Machine Operative - Highways

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!