Class 2 Gritter Drivers

The Best Connection; Haggate; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

The Best Connection is recruiting for Class 2 Gritter Drivers to join our winter highways team for the 2026/27 season at the BB10 2TJ area. This seasonal role runs from mid-October 2026 to end of April 2027, with immediate interviews and full winter training provided.

Expect a standby-based schedule with day and night shifts, typically one week on followed by three weeks off. If you value reliable work with professional highways operations, this is a strong seasonal opportunity.

Qualifications

• Hold a valid Class 2 / Cat C driving licence.
• Minimum 12 months Class 2 driving experience.
• Be reliable, responsible and safety-conscious.
• Available for the required standby rota.
• Able to respond promptly when called.
• Comfortable working nights in winter conditions.

Responsibilities

• Drive Class 2 gritting vehicles safely and responsibly.
• Complete assigned gritting routes.
• Carry out vehicle checks before and after operations.
• Load and prepare the vehicle.
• Complete post-treatment duties.
• Remain available at the depot between treatments.
• Follow all health, safety and winter maintenance procedures.

Skills

Class 2 driving

Reliable

Safety-conscious

Good driving record

Night shift ready

Education

Class 2 / Cat C licence

Job description

Class 2 Gritter Drivers Wanted - Winter 2026/27

Location: BB10 2TJ

Contract: Seasonal - Mid October 2026 to April 2027

Interviews: Immediate / ASAP

Experience: Minimum 12 months Class 2 driving experience

Licence: Valid Class 2 (Cat C) licence required

We are currently recruiting Class 2 Gritter Drivers to join our winter highways team and help keep Burnley's roads safe throughout the 2026/27 winter season.

This is a fantastic opportunity for experienced Class 2 drivers looking for ongoing work, with full winter gritting training provided.

Pay Rates

• Standard rate: £15.07 per hour PAYE - 6:00am to 11:00pm
• Enhanced rate: £18.83 per hour PAYE - 11:00pm to 6:00am
• Standby payment: For a 12-hour standby shift, 6:00pm-6:00am
• Standby rotation: Typically 1 week on / 3 weeks off

What's Involved?

As a Gritter Driver, you will play an important role in keeping local roads safe during periods of cold, frost, ice and snow.

During your standby week, you will be on call for seven consecutive night shifts, operating from 6:00pm to 6:00am, Friday to Friday.

You will then provide daytime standby cover over the following weekend, from 6:00am to 6:00pm.

Most precautionary gritting treatments take approximately 3 hours, although this can vary depending on weather conditions. During periods of significant snowfall or severe winter weather, you may be required to remain at the depot for longer and undertake multiple treatments throughout your standby shift.

You will not be driving continuously for 12 hours. Drivers remain based at the gritting depot between treatments and are required to be available to respond promptly when treatment is called.

How Does It Work?

Winter maintenance operations are planned around detailed weather forecasts.

• A morning update is provided regarding the likelihood of treatment.
• A formal decision is generally made following updated lunchtime forecasts.
• Drivers are then notified of the treatment requirements.
• While most operations are planned in advance, short-notice call-outs can occur, so drivers must be available and ready to respond during their standby period.

Your duties will include:

• Driving Class 2 gritting vehicles safely and responsibly
• Completing assigned gritting routes
• Carrying out vehicle checks before and after operations
• Loading and preparing the vehicle
• Completing post-treatment duties
• Remaining available at the depot between treatments
• Following all health, safety and winter maintenance procedures

Full Training Provided

You do not need previous gritting experience.

All additional winter maintenance and gritter-driver training will be provided.

What We're Looking For

To be considered, you must:

• Hold a valid Class 2 / Cat C driving licence
• Have a minimum of 12 months Class 2 driving experience
• Have a good driving record
• Be reliable, responsible and safety-conscious
• Be available for the required standby rota
• Be able to respond promptly when called upon
• Be comfortable working nights and in challenging winter weather conditions

Previous experience in gritting, highways, winter maintenance or similar work would be advantageous but is not essential, as full training is provided.

Seasonal Opportunity

The winter maintenance standby arrangements are expected to run from mid-October 2026 through to the end of April 2027, with the busiest period normally being December, January and February.

The role may be extended until April 2027, subject to operational requirements.

If you're an experienced Class 2 driver looking for seasonal work over the winter months, this could be an excellent opportunity to join a professional highways operation, receive specialist training and play a vital role in keeping local roads moving safely.