Chipper Operator

About Us

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
• Class 1 or Class 2 licence desirable
• 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
• Annual training budget
• Branded PPE and company uniform
• Stihl ProCom headset
• 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.