Are you an experienced tractor and machine operator looking for a long-term role with a well-established business, with the opportunity to progress into a senior position? Do you take pride in your work, think ahead and enjoy being part of a small, hands-on team? Duncan Ross Ltd is looking for a reliable, capable operator to join our family-run business, working on a wide variety of specialist sports turf and land drainage projects across the UK.
About Us
Based in the Northwest, Duncan Ross Ltd is a long-established specialist contractor delivering sports turf, land drainage and playing field construction projects for schools, local authorities, clubs and professional sports facilities nationwide. Our work combines drainage, earthworks, ground preparation, cultivation and specialist sports turf operations. We value people who bring initiative, reliability, practical judgement and a strong work ethic to our team.
The Role
As an Experienced Tractor & Machine Operator, you will operate a range of tractors, construction plant and specialist turf machinery across varied sites and projects. This is not simply an operator role: we are looking for someone who can understand the job around them, think ahead, use initiative and take ownership of the standard of their work.
You will work closely with our site and estimating management team and, for the right person, there is genuine scope to develop into a senior role within the business, taking greater responsibility on site, helping lead projects, overseeing machinery and supporting other members of the team as your knowledge of our work develops.
Key Responsibilities
· Safe and efficient operation of tractors, trailers, construction plant and specialist turf machinery.
· Driving HGV low-loader to transport plant and machinery between sites (ideal but not essential).
· Supporting the installation of sports turf and land drainage systems.
· Carrying out ground preparation, earthworks, cultivation and site works.
· Working across sports pitch construction, renovation and drainage projects.
· Planning ahead and understanding how your operation affects the next stage of the job.
· Using initiative to solve practical problems and keep work progressing safely and efficiently.
· Carrying out routine checks and basic maintenance on machinery.
· Taking responsibility for completing tasks to a consistently high standard, whether large or small.
· Working as part of a small team where everyone is expected to contribute and communicate well.
Ideal Candidate Profile
· Strong previous experience operating tractors and machinery; agricultural, drainage, sports turf or construction experience is particularly relevant.
· HGV licence and experience driving a low-loader – ideal but not essential.
· Good mechanical knowledge and the confidence to diagnose faults and carry out practical repairs on machinery and specialist equipment.
· Good practical judgement and the confidence to make sensible decisions on site.
· Able to plan ahead, use initiative and work without needing constant supervision.
· Reliable, adaptable and comfortable working as part of a small team.
· A strong work ethic and pride in producing high-quality work.
· Full UK driving licence – essential.
· HGV licence is advantageous but not essential.
· CPCS or additional tickets are beneficial but not essential; training can be provided where required.
· Willingness to work away from home when projects require it.
Career Development
We are looking for someone who wants more than simply their next operating job. For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to become a trusted senior member of the team, taking increasing responsibility for projects, machinery and potentially other team members. We want to develop someone who can work closely with our management team and become an important part of the long-term future of the business.
What We Offer
· Full-time, permanent employment with a long-established family-run company.
· Salary of £30,000–£40,000 per year, depending on experience and capability.
· Genuine opportunity to progress into a senior position within the company.
· Increasing responsibility and package as your role develops, with potential for additional benefits such as a company vehicle.
· A varied workload across specialist sports turf, drainage, earthworks and playing field projects.
· Opportunities to develop new skills and gain additional tickets or training where required.
· A supportive, hands-on working environment where good judgement, initiative and quality are valued.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced operator who enjoys varied work, takes responsibility for doing a job properly and is looking for an opportunity to develop into a more senior role, we would like to hear from you.
Please call us on 01257 255321 for an initial chat.
If you have a CV, you can also email it to [email protected].
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £30,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Please briefly describe the tractors and machinery you are experienced in operating.
- Do you have mechanical experience and feel confident carrying out basic fault finding, maintenance and repairs on machinery and equipment?
- Do you hold a full UK driving licence?
- Do you hold an HGV licence? If yes, please state which category.
- Do you have experience driving an HGV low-loader and transporting plant or machinery?
- Are you willing and able to work away from home on projects across the UK when required?
- Please list any relevant CPCS cards, certificates or additional machinery tickets you currently hold.
- How many years of experience do you have operating tractors and agricultural, turf or construction machinery?
Experience:
- operating tractors/machinery: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work Location: In person
