Forestry Operative
Location: Mountsorrel, Leicestershire
Pay Rate: £14.37 per hour PAYE | £18.35 per hour Umbrella (estimated)
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Temporary
The Opportunity We are currently recruiting a reliable and experienced Forestry Operative to join a busy Highways and Forestry team based in Mountsorrel, Leicestershire. This is a hands-on outdoor role involving a variety of forestry, grounds maintenance and arboricultural duties across Leicestershire and occasionally surrounding counties. Working as part of a small operational team, you will help maintain public footpaths, hedgerows, highway verges and planting schemes, using specialist machinery and equipment to ensure work is completed safely and to a high standard. You will also be expected to take the lead on site when required, supporting other operatives and helping ensure daily work is completed efficiently.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out ground-based forestry and arboricultural work, including processing felled trees, clearing foliage and general site maintenance.
- Undertake tree and shrub planting, maintenance and associated landscaping duties.
- Carry out hedge trimming, hedge laying, strimming and highway verge maintenance.
- Maintain public rights of way, footpaths and surrounding green spaces.
- Operate specialist equipment and machinery, including chainsaws, wood chippers, hedge cutters and other forestry tools.
- Assist with tree felling and tree surgery operations from ground level.
- Carry out routine maintenance and safety checks on vehicles, machinery and equipment.
- Support the Supervisor or Site Team Leader with the day-to-day organisation of work.
- Take the lead as a senior operative when required, ensuring colleagues follow health and safety procedures.
- Follow risk assessments, method statements and traffic management requirements.
- Deal professionally with enquiries from members of the public and report any issues to the Supervisor.
Requirements
- Previous experience in forestry, arboriculture, grounds maintenance or a similar outdoor operational role.
- Experience using machinery and equipment such as chainsaws, hedge cutters, strimmers and wood chippers.
- Knowledge of tree and shrub maintenance, planting schemes and general forestry practices.
- Good understanding of health and safety when working with machinery and outdoor equipment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and use your own initiative.
- Full, valid UK driving licence.
- Good communication skills and a reliable, hardworking approach.
Desirable Qualifications
- NPTC / CS chainsaw and tree felling qualifications.
- NRSWA or Chapter 8 Traffic Management qualifications.
- National Highways Sector Scheme 12D (T1/T2).
- PA1 / PA6 Pesticides qualifications.
- First Aid certificate.
- LGV licence and current Driver CPC.
- Candidates with demonstrable relevant experience may also be considered, with a willingness to work towards the relevant qualifications.
Forestry Operative in Croft employer: Service Care Solutions
As a leading non-maintained special school in Billingshurst, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the holistic development of our students and staff. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous development opportunities, while our comprehensive benefits package, including mental health support and flexible pay options, ensures the wellbeing of our team. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of students with special educational needs, all within a vibrant and innovative environment.
