safety legislation and industry good practice.
• Simulated training in John Deere Forestry Harvesting Machine simulator.
• Gain NPTC City & Guilds Level 2 Qualification.

After training you will be able to work as a Harvesting Machine Operator in our active harvesting sites across Scotland.

Responsibilities of a Machine Operator include:

• Operating a forwarder and harvester to mechanically fell trees and extract timber to the roadside.
• Inspecting equipment for safety and performing necessary basic maintenance tasks.
• Harvesting and presenting production for ease of extraction.
• Assessing felled timber volumes and quality.
• Minimising environmental impacts on the surrounding area.

About you:

No previous harvesting experience is necessary; however, you will have an interest in pursuing a career in Forestry and working hands-on with heavy machines in addition to:

• Being 17 years old or over.
• Holding a full Driving Licence.
• Having some forestry or agricultural background.
• A willingness to fully participate in structured learning elements.
• A self-motivated attitude, as well as a collaborative approach.
• Excellent communication and people skills.

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:

In return, you can look forward to developing a long-term career with one of the industry’s leading employers. As well as the competitive salary, this position includes other benefits such as:

• Discounted rate on a range of BSW products including Woodfuel Direct.
• Employee benefits portal with access to exclusive deals and discounts on hundreds of high street brands, utilities, eating out and more!
• Confidential 24/7 wellbeing support.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Funded learning and career development opportunities.

Interested? Click APPLY to send us your CV or note of interest and complete our online application form.

Closing Date for Applications: 30th April 2025

We encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the published closing date should we receive a sufficient number of applications.

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