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!

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