Chipper Operator

Heartwood Tree Surgeons Ltd.; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading forestry services company in the UK seeks a skilled Chipper Operator to join their team. The role involves operating Heizohack chippers while ensuring safety and efficiency in woodchip removal operations across the Midlands. Candidates should have over 2 years of experience, and a strong focus on safety is essential. This position offers competitive pay, overtime, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Market-leading salaries

Company works vehicle

Pension contribution

28 days holiday including Bank Holidays

Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience operating chippers or similar machinery.
• Experience with Heizohack or equivalent chipper units.
• Tractor and crane ticket are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain Heizohack chippers.
• Support the Forestry & Mechanised Arbs team on site.
• Conduct daily inspections and safety checks.

Skills

Operating chippers

Safety awareness

Team player

Communication skills

Tools

Heizohack chippers

Forestry machinery

Job description

We’re seeking a skilled Chipper Operator to join our Forestry & Mechanised Arboriculture team at Heartwood Trees. In this role you will operate Heizohack truck-mounted and tractor-mounted chippers, supporting our teams across the Midlands and throughout the UK. You will play a vital role in ensuring safe, efficient woodchip removal and site support, helping keep our arboriculture and forestry operations running smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate and maintain Heizohack chippers, both truck-mounted and tractor-mounted
• Support the Forestry & Mechanised Arbs team on site
• Conduct daily inspections, safety checks, and routine maintenance
• Assist with site setup, cleanup, and material handling
• Report mechanical issues and coordinate with maintenance / workshop teams
• Occasionally assist with other forestry machinery operations, as required
• Adhere to all health, safety, environmental, and operational procedures

Preferred Skills & Experience

• 2+ years’ experience operating chippers or similar large-scale wood processing machinery
• Experience with Heizohack or equivalent chipper units
• Tractor and crane ticket
• Additional forestry machinery tickets or certifications (or a strong desire to up-skill)
• Strong safety awareness and a proactive, responsible mindset
• Ability and willingness to travel and work across the UK
• Team player with good communication skills

What We Offer

Our aspiration is to build an unrivalled working environment for our employees with a culture geared around providing our field operators with everything they need to deliver, including:

• Market-leading salaries and overtime policy + discretionary annual bonus
• Company works vehicle
• Working hours 07:30 - 16:30 + overtime
• 28 days holiday including Bank Holidays
• Branded PPE and company uniform
• Pension contribution

Health & Safety

At Heartwood Trees, safety is our top priority. All operations are underpinned by rigorous site risk assessments, PPE protocols, LOLER/PUWER checks, and daily safety inspections. We expect every team member to uphold these standards and contribute proactively to a safe working environment.