Drainage Operative

Penguin Recruitment; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm in Guildford is seeking a Drainage Engineer to provide customer service and technical expertise in resolving drainage issues. This permanent position offers a salary of up to £34,000 with opportunities for performance bonuses. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of experience in the drainage sector, possess strong communication skills, and be comfortable working independently and outdoors. A clean UK driving license and HPWJ certification are preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in the drainage sector is essential.
• Technical capability across drainage functions.
• High-Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with customers on site.
• Conduct site surveys to diagnose drainage issues.
• Recommend and implement repair solutions.

Skills

Technical capability across drainage functions

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Confident using mobile technology

Tools

High-pressure water jetters

CCTV survey tools

Job description

Drainage Engineer

Location: Guildford
Job Type: Permanent
Working Style: Field-Based
Salary: Up to £34,000 (raising after passing probation) + Overtime + Performance Bonuses

Role Overview

Reporting to the Regional Development Manager, the Drainage Engineer will attend domestic and commercial sites to diagnose, resolve and recommend solutions for drainage-related issues. This field-based role requires strong technical capability, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to work independently and safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Liaise professionally with domestic and commercial customers on site.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, ensuring all interactions reflect the brand's standards.
• Conduct site surveys to investigate and diagnose drainage faults and issues.
• Recommend and implement suitable repair or maintenance solutions, including:
  • Drain clearance
  • De-scaling and root cutting
  • Minor excavations and patch lining
  • Preventative maintenance
• Operate specialist equipment such as high-pressure water jetters, CCTV survey tools and rods.
• Identify potential risks or additional work requirements and communicate these to customers.
• Interpret drainage drawings and work independently within technical areas of expertise.

Experience, Skills & Knowledge

Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience in the drainage sector (essential).
• Plumbing experience (desirable).
• Technical capability across drainage functions.
• Drainage tanker experience (preferred).
• Full UK driving licence (clean) with flexibility to travel.
• CSCS card (preferred).
• Confident using mobile technology (calls, photos, email, CRM applications).

Skills & Certification

• Background in drainage engineering.
• High-Pressure Water Jetting (HPWJ) certification.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• DBS check required as part of onboarding.

Behaviours & Attributes

• Hands‑on, leads from the front, and enjoys working with others to achieve positive outcomes.
• Positive, can‑do attitude with strong problem‑solving skills.
• Organised, goal‑focused and committed to learning.
• Comfortable working independently and outdoors.
• Customer‑centric and highly motivated.