Plant Operative Arboriculture

UKund Control; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK grounds maintenance firm is seeking a skilled Plant Operative to join their team in Cambridge. The role involves site operations and operating machinery such as 360 excavators. Successful candidates will have an SSSTS qualification, experience in dredging or waterways work, and a full UK driving licence. The company offers a competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment along with benefits such as gym memberships and a robust pension scheme.

Benefits

23 days holiday + bank holidays

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Free or subsidised gym memberships

Employee Recognition Scheme

Qualifications

• Must have SSSTS qualification.
• Proven experience operating 360 excavators is essential.
• A full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Operate machinery efficiently and safely.
• Maintain vehicles and equipment to high standards.
• Support team and new members effectively.

Skills

SSSTS qualification

Experience operating 360 excavators

Full UK driving licence

Experience in dredging or waterways work

Job description

Plant Operative

Location: Cambridge

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

What you’ll do:

We’re looking for a hands‑on, skilled Plant Operative to join our team in Cambridge. This is a frontline role in a marine environment, offering variety across construction, waterways, and arboriculture works. You’ll be supporting teams in boat operations, weed cutting, general landscaping, and civil engineering tasks, with opportunities for progression and training. Occasional work away from home may be required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out site operations efficiently, maintaining a tidy workspace and ensuring high‑quality results.
• Operate a range of machinery safely and effectively, including 360 excavators and other heavy plant.
• Maintain all vehicles and equipment to a high standard, performing regular checks.
• Work with the team to support new members, promote a positive workplace culture, and deliver projects efficiently.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations (LOLER, COSHH, PPE, RAMS, risk assessments).
• Proactively solve problems on site and suggest improvements to prevent reoccurrence.
• Maintain clear communication with team members and managers regarding work progress.

What we’re looking for:

Essential Knowledge & Skills:

• SSSTS qualification
• Experience operating 360 excavators
• Full UK driving licence
• Experience in dredging or waterways work

Desirable Knowledge & Skills:

• RYA Powerboat qualification
• Chainsaw maintenance and crosscutting experience
• Felling and processing trees up to 380mm
• First Aid and forestry experience
• Basic IT skills

Why join us:

Career Development Focus:

We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.

Exciting Growth Opportunities:

Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.

Collaborative Environment:

Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.

Competitive Package:

Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:

• 23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays
• Robust pension scheme
• Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships
• Employee Recognition Scheme

Ground Control

Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.

We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.

If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.