Assistant Drainage Operative

Tetra Tech Europe; Manchester; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Tetra Tech is seeking an Assistant Drainage Operative to join our wastewater network team in Irlam or Clevedon. The role involves collecting data from above- and below-ground infrastructure as part of a three-person crew, supporting projects for regional water companies.

This permanent, 40-hour-per-week position is site-based with no regular hybrid or remote working. Training will be provided, and you will develop practical surveying and health and safety skills on the job.

Qualifications

• A full UK driving licence is required.
• Outdoor work and teamwork are essential.
• Drugs and alcohol testing and a DBS check are required.
• CSCS card is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Move inspection chamber covers and assist the site survey crew.
• Collect flow and asset data from wastewater infrastructure.
• Support safety and maintain safe systems of work.
• Work on highways and enter confined spaces when required.
• Travel to sites as contracts require; occasional night/weekend work.

Skills

Physical fitness

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Flexibility

Willingness to learn

Education

Full UK driving licence

CSCS card desirable

Job description

Build safer, smarter wastewater networks as an Assistant Drainage Operative

Purpose And Scope Of The Role

Tetra Tech is seeking Assistant Drainage Operatives to join our wastewater network team in Irlam or Clevedon. Working as part of a three-person site survey crew, you will collect flow and asset data from above- and below-ground wastewater infrastructure, supporting projects for regional water companies.

Your day-to-day work will include moving inspection chamber covers, monitoring crew safety, working on highways and entering confined spaces where required. You will help maintain safe systems of work, protect members of the public and deliver accurate, reliable survey data. No previous water industry experience is required, as full training will be provided.

Your Impact In This Position

In the short term, you will develop practical surveying, operational and health and safety skills while contributing to essential water infrastructure services. In the medium term, you can broaden your experience across wastewater networks, drainage, leakage and asset inspection.

With ongoing training and development, this role can support progression within Tetra Tech’s Asset, Surveying and Inspection team. Your work will contribute to reducing leakage, preventing flooding and pollution, and improving resilience for local communities.

Core Capabilities

• Physical fitness and practical ability – Be able to lift, carry and handle heavy items, including inspection chamber covers, and carry out demanding outdoor duties. You should be comfortable working in a physically active role in all weather conditions.
• Teamwork and communication – Work effectively as part of a crew, follow instructions from the team leader and communicate clearly during site activities. Support the safety of colleagues working underground and contribute to a well-organised survey operation.
• Safety awareness and compliance – Demonstrate a strong commitment to health and safety when working in confined spaces, on highways, at height and around heavy equipment. Follow safe systems of work at all times and remain alert to risks to yourself, your colleagues and the public.
• Flexibility and reliability – Be prepared to work flexibly, including occasional evenings, weekends, night shifts, overtime and travel away from home when contracts require. A dependable and professional approach is essential.
• Willingness to learn – Bring basic written, verbal, numerical and IT skills, with a practical attitude and enthusiasm to learn new processes, equipment and water industry requirements. Training will be provided, so curiosity and adaptability are important.

Skills, Qualifications And Experience

A full UK driving licence is required. You should enjoy outdoor work and be comfortable working as part of a team. No previous water industry experience is necessary.

A CSCS card is desirable. The role requires successful completion of mandatory drugs and alcohol testing and a DBS check.

Work patterns and locations:

This is a permanent, 40-hour-per-week role, based in either Irlam or Clevedon. Occasional night work, weekend working and travel away from home may be required. The role is primarily site-based and is not suitable for regular hybrid or remote working.

Why join Tetra Tech?

Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.

We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.

In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role. #AS&I