INVASIVE PLANT TECHNICIAN / OPERATIVE

Japanese Knotweed Solutions is seeking an Invasive Plant Technician to join their site-based team in Bury, UK. The role involves outdoor, hands-on work, including herbicide treatment and mechanical remediation of invasive plants. Candidates should have a valid UK driving license, a strong work ethic, and be willing to travel. Training will be provided. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for skill development.
Japanese Knotweed Solutions Ltd (JKSL) was the first company in the UK to offer a dedicated, single-species approach to the eradication of invasive plants. Since 2000, we've led the market in innovation, service, and delivery—setting the standard for others to follow.

With an ever-growing portfolio of clients and projects across the country, we’re now looking to expand our site-based team with a motivated and reliable Invasive Plant Technician.

About the role

This is a hands-on, varied, and physically active role, ideal for someone who enjoys working outdoors, travelling, being part of a close-knit team, and wants to build a long-term career in an environmental or construction-related field.

You’ll be involved in a wide range of site activities, supporting both herbicide treatment and mechanical remediation projects.

Key Responsibilities:
• Administering herbicide treatments to invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed (training provided)
• Cutting and processing vegetation (training provided)
• Manual labour on mechanical remediation projects (e.g., root barrier installation)
• Operating machinery such as dumpers or excavators (training provided)
• Engaging with clients/contractors on site and building good working relationships with them.

No two days are the same— you’ll work across a wide range of sites across the UK, from national parks and major development sites to private estates and heritage locations (we’ve even worked on celebrity homes!). Occasionally we work in sensitive wildlife areas, with badgers, great crested newts and aquatic species.

What We're Looking For

We’re seeking a hard-working, dependable and professional team player who is ready to develop their skills and progress in a growing business. Ideally, the candidate will already have experience within our industry but this is not essential as full training will be provided.

Essential
• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Strong work ethic and team-focused attitude
• Willingness to travel and work away from home (some overnight stays required)
• Good communication skills and a professional approach
• Physically fit and able to perform manual labour in all weather conditions

Desirable (but not essential – training will be provided):
• CSCS card
• Dumper and/or excavator licence
• PA1, PA6, or PA6AW spraying licences
• Basic plant knowledge or interest in the environment
• Experience with vegetation management or site labour
• Asbestos awareness, SSSTS, SMSTS qualifications
• Chainsaw/chipper operation
• H&S qualifications (IOSH/NEBOSH)
• Banksman and cable avoidance (CAT) training

What We Offer
• Competitive salary starting at £28,000+ per annum (depending on experience)
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays (increases with length of service)
• 2 additional paid wellbeing days annually
• Company vehicle and fuel card
• £1,000 annual personal training budget
• Paid overnight accommodation and allowances (breakfast, evening meal, lunch)
• Monday to Friday working hours (typically 07:30–17:00)
• Stakeholder pension scheme
• A supportive, friendly team and excellent on-the-job training

Successful candidates will be well presented, have a strong work ethic and work well within a team.

Please note: Due to the nature of the work and our client requirements, random drug and alcohol testing may be carried out by the company or third parties.

· Location: Manchester

· Job type: Permanent

· Salary per annum: £28K+ (depending on experience)

Japanese Knotweed Solutions Limited is an equal opportunities employer.

If you wish to apply please email your CV to alex.dayes@sltd.co.uk and cc. mike.clough@sltd.co.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From £28,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• Company car
• Company pension

Work Location: On the road