Civils Operative

Lanes Group; Penrith; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Lanes Group in Bradford is seeking a Civils Operative to support groundworks and drainage projects across Yorkshire. You will dig trenches, lay pipes, install ground supports and maintain equipment while following safety standards and client specifications.

Applicants should hold a Full UK driving licence, have a civils background (utilities preferred), good teamwork and health-and-safety awareness, and be capable of reporting hazards and maintaining site records with accuracy using a tablet.

Qualifications

• Full UK driving licence is essential.
• Civils background, ideally from utilities.
• Good communication and teamwork skills are needed.
• Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental procedures on site.
• Ability to identify, report hazards, and issues proactively.

Responsibilities

• Carry out groundwork tasks such as trench digging, pipe laying and surface prep.
• Install and maintain over-pumping systems and ensure safe excavations.
• Update site records using an electronic tablet.
• Operate machinery and tools safely to assist on site.
• Perform daily vehicle checks and maintenance to ensure roadworthiness.
• Maintain equipment and tools in good condition.
• Wear required PPE at all times.
• Ensure on- and off-site activities comply with highways permits.
• Read and understand drainage plans.
• Record photographic evidence of jobs performed.

Skills

Full UK driving licence

Civils background

Communication & teamwork

Health & safety on site

Hazard reporting

Job description

Lanes Group is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £700 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Department

Sapphire Utility Solutions, a Lanes Group Company specialise in multiple divisions.

Yorkshire Water - WWSA

provides essential wastewater services to millions of customers and businesses across Yorkshire. From managing sewerage networks to treating wastewater, protecting the environment, and maintaining reservoirs and catchments.

The Team play a vital role in supporting communities across the region and are committed to sustainability, innovation, and customer service, investing in infrastructure and environmental improvements to create a thriving Yorkshire for generations to come.

Purpose of the role

To support the delivery of civil engineering and drainage works by carrying out a range of groundwork and construction activities, including excavation, pipe installation, repairs, and site maintenance. The Civils Operative is responsible for working safely and efficiently, operating tools and equipment, maintaining accurate site records, and ensuring all works are completed in line with company procedures, health and safety standards, and client requirements.

Location

Low Moor, Bradford, BD12 0NF

Hours

47.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 7am-5pm with a 30 minute lunch).

Hourly Rate

£14.00 - £15.50 p/h depending on experience

Overtime

Overtime available at time and a half.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out groundwork tasks such as digging trenches, laying pipes, spot repairs and preparing surfaces for construction
• Install and maintain over-pumping systems and maintain safe excavations with installation of ground support
• Updating and completing site documentation using electronic tablet
• Operate machinery and tools safely and efficiently to assist with various tasks
• Perform daily vehicle checks and maintenance to ensure roadworthiness
• Maintain equipment and tools to ensure they are in good working condition
• Wearing and maintaining any Personal Protective Equipment provided for your protection at all times
• Ensuring on and off sites are live to avoid any penalties with highways permits
• Reading and understand Drainage plans
• Recording photographic evidence of jobs performed and completed

Key Requirements

Skills & Experience

• Full UK driving license
• Civils background ideally from Utilities
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental procedures, with the ability to work safely on site
• Ability to identify and report defects, hazards and issues in a proactive manner.

Desirable

• NRSWA (Street Works) accreditation
• EUSR National Water Hygiene, Water SHEA and Safe Dig (CAT & Genny)
• Confined Space certification
• NPORS/CPCS plant operation tickets (e.g. excavators, dumpers)
• Banksman, Slinger/Signaller and Excavator as Crane qualifications
• SSSTS or SMSTS site safety qualifications
• Emergency First Aid and Manual Handling certification
• Asbestos Awareness and Abrasive Wheels training
• Shuttering & Shoring / Deep Excavation certification
• CPC Driver Training (where applicable)
• Face Fit Testing (FFP3) and other relevant health and safety training

Living The Company Values

By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow'.

Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations; this role holder is expected to:

• Leading: Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change
• Agile: Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts
• Nurturing: Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans
• Engaging: Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibility
• Safe & Secure: Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards

Your Contribution to the company

• Strive to be always positive and constructive
• Adhere to all company policies
• Straight talking about the facts of the situation - open discussions are the best way to find solutions
• Help others through communicating clearly
• Deliver on commitments
• Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues
• Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together'

Equality, Diversion & Inclusion

At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.