Location
Santon Downham, Brandon, Suffolk (Thetford Forest)

Hours
37 hours per week, with additional overtime hours and early starts as required. The successful candidate will work the same pattern of hours as the rest of the team.

Salary
£30,105 per annum

About the Role
Join Forestry England, a passionate team dedicated to growing and managing the nation’s forests for everyone. As a Harvesting Machine Operator, you will play a key role in delivering the district’s business plan by efficiently operating forestry harvesting and extraction machines. You will use purpose-built forestry machinery, including forwarders and harvesters, to mechanically fell trees and extract timber to roadside. Working closely with the harvesting team and management, you will plan operations, meet district targets for outputs and specifications, and ensure all health and safety requirements are met. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to sustainable forestry practices, creating vital habitats for wildlife, improving air quality, and producing sustainable timber for the future.

Benefits
Forestry England offers a comprehensive benefits package including a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme with an average employer contribution of 28.97%, 25 days holiday per year (increasing by one day per year of service up to 30 days, pro-rated for part-time employees), plus bank holidays. Employees have access to the STaR employee benefits scheme, providing discounts on everyday shopping, holidays, insurance, gym memberships, and wellbeing apps. Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury are also provided. Forestry England supports lifelong learning and career development through continual professional development, individual learning plans, and sponsored membership of professional bodies.

Experience
Relevant experience operating forestry harvesting machinery is desirable. Candidates should be able to demonstrate technical skills related to machine operation and timber extraction.

About you
You are a motivated and reliable individual who enjoys working outdoors as part of a team. You have a strong commitment to health and safety and are able to work efficiently to meet operational targets. Flexibility to work overtime and early starts is essential. You will work collaboratively with colleagues and management to deliver high-quality forestry operations.

Qualifications
While specific qualifications are not explicitly stated, candidates should be able to demonstrate relevant technical skills and experience. Successful applicants will be required to undergo a criminal record check and government baseline personnel security standard check. The ability to communicate effectively in accurate spoken English is essential.