Are you an experienced operator of 8T diggers / 360 excavators and looking for a long-term role where your skills and practical ability will genuinely matter? Duncan Ross Ltd is looking for a capable and reliable digger driver to join our family-run business, working on specialist sports turf, land drainage and playing field construction 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 are a small, hands-on team and value people who take pride in their work, think ahead and are prepared to turn their hand to different tasks when needed.
The Role
As an Experienced 360 Excavator / Digger Operator, you will mainly operate 8-tonne excavators and other construction plant across drainage, earthworks and sports pitch projects. We need someone with strong machine control, good site awareness and good judgement to work accurately and efficiently without needing constant supervision.
Because of the specialist nature of our work, this is a varied role. Alongside excavator operation, we are particularly interested in someone with sound mechanical knowledge who is confident carrying out practical repairs and maintenance on specialist machinery and equipment. Tractor experience would also be valuable, although we are happy to train the right person who is willing to learn.
Key Duties
· Safe, accurate and efficient operation of 8-tonne 360 excavators and other construction plant.
· Excavating and installing land drainage systems, including mains, laterals and associated works.
· Carrying out earthworks, grading, formation work and other site preparation operations.
· Working accurately around levels, drainage layouts and site specifications.
· Using initiative and practical judgement to keep work progressing safely and efficiently.
· Carrying out routine maintenance and practical repairs on plant, specialist machinery and equipment.
· Supporting other site operations and working flexibly as part of a small team.
· Operating tractors or developing tractor operating skills as part of the role.
· Taking responsibility for the machine, the quality of the work and the condition of equipment used.
What We're Looking For
· At least 5 years of experience operating 8-tonne excavators / 360 excavators.
· Strong excavator operating skills, with good control, accuracy and awareness of the work happening around you.
· Good mechanical knowledge and confidence diagnosing faults and carrying out practical repairs on machinery and specialist equipment.
· CPCS or additional plant tickets are beneficial.
· Knowledge or experience of 3D machine guidance systems is advantageous but not essential.
· Experience using a tilt rotator is advantageous but not essential.
· Tractor operating experience is desirable; alternatively, you must be willing and able to learn.
· Good practical judgement, initiative and problem-solving ability.
· Reliable, adaptable and able to work effectively without constant supervision.
· A strong work ethic and pride in producing high-quality work.
· Full UK driving license - essential.
· HGV licence is advantageous but not essential.
· Willingness to work away from home when projects require it.
Career Development
This role would suit an experienced operator who wants to become a valued, dependable member of a small specialist team rather than simply move from one machine-operating job to another. As your knowledge of our work develops, there will be opportunities to take greater ownership of site operations, machinery and specialist work within the business.
What We Offer
· Full-time, permanent employment with a long-established family-run company.
· Competitive salary based on experience, capability and the range of skills you bring to the role.
· Varied work across specialist sports turf, drainage, earthworks and playing field projects.
· The opportunity to work with specialist machinery and develop additional operating skills.
· Training and additional tickets.
· A hands-on working environment where practical ability, initiative and high standards are valued.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced digger driver who takes pride in accurate work, understands machinery and enjoys being part of a practical team, 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):
- How many years of experience do you have operating 360 excavators, particularly machines of 8 tonnes and above?
- Please briefly describe the excavators and types of work you have experience with.
- 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?
- Please list any relevant CPCS cards, certificates or additional machinery tickets you currently hold.
- Do you have experience using 3D machine guidance systems? If yes, please briefly describe which systems you have used.
- Do you have experience operating excavators fitted with a tilt rotator?
- Do you have experience operating tractors? If not, would you be willing to learn?
- Do you hold an HGV licence? If yes, please state which category.
- Are you willing and able to work away from home on projects across the UK when required?
Work Location: In person
