Casual Out Of Hours Highway Operative

Civic Recruitment Limited; Swindon; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Civic Recruitment Limited is supporting a local authority in Swindon with a 6 month contract for Highway Operative duties. The role focuses on responding to out-of-hours emergencies, repairing and maintaining the highway, and ensuring safe traffic management and public safety.

The post requires working outside normal hours, attending incidents such as road traffic collisions and flooding, deploying Chapter 8 traffic controls, and collaborating with inspectors and emergency officers.

Qualifications

• Significant experience within highways maintenance, civil engineering, construction or groundwork operations.
• Experience working on highway schemes and emergency response activities.
• Knowledge of risk assessments and safe systems of work.

Responsibilities

• Respond to out-of-hours highway emergency call-outs on a rota basis.
• Attend highway incidents including road traffic collisions, potholes, localised flooding, oil spillages, highway defects, emergency highway repairs.
• Install, maintain and remove traffic management in accordance with Chapter 8 requirements.
• Record labour, materials, plant usage and rechargeable works.
• Complete timesheets, records and documentation accurately.

Skills

Highways maintenance

Civil engineering

Construction

Groundwork operations

Team supervision

Outdoor work

Health & safety

Tools

Hand tools

Powered tools

Plant equipment

Job description

Swindon, United Kingdom | Posted on 16/10/2026

At Civic Recruitment and Limited, we know that individuals are more than just fixed expenses; they are the cornerstone of every thriving organisation. That’s why we are passionate about transforming recruitment in the public and private sectors.

In the modern job market, organisations in both public and private sectors face significant workforce challenges. Public sector entities, such as local councils and central government departments, often struggle with lengthy recruitment processes, limited access to qualified candidates, and stringent budgetary and regulatory constraints. Private sector businesses, on the other hand, encounter high turnover rates, difficulties managing a mix of permanent and temporary staff, and challenges in sourcing specialised talent for niche industries. These sector-specific obstacles, coupled with the universal complexities of payroll management, create a pressing need for efficient workforce solutions.

Civic Recruitment Limited addresses these challenges with innovative recruitment and payroll solutions tailored for diverse organisational needs. Recognising the critical hurdles organisations face, the company leverages its expertise to streamline processes, reduce recruitment times, and alleviate administrative burdens. With an extensive database of over 1 million pre-screened candidates, Civic Recruitment Limited is well-positioned to cater to the specific needs of both public and private sectors.

Job Description

6 Month Contract With A local Authority

Job Purpose

To support the Council's Highway Operations service by responding to out-of-hours highway emergencies and incidents, ensuring the safe passage of the public and maintaining the safety and operational integrity of the highway network in accordance with the Highways Act 1980.

The postholder will attend emergency call‑outs, undertake highway repairs and safety works, implement traffic management measures and assist in responding to incidents such as road traffic collisions, flooding, potholes and highway hazards. The role requires working safely, effectively and professionally in challenging environments, often outside normal working hours.

Key Responsibilities

• Respond to out-of-hours highway emergency call‑outs on a rota basis.
• Attend highway incidents including:
  • Road Traffic Collisions
  • Potholes
  • Localised Flooding
  • Oil Spillages
  • Highway Defects
  • Emergency Highway Repairs
• Assist Highway Inspectors, Senior Specialists and Emergency Officers during incidents.
• Ensure the safe movement of the general public and road users.
• Install, maintain and remove traffic management in accordance with Chapter 8 requirements.
• Erect signs, barriers, cones and safety equipment correctly and safely.
• Follow Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Identify hazards and contribute to safe systems of work.
• Attend and participate in Toolbox Talks and site briefings.
• Comply with Health and Safety at Work Act requirements.
• Wear and maintain all issued PPE.
• Operate powered hand tools, machinery and plant equipment safely.
• Undertake highway maintenance and civil engineering works as directed.
• Support small teams of operatives during emergency works.
• Complete timesheets, records and documentation accurately.
• Record labour, materials, plant usage and rechargeable works.
• Maintain tools, vehicles, machinery and equipment in good working condition.
• Dispose of waste materials responsibly and in accordance with environmental regulations.
• Promote recycling and sustainable working practices wherever possible.
• Attend mandatory training and maintain required certifications.
• Work professionally with members of the public, contractors, emergency services and colleagues.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping and site cleanliness.

Requirements

• Significant experience within highways maintenance, civil engineering, construction or groundwork operations.
• Experience working on highway schemes and emergency response activities.
• Understanding of:
  • Highway Maintenance Processes
  • Civil Engineering Practices
  • Groundwork Operations
  • Traffic Management Requirements
  • Utility Plans
  • Contract Drawings
• Experience using hand tools, powered tools and plant equipment.
• Knowledge of risk assessments and safe systems of work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to supervise small operational teams where required.

Essential Qualifications & Certifications

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Street Works Qualification.
• Chapter 8 Traffic Signs, Lighting and Guarding Qualification.
• CSCS Card.
• First Aid Qualification or First Response First Aider Certification.
• Needlestick Awareness Training.
• Abrasive Wheels Training.
• Experience responding to emergency highway incidents.
• Experience operating specialist highway maintenance plant.
• Previous Local Authority highways experience.
• Environmental and waste management knowledge.