Timber Harvest Machine Operator - Ireland

Worldwide Staffing; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,099,000 - 1,759,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on site

Company Pension Scheme

Driver training & CPD

20 days holidays + bank holidays

Sick Pay

PPE provided

Job summary

Worldwide Staffing in Durban is seeking an experienced Forestry Harvester Operator to operate purpose-built harvester or excavator conversion for felling and processing trees on site.

The role requires hands-on experience with leading brands (Ponsse, John Deere, Komatsu, Tigercat), strong safety focus, valid driving licence, and ability to plan work with the on-site team. Accommodation provided on site at nominal rates.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of the forestry industry from a harvesting production perspective.
• Proven experience in harvesting thinning and clear-fell projects.
• Hands-on experience using Ponsse, John Deere, Komatsu, and/or Tigercat harvesting units and their IT systems.
• Performance-driven mindset with strong attention to safety and maintenance.
• Appropriate training in operating harvesters/excavator conversions for tree felling and processing.
• Valid passport and ability to pass work permit & travel visa checks.
• Good level of English (written and oral).
• Full clean driving licence (HGV licence an advantage).

Responsibilities

• Operate purpose-built harvester or excavator conversion for felling and processing trees.
• Ensure appropriate PPE is worn on site; mark any risk zones clearly on the machine.
• Maintain the harvesting head according to the manufacturer's handbook; keep a maintenance record.
• Maintain saw chain, including depth regulators, to manufacturer's recommendations.
• Ensure chain lubrication is effective; park head in stable position with chainsaw guarded and knives closed.
• Agree daily work programme and emergency contact procedure with a designated responsible person; use mobile phone/radio and call-in system.
• Provide emergency services with sufficient location details (grid reference, access type) before an accident occurs.
• Plan work so brash and tops from processed trees assist travel over the worksite.
• Park harvesting head and boom in correct transport position before driving off; on side slopes extend boom to uphill side.
• During repair/fault diagnosis, use restraints or scotches according to manufacturer's instructions.
• Remove and inspect cutting equipment at least daily for excessive wear; check for cracked chain parts; renew chain as necessary.
• Before maintenance or cleaning, park operational parts safely, switch off engine – never work under suspended unpropped equipment.
• Release all hydraulic pressure before maintenance; do not use hand to check for leaks (use paper/cardboard) – seek medical attention immediately if hydraulic fluid penetrates skin

Skills

Forestry harvesting expertise

Machine maintenance

English proficiency

HGV license

Safety compliance

Ponsse harvesting units

John Deere harvesting units

Komatsu harvesting units

Tigercat harvesting units

IT systems for harvesters

Tools

Ponsse

John Deere

Komatsu

Tigercat

Harvester IT systems

Job description

Duties & Responsibilities

• Operate purpose-built harvester or excavator conversion for felling and processing trees
• Ensure appropriate PPE is worn on site; mark any risk zones clearly on the machine
• Maintain the harvesting head according to the manufacturer's handbook; keep a maintenance record
• Maintain saw chain, including depth regulators, to manufacturer's recommendations
• Ensure chain lubrication is effective; park head in stable position with chainsaw guarded and knives closed
• Agree daily work programme and emergency contact procedure with a designated responsible person; use mobile phone/radio and call‑in system
• Provide emergency services with sufficient location details (grid reference, access type) before an accident occurs
• Plan work so brash and tops from processed trees assist travel over the worksite
• Park harvesting head and boom in correct transport position before driving off; on side slopes extend boom to uphill side
• During repair/fault diagnosis, use restraints or scotches according to manufacturer's instructions
• Remove and inspect cutting equipment at least daily for excessive wear; check for cracked chain parts; renew chain as necessary
• Before maintenance or cleaning, park operational parts safely, switch off engine – never work under suspended unpropped equipment
• Release all hydraulic pressure before maintenance; do not use hand to check for leaks (use paper/cardboard) – seek medical attention immediately if hydraulic fluid penetrates skin

KPIs:

• Safe and efficient harvesting production (thinning & clearfell)
• Proper machine maintenance and recordkeeping
• Adherence to all safety and health regulations, including emergency protocols
• Quality of felling and timber processing
• Performance against production targets

Desired Experience & Qualification

• Excellent knowledge of the forestry industry from a harvesting production perspective
• Proven experience in harvesting thinning and clear-fell projects
• Hands‑on experience usingPonsse, John Deere, Komatsu, and/or Tigercat harvesting units and their IT systems
• Performance‑driven mindset with strong attention to safety and maintenance
• Appropriate training in operating harvesters/excavator conversions for tree felling and processing
• Valid passport and ability to pass work permit & travel visa checks
• Good level of English (written and oral)
• Full clean driving licence (HGV licence an advantage)

Package & Remuneration

• Industry related in British Pound
• All PPE provided
• Company Pension Scheme (contribution up to 3% of annual salary – once probation passed)
• Driver training & CPD
• 20 days holidays plus bank holidays
• Company Sick Pay (SSP), Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Accommodation provided on site at nominal rates