Lead Operator - Habitat & Land Management

Lead Operator - Habitat & Land Management

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Contracting and Habitat Regeneration enterprises, as a Habitat & Land Management Lead Operator. FGS Agri, part of the Heathcote Holdings group, is an integrated business supplying the needs of the agriculture and utility sector across the South East. The company prides itself on providing solutions to our clients promptly and professionally, whilst continuing to expand within a rapidly moving sector. We work with a range of clients from private estates, through to government bodies and conservation charities.

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Lead Operator to deliver practical habitat creation and land management works. This is a predominantly hands on, machine operating role, suited to an experienced operator who can work independently and, when required, lead a small team of 3-4 operators on site.

Duties will focus on habitat creation and management projects including, woodland and hedgerow creation, traditional grassland and wildflower establishment and management.

Duties & Responsibilities

• On a regular basis operating machinery which includes conventional and compact tractors, ride on mowers and flails, associated land management implements.
• Use PA1-PA6 to apply herbicides where necessary.
• Complete site records including machinery use and spray logs.
• Lead and supervise a small team of operators when required.
• Work independently on tasks where appropriate, using initiative and sound judgement.
• Assist with planning and sequencing works to meet programme and quality requirements.
• Forward facing relationship with clients, communicating whilst on site with stakeholders
• Identifying and resolving practical issues on site.

Requirements for role

• Full UK Drivers Licence
• Previous experience in leading or overseeing small teams.
• High level of competence operating tractors (conventional and compact) and ride on machinery.
• Ability to work alone and manage workloads effectively.
• Willingness to travel and stay away overnight when required.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience with habitat creation projects
• Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) certification
• Additional machinery or plant tickets (e.g. NPORS/CPCS)