Machine Operator (Arboriculture)
Location: Midlands, with national travel
Salary: Base salary + commercial vehicle
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
Looking for a role where you can combine your plant operating skills with hands-on arboriculture work? Join Ground Control as a Plant Operator and play a key role in delivering Arboricultural and vegetation management projects across rail, highways, utilities, and infrastructure environments.
This is a varied role where you'll operate specialist machinery, support project delivery, and work alongside experienced teams to complete work safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
What you'll do;
Operate a range of plant and machinery safely and efficiently across multiple work environments
Support the delivery of Arboricultural and vegetation management projects
Carry out daily plant inspections and report defects or maintenance requirements
Assist with the scoping of works and provide operational input into work planning
Work in line with RAMS, risk assessments, and site-specific instructions
Support the maintenance, cleanliness, and organisation of machinery, equipment, and yard facilities
Liaise with colleagues, subcontractors, and haulage providers to ensure smooth project delivery
Maintain high standards of environmental protection and site housekeeping
Comply with all relevant Health & Safety legislation and company procedures
Act as a role model for trainee Plant Operators and other team members
What you'll get;
Opportunity to work on a wide variety of Arboricultural and infrastructure projects
Access to specialist machinery and equipment within a growing operational team
Ongoing training and development to expand your technical skills and qualifications
The chance to work alongside experienced operators, arborists, and industry specialists
A supportive, safety-first culture where teamwork and professionalism are valued
Opportunities to develop your career within Ground Control's Rail and Infrastructure division
Exposure to rail, highways, utilities, and construction environments
A role where no two days are the same and your contribution has a direct impact on project success
What we're looking for;
Experience operating plant machinery within arboriculture, construction, rail, highways, or utilities environments
Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team
Passion for arboriculture and vegetation management
Full UK Driving Licence
NPTC Units 201 & 202 (CS30.1 & CS30.2) – Chainsaw Maintenance and Cross Cutting
NPTC Unit 203 (CS31) – Fell and Process Trees up to 380mm
NPTC FMO Crane-Fed Chipper and Base Unit
CPCS Red Card Excavator (Tracked) below and above 10 tonnes
CPCS Red Card Excavator (Wheeled) below and above 10 tonnes
CPCS Excavator Lifting Operations
NPORS/CPCS Slinger Signaller
NPORS/CPCS Banksman
First Aid + Forestry
Willingness to work away from home when required
Desirable:
PTS
Highways Passport
CPCS Tractor Operating
NPTC CS38 – Tree Climbing and Aerial Rescue
NPTC CS39 – Aerial Tree Cutting
NPTC CS40 – Aerial Tree Pruning
Previous experience operating excavators within Arboricultural projects
This advert would perform particularly well with the title "Plant Operator (Arboriculture & Infrastructure)" or "Arboricultural Plant Operator", as candidates typically search by both the machinery and arboriculture elements of the role.
What to expect from our recruitment process at Ground Control
We aim to make our process clear, supportive, and straightforward - so you always know what’s coming next.
Application review: Once you apply, our Talent team will carefully review your application against the key skills for the role
Optional video: You’ll have the chance to submit a short video to showcase your skills and personality - this is completely optional
Intro call: If you’re a good match, we’ll invite you to book a short (up to 30 minutes) telephone interview at a time that suits you
First interview: If selected you’ll then take part in an interview, either on Teams or in person, depending on the role
Next steps: For some roles, there may be a technical assessment and a second-stage interview either on teams or in person.
We’ll keep you updated throughout and make sure you feel supported at every stage.
Benefits;
Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave
Equal Opportunities Statement
At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.
We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.
We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.
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