Site Agent Arboriculture in Rail · Basingstoke, Reading , Southampton ·

UKund Control; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK grounds maintenance firm is seeking a Site Agent to oversee vegetation management projects across the rail network. The role involves leading site teams, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, and managing project documentation. Ideal candidates will have experience as a Site Manager in the rail industry, be knowledgeable about vegetation management, and possess essential certifications. This hybrid position offers flexibility, combining on-site leadership with remote project management options.

Benefits

23 days holiday plus bank holidays

Yearly bonus scheme & share options

Robust pension scheme

Employee support services

Free gym memberships

Employee recognition scheme

Personal choice volunteering days

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Site Manager, ideally within the rail industry.
• Strong understanding of vegetation management and environmental best practices.
• PTS (Personal Track Safety) certification is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead site teams managing vegetation clearance works across Network Rail infrastructure.
• Conduct and review RAMS, site briefings, and work package plans.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental, and railway regulations.

Skills

Experience as a Site Manager

Understanding of vegetation management

HSE and CDM regulations knowledge

Microsoft Office proficiency

Leadership skills

Education

PTS certification

COSS certification (desirable)

SMSTS or equivalent qualification (desirable)

Job description

Site Agent (Rail Vegetation Management)

Location: Wessex (Reading, Southampton, Eastleigh, Basingstoke)

Division: Rail & Infrastructure

Are you an experienced Site Manager looking to lead critical vegetation management projects across the UK’s rail network?

At Ground Control, we’re seeking a proactive and safety-focused professional to oversee our vegetation management works within Network Rail infrastructure. This hybrid role offers the best of both worlds - hands‑on site supervision and remote project management - ensuring flexibility while maintaining full operational control.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be responsible for leading site teams, ensuring works are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards. From managing vegetation clearance projects to coordinating with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams, you’ll play a key role in delivering exceptional results.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing and coordinating vegetation clearance works, primarily across Network Rail infrastructure.
• Conducting and reviewing RAMS, site briefings, and work package plans.
• Leading and supporting site teams to maintain safety, productivity, and quality.
• Liaising with Network Rail representatives, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Ensuring compliance with all health, safety, environmental, and railway regulations.
• Producing site documentation, progress reports, and close‑out paperwork.
• Supporting the planning of future works, resource allocation, and material procurement.
• Undertaking regular site inspections and audits to identify and resolve issues.

What We’re Looking For

Essential:

• Proven experience as a Site Manager, ideally within the rail industry.
• Strong understanding of vegetation management and environmental best practice.
• PTS (Personal Track Safety) certification.
• Excellent working knowledge of HSE and CDM regulations.
• Confident in preparing and reviewing RAMS and site documentation.
• Effective communicator with strong leadership skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management tools.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.

Desirable:

• COSS (Controller of Site Safety) certification.
• SMSTS or equivalent management safety qualification.
• Experience using Network Rail systems (e.g. Sentinel, NR forms, reporting tools).
• First Aid certification.
• Environmental or Arboricultural qualifications.

Working Arrangements

This is a field based role, combining site-based supervision (typically 2–3 days per week) with remote planning, reporting, and coordination. Flexibility is essential, as occasional night or weekend work may be required to meet project and safety needs.

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
• Yearly bonus scheme & Share options
• Robust pension scheme
• Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service
• Free or subsidised national gym memberships
• Employee Recognition Scheme
• 2 personal choice volunteering days

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.

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.