Closing Date: 18/12/2026 General Operative (EA) Bowburn - Hourly Civil Engineering - Drainage & Wastewater Network Explore

Esh Group; Bowburn; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

Esh Group is seeking a General Operative to support construction activities at Bowburn. You will assist the Working Foreman with site duties, ensuring high safety standards and quality work on flood defence and drainage projects.

Responsibilities include installing haul roads, erecting flood defences, drainage installation, concreting, brickwork, reinstatement, and maintaining accurate timesheets and records while working safely either independently or as part of a team.

Qualifications

• Must have strong safety awareness and ability to work under instruction
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Willingness to learn and follow EA policies and procedures

Responsibilities

• Preparing site compounds and installing haul roads
• Installing flood defences such as gabion baskets and rock armour
• Maintaining floodwalls and point repairs
• Installing drains and ducts
• Installing and maintaining over-pumping systems
• Concreting and brickwork duties
• Reinstatement and landscaping experience
• Excavation for structures including small piling works
• Laying ducts and TWs installation
• Accurate submission of timesheets and site records
• Adhering to absence reporting procedures
• Upholding health and safety standards and quality work

Skills

Can-do attitude

Punctual and reliable

Work safely and efficiently

Communicate progress

Professional demeanor

Job description

About the role:

We are looking for a General Operative to carry out general construction work, ensuring it meets the client’s expectations, and Health, Safety and the Environmental SSoW is adhered to at all times.

Location:

Bowburn

What we will expect from you:

Supporting various activities, as directed by the Working Foreman, including:

• Preparing site compounds & Installing haul roads
• Installing flood defences to main rivers e.g. gabion baskets, rock armour, piling, clay flood banks etc
• Maintain floodwalls – e.g. Copings, re-pointing etc
• Installation of drains & ducts
• Install and maintain over-pumping systems
• Concreting & Brickwork activities
• Reinstatement and landscaping experience
• Excavation for structures including small scale piling works
• Laying ducts
• A good knowledge in TWs installation
• Ensure timesheets are submitted accurately and on time with excellent site records
• Adhere to company absence reporting procedure
• Work independently as well as part of a team
• The Group is committed to achieving a high standard of Health and Safety in all its activities and the post holder will be expected to contribute to maintaining standards to ensure compliance with all appropriate legislation
• To ensure that all activities are completed to the highest quality
• To recognise the importance of fairness and equality in the workplace, to treat everyone with dignity and respect

It is not possible for this document to totally encompass or define all tasks that may be required of the post holder. The outlined duties may therefore vary from time to time without materially changing either the character or level of responsibility.

The successful candidate will be measured on:

• Work safely and efficiently
• Working from own initiative
• Standard of work
• Willingness to adapt to EA Policies & learn

What to Expect from us:

At Esh, our values shape the way we work every day — and you can expect to see them in action from the moment you join us.

• Care: We prioritise your wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to grow, learn, and bring your best self to work
• Trust: You’ll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, with managers who believe in your abilities and are there to support you when needed
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option. You can rely on open, honest communication and fair decision making
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and create a workplace where everyone is listened to, valued, and treated with dignity
• Working Together: Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll join a team that celebrates shared success and supports one another to achieve great results

Together, these values create a workplace where people feel welcome, trusted, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

Qualifications:

• A valid UK driving licence - essential
• Confined space training – essential
• Environmental working experience -strongly preferred
• Street works qualifications – preferred
• Working in/near water – preferred
• SEATS – preferred
• SHEWCoP Experience - preferred
  

Attributes & Skills:

• Has a “can do/ will do” attitude
• Is punctual and reliable
• To work safely and efficiently
• Keeps people informed of progress on key tasks
• Polite and approachable at all times
• Is open to new ideas and listens to other people’s point of view
  
• Takes responsibility for managing own performance and personal development
• Conducts themselves in a courteous and professional manner