Landscaping jobs in Aberystwyth

About EnviroCulture

EnviroCulture is an environmental land management business based in Aberaeron, West Wales, working across Wales and beyond. We deliver high quality, practical environmental work that protects habitats, improves landscapes and creates long term positive outcomes for both nature and people, including improving access to and connection with the natural environment.

Our work takes us into some of the most varied and beautiful environments in the country, places many people never get to see, let alone work in. Being trusted to work in these landscapes is something we take seriously.

We care about doing things properly. Quality matters in how work is planned, how it is delivered on site and how we work together as a team. We focus on real impact rather than shortcuts, and we aim to leave the environments and communities we work with better than we found them.

What it is like working at EnviroCulture

People who work at EnviroCulture are part of something bigger than individual jobs. Working here means being involved in meaningful environmental work with visible, real world impact.

As a 360 Excavator Operator, you will play a key role in delivering a wide range of environmental civils, groundworks, peatland restoration, wetland creation, river restoration, habitat management and countryside infrastructure projects.

You will operate 360 excavators and associated specialist attachments across a variety of environments, including environmentally sensitive habitats, wetlands, peatlands, woodlands, watercourses and challenging terrain.

Unlike conventional construction and groundworks roles, much of our work takes place within natural landscapes where precision, environmental awareness and careful machinery operation are essential. Projects can involve working on protected sites, within sensitive habitats and in locations where access and ground conditions require specialist operating techniques.

Our standard working week is Monday to Thursday, 6:00am to 5:00pm, giving our team a regular three day weekend while maintaining a full time 40 hour working week. Friday overtime may also be available when required.

We recognise that practical outdoor work can be demanding, and our four day working week gives our team more time away from work for family, hobbies and other commitments, as well as one less regular commuting day each week.

You will work as part of a professional team that values preparation, safety, quality and doing things properly. Operating excavators in environmentally sensitive and challenging locations requires a careful, considered approach, good judgement and an understanding of the surrounding environment.

The work can be physically demanding and site conditions can change, but for experienced operators who take pride in their work and enjoy working outdoors, it is highly rewarding.

Our Values

How we work matters as much as what we deliver. Our NATURE values guide decisions on site, in planning and in how teams work together.

Nurture the environment

We care for the landscapes we work in and aim to leave sites better than we found them.

Accountability

We take responsibility for our work and support our team to deliver high standards.

Trust through communication

We share information clearly so work can be planned well and delivered safely.

Uncompromising quality

We take pride in doing the job properly, even when conditions are difficult or plans change.

Reliability

We value realistic planning and people doing what they say they will do.

Expertise and safety

We work professionally, share knowledge and look out for one another at all times.

As a 360 Excavator Operator, you will be expected to work in line with these values on a daily basis, demonstrating safe, responsible and professional machinery operation across all projects.

Where This Role Fits

EnviroCulture's work relies on skilled and experienced excavator operators who can deliver specialist environmental and countryside works safely, efficiently and to a consistently high standard.

This role supports the delivery of environmental civils, groundworks, peatland and wetland restoration, river restoration, habitat creation and countryside infrastructure projects.

As a 360 Excavator Operator, you will work alongside Team Leaders, Project Managers and site operatives to complete agreed work packages, operating machinery in accordance with project specifications, environmental constraints and site specific safety procedures.

Many of our projects take place in environmentally sensitive locations, including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), wetlands, peatlands, river corridors and protected habitats. Working within these environments requires an understanding of the importance of minimising ground disturbance, protecting habitats and following appropriate environmental controls.

You will be expected to operate excavators with accuracy and care, adapting your working methods to suit different ground conditions, access restrictions and environmental requirements.

You will play an important role in maintaining EnviroCulture's reputation for quality, reliability and environmentally responsible delivery.

Key Responsibilities

The 360 Excavator Operator will support the delivery of specialist environmental, countryside and land management works, including:

Environmental Civils and Groundworks

• Excavation, grading and ground preparation works
• Drainage installation, repairs and improvements
• Pond and lake creation, restoration and desilting
• River and watercourse restoration works
• Natural flood management and associated earthworks
• Installation of leaky dams and other natural flood management features
• Footpath, access route and track construction
• Groundworks associated with boardwalks, bridges and countryside infrastructure
• Formation of access tracks and temporary working platforms
• Excavation for fencing, structures and associated infrastructure
• Minor civil engineering and construction works
• Installation of drainage features, culverts and associated infrastructure
• Earthmoving, material handling and site preparation

Peatland, Wetland and Habitat Restoration

• Operating low ground pressure excavators on peatland and wetland restoration projects
• Peatland restoration earthworks and reprofiling
• Installation of peat dams, bunds and water retention features
• Drain blocking and hydrological restoration works
• Reprofiling drainage channels and restoring natural water movement
• Wetland creation, enhancement and restoration
• Habitat creation and ecological enhancement works
• Ground preparation for habitat restoration projects
• Working within sensitive habitats while minimising environmental disturbance
• Supporting restoration works on protected and designated conservation sites
• Operating on soft, wet and unstable ground using appropriate techniques and equipment

River, Pond and Watercourse Works

• Excavation and reprofiling of ponds, lakes and watercourses
• Riverbank restoration and stabilisation works
• Removal or modification of redundant structures within watercourses
• Installation of natural flood management features
• Excavation and shaping of channels and wetland features
• Installation of erosion control and habitat enhancement measures
• Working alongside ecological teams to protect sensitive aquatic habitats
• Operating machinery safely in and around water, subject to site specific controls and permissions

Vegetation and Woodland Management

• Vegetation clearance using excavator mounted attachments
• Scrub and woodland clearance
• Tree and vegetation removal using appropriate specialist attachments
• Handling timber, brash and vegetation materials
• Supporting forestry and woodland management works
• Ground preparation for woodland creation and habitat enhancement
• Operating tree shears, grapples and other specialist attachments where qualified and competent
• Supporting invasive species management and vegetation control projects

Excavator and Machinery Operation

• Operating tracked 360 excavators of varying sizes and configurations
• Operating specialist low ground pressure and long reach excavators
• Using excavator attachments including grading buckets, grabs, grapples, tree shears and other specialist equipment
• Working accurately to specified levels, gradients and profiles
• Operating safely in restricted access areas and challenging terrain
• Assessing ground conditions and identifying potential operating hazards
• Carrying out daily machinery inspections and basic maintenance
• Identifying and reporting defects, damage or maintenance requirements
• Ensuring machinery is operated in accordance with manufacturer guidance and site requirements
• Maintaining machinery and equipment in a clean, safe and serviceable condition
• Working alongside banksmen, groundworkers and other site operatives

Health, Safety and Environmental Responsibilities

You will also be responsible for:

• Working in line with RAMS, site instructions and environmental good practice
• Understanding and following site specific environmental restrictions and protection measures
• Minimising ground disturbance, pollution risks and damage to sensitive habitats
• Following appropriate biosecurity procedures to prevent the spread of invasive non native species
• Supporting safe working practices around watercourses, wetlands, steep terrain and unstable ground
• Following safe excavation procedures and identifying underground and overhead services
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety, environmental protection and workmanship
• Supporting Team Leaders with site setup, organisation of materials and safe working arrangements
• Working professionally when interacting with clients, landowners and members of the public
• Contributing positively to team culture and supporting colleagues where required

Experience and Skills Required

Experience

The successful candidate will have proven practical experience operating 360 excavators within one or more of the following environments:

• Civil engineering and groundworks
• Environmental contracting
• Drainage and earthworks
• River and watercourse works
• Pond and lake construction or restoration
• Peatland or wetland restoration
• Habitat creation and ecological restoration
• Countryside infrastructure construction
• Forestry and woodland management
• Agricultural contracting
• Landscaping and land management

Strong practical experience operating tracked 360 excavators is essential.

We are particularly interested in operators who are confident carrying out excavation, grading, drainage, earthmoving and precision groundworks in challenging outdoor environments.

Experience operating low ground pressure excavators, long reach excavators or specialist machinery on peatlands, wetlands and environmentally sensitive sites would be highly advantageous.

Experience working on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), protected habitats or other designated conservation sites would also be beneficial.

We recognise that experienced operators may come from traditional construction, civil engineering or agricultural backgrounds. What matters is the ability to apply those skills carefully and responsibly within environmentally sensitive locations.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will hold:

• A full UK driving licence
• A valid CPCS or NPORS 360 Excavator Operator qualification appropriate to the machinery being operated
• Demonstrable experience and competency operating 360 excavators

Additional qualifications, tickets and experience that would be advantageous include:

• Excavator above 10 tonnes qualification
• Dumper qualifications
• Low ground pressure excavator experience
• Long reach excavator experience
• Lifting operations certification where applicable
• CSCS card
• First Aid or Forestry First Aid qualification
• Experience operating excavator mounted forestry or vegetation management attachments
• Experience working around watercourses and environmentally sensitive sites

Relevant practical experience and demonstrated competency will be considered alongside additional formal qualifications.

Skills and Approach

You will:

• Be a confident, competent and experienced 360 Excavator Operator
• Demonstrate accuracy and precision when carrying out excavation and groundworks
• Take pride in delivering practical work to a high standard
• Have a strong understanding of safe excavator operation and site safety
• Demonstrate care and attention when working in environmentally sensitive locations
• Be able to assess ground conditions and adapt operating techniques accordingly
• Be reliable, motivated and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Communicate clearly with colleagues, supervisors and site management
• Take a practical, solutions focused approach to challenges
• Be comfortable working outdoors in varied weather conditions and challenging terrain
• Understand the importance of protecting the surrounding environment
• Be willing to learn new techniques and develop specialist operating skills
• Take responsibility for the condition and safe operation of machinery
• Adapt to different types of projects, machinery and site conditions

Who Thrives at EnviroCulture

People who do well at EnviroCulture are practical, grounded and take pride in delivering well managed site work. They enjoy working outdoors, value teamwork and understand the importance of quality and environmental responsibility.

For this role, we are particularly interested in experienced excavator operators who take pride in their machinery, understand the importance of precision and can adapt their operating techniques to suit different environments.

Our projects are varied, and the work can be very different from conventional construction sites. One project may involve precision excavation for countryside infrastructure, while another could involve peatland restoration, river restoration or habitat creation within a protected landscape.

The ability to work carefully, efficiently and responsibly is essential, particularly when operating machinery in locations where the surrounding environment must be protected.

A genuine interest in landscapes, nature and land management is important, alongside a strong commitment to safety and high standards.

A Quick Reality Check

EnviroCulture is not for everyone.

This is a site based, practical role working outdoors in all weather and often in remote, environmentally sensitive or publicly accessible locations.

Our projects can involve difficult access, wet or unstable ground, steep terrain and challenging operating conditions. Machinery operation must be carefully planned and adapted to suit the site, particularly when working within protected habitats or sensitive landscapes.

This is not a role where operators will simply be carrying out repetitive excavation on conventional construction sites. Our work is varied and often requires a combination of technical skill, environmental awareness, patience and practical problem solving.

Travel and flexibility are part of the job, and working away may occasionally be required depending on project locations.

Our four day working week means longer working days Monday to Thursday, but in return provides a regular three day weekend and a better opportunity to balance a demanding outdoor role with life outside work.

For experienced excavator operators who enjoy varied work, take pride in their skills and want to contribute to projects that improve landscapes and communities, this can be a very rewarding role.

Equal Opportunities

EnviroCulture is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

Pay: £28,000.00-£30,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Free parking
• On-site parking

Application question(s):

• Have you got the tickets listed?

Experience:

• Excavator: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person