Machine Operative - Highways in Chelmsford

Machine Operative - Highways in Chelmsford

Chelmsford Full-Time 30000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
All The Top Bananas

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Operate machinery for highways maintenance and support tree work projects.
  • Company: Leading firm in highways vegetation management with a focus on safety and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, night shift bonus, full PPE, and ongoing training.
  • Other info: Enjoy guaranteed time off over Christmas and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Join a high-performing team and make a real impact on the UK's infrastructure.
  • Qualifications: Experience in excavator operation and highways maintenance preferred.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 50000 £ per year.

Our client is expanding! They're looking for skilled Machine Operatives with highways experience, excavator operation expertise, and tree work knowledge to join their growing team. If you take pride in working outdoors, maintaining green spaces, and supporting the UK's infrastructure, this is the role for you.

Location: Staffordshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire & Surrounding Areas

Salary: £30,000 – £50,000 per annum (DOE)

Hours: Minimum 40 hours/week | Night shifts with bonus

About the role

As a Machine Operative, you'll play a key role in maintaining highways and supporting arboricultural works. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Operating excavators, tractors, and other machinery for vegetation clearance and maintenance.
  • Performing ditch works and trial hole excavations to support highways infrastructure.
  • Grass cutting using tractors, flails, bank mowers, ride-on mowers, and handheld equipment.
  • Tree and hedge maintenance, including hazardous tree removals and ensuring sign visibility.
  • Supporting Arborist Climbers and Grounds Teams where necessary.
  • Delivering ad-hoc planting schemes and bespoke landscaping projects.

Preferred experience

  • Highways maintenance background (Desirable)
  • Excavator operation (360 up to 10t)
  • Tree work experience (Arborist or Groundsman) (Desirable)
  • Excavators with tree shears & mulchers (Desirable)
  • Fastrac with sidearm & front deck (Desirable)
  • HGV Class 1 (Desirable)

Useful qualifications (Training provided where necessary)

  • CSCS / CPCS / NPORS
  • Highways Passport / ROLO
  • Lantra Brush Cutter / Strimmer
  • NPTC Chainsaw: CS30, CS31a, CS31b, CS38, CS39
  • MEWP Chainsaw: CS47
  • NPTC Woodchipper
  • IPAF – MEWPs
  • Operator 360 (up to 10t)

What they offer

  • Competitive hourly rate + night shift bonus.
  • Salary £30,000 – £50,000 per annum (DOE).
  • Full PPE and equipment provided.
  • Ongoing training and industry certifications.
  • Supportive team culture focused on safety and sustainability.
  • Guaranteed time off over Christmas.

About the company

Our client specialises in highways vegetation management, delivering services nationwide. From precision tree work and large-scale grass cutting to seasonal maintenance and full vegetation clearance, they ensure safety and sustainability across every project. 90% of their operations take place at night, with occasional daytime work.

Ready to join a high-performing team and build a long-term career? Apply today and help them keep the UK's highways safe and green!

How to apply

eRecruitSmart is advertising this role on behalf of the hiring company. By applying, your CV will be reviewed and forwarded to the hiring manager responsible for this vacancy. You must currently reside in and have the right to work in the UK, and live within a reasonable commute to the role. Please ensure your CV includes your location and contact details, otherwise you may not be considered. Only suitable applicants will be contacted. We look forward to receiving your application.

Machine Operative - Highways in Chelmsford employer: All The Top Bananas

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All The Top Bananas

Contact Details:

All The Top Bananas Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Machine Operative - Highways in Chelmsford

Get Your Hands Dirty

In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!

Join Trade Associations

Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!

Showcase Your Work Online

Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.

Apply Directly and Follow Up

Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!

We think you need these skills to ace Machine Operative - Highways in Chelmsford

Excavator Operation
Tractor Operation
Tree Work Knowledge
Highways Maintenance
Vegetation Clearance
Ditch Works
Trial Hole Excavations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch All The Top Bananas's eye.

Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at All The Top Bananas. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.

Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!

Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!

How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas

Master the Hands-On Skills

In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!

Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand

Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.

Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices

Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.

Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills

When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at All The Top Bananas.