General Operative

Ground Control Limited; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Recognition schemes

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control Limited is seeking a reliable General Operative for its River & Rural team. The role covers outdoor work on rivers, lakes, ponds, and rural sites across the UK, with duties spanning dredging, vegetation management, and basic civil works.

You will work on site, wear PPE, and follow safety procedures, joining a close-knit team. A valid CSCS card, full UK driving licence, and willingness to stay away when required are essential.

Qualifications

• CSCS card – essential.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Able to swim.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weathers.
• Reliable, punctual and willing to get involved.
• Able to follow instructions and use common sense on site.
• Basic computer skills, including using apps on a phone or tablet.
• Willing to stay away from home occasionally.
• Desirable: Experience in construction, landscaping, agriculture or similar outdoor work.
• Experience working with boats or around water.
• CPCS/NPORS excavator tickets.
• Chainsaw, brushcutter or First Aid qualifications.
• B+E trailer towing entitlement.

Responsibilities

• Support dredging, desilting and vegetation clearance works.
• Assist with bank repairs, fencing, access tracks and general civil works.
• Work on and near water, including from boats and pontoons.
• Load, unload and maintain tools, plant and equipment.
• Drive team members and equipment to and from sites.
• Follow RAMS and site safety procedures.
• Complete basic daily paperwork and digital checklists.
• Keep sites clean, tidy and safe.

Skills

CSCS card

Full UK driving licence

Able to swim

Physically fit

Reliable

Punctual

Follow instructions

Basic computer skills

Willing to stay away occasionally

Tools

CPCS/NPORS excavator tickets

Chainsaw

Brushcutter

First Aid qualifications

B+E trailer towing entitlement

Job description

General Operative Location: Cambridgeshire Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday We're looking for a reliable and hands-on General Operative - River & Rural to join Ground Control's River & Rural team, working on rivers, lakes, ponds and rural sites across the UK. You'll support a variety of outdoor projects, including dredging, desilting, vegetation management and small civil works. It's a practical, varied role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, getting stuck in and being part of a close-knit team.

What you’ll do

• Support dredging, desilting and vegetation clearance works.
• Assist with bank repairs, fencing, access tracks and general civil works.
• Work on and near water, including from boats and pontoons.
• Load, unload and maintain tools, plant and equipment.
• Drive team members and equipment to and from sites.
• Follow RAMS and site safety procedures.
• Complete basic daily paperwork and digital checklists.
• Keep sites clean, tidy and safe.

What you’ll get

• PPE and training provided.
• Accommodation and subsistence covered when staying away.
• Opportunities to gain additional tickets and qualifications.
• Varied outdoor work across the UK.
• The opportunity to develop practical skills within a supportive team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

What we’re looking for

• CSCS card – essential.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Able to swim.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weathers.
• Reliable, punctual and willing to get involved.
• Able to follow instructions and use common sense on site.
• Basic computer skills, including using apps on a phone or tablet.
• Willing to stay away from home occasionally.
• Desirable: Experience in construction, landscaping, agriculture or similar outdoor work.
• Experience working with boats or around water.
• CPCS/NPORS excavator tickets.
• Chainsaw, brushcutter or First Aid qualifications.
• B+E trailer towing entitlement.

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation. We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero-tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.