We are recruiting a Civil Engineering Excavator Machine Operator for our client Forestry England.

Job Title: Excavator Machine Operator (wheeled excavator)
Location: Based from Santon Downham, Thetford, Norfolk IP270TJ (Occasional working away required at job sites in the East and South-East of England
Working Pattern: 37 hours per week - Monday to Thursday 8:30am-5pm / Friday 8:30am-4:30pm (Some flexibility may be required)

Job Description:
We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic Machine Operator, working in the Civil Engineering department within a Forestry environment. Experience with groundworks and operating construction plant is essential. The ideal candidate must possess a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. You will be responsible for carrying out maintenance and construction of civil engineering assets (such as forest roads, paths, and drainage), ensuring adherence to project specifications and industry safety standards. This vacancy is part of a trial scheme that is antici[pated to last for at least 12 months. If the pilot is successful then this may lead the role to become permanent in the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Maintenance and Construction: Undertake civil engineering/groundworks operations in order to maintain existing infrastructure as well as construct new infrastructure. Projects will include roads, paths, bridges, and drainage works. Successful candidate will be the sole operator of the excavator and carry out the work as directed by the Site Supervisor.
• Site Management: Ordering of materials (predominantly aggregates) and ensuring each site location is managed safely and efficiently.
• Documentation and Reporting: Accurate recording using site diaries, plant checks and daily site inspections, plus feedback to Civil Engineer/line manager.
• Travel: Candidate will need to arrange travel to and from worksites - 80-90% within Thetford Forest and the surrounding areas. Infrequent travel to more distant job sites is required, with occasional overnight stays depending on project location (Kent, Sussex, Buckinghamshire etc.)
• Collaboration: Work closely with Civil Engineers and other colleagues within the organisation to support smooth project delivery.
• Safety Compliance: Follow all safety guidelines and protocols to maintain a safe working environment.

Individual:

• Experience: Previous experience operating construction plant on groundworks/highways jobs is essential.

Candidate must have experience operating wheeled excavators - this will form a large part of the role.

• Accreditations: Candidate must hold relevant CPCS/NPORS or equivalent qualification for plant as follows: Wheeled Excavator (above and below 10T) and Tracked Excavator (above and below 10T). Qualifications for Ride-on Roller and Forward Tipping Dumper are desirable.
• Skills: Strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Travel: Willingness to travel occasionally, including spending consecutive nights away from home.

Benefits:

• Overtime opportunities
• Mostly local work (Thetford area)
• If the pilot is successful then we are looking for this to become permanent in the future. If the successful individual has been part of this pilot then they will have gained valuable experience that will benefit them if they choose to apply for a permanent position.