General Operative

Volkerrail Group; Chichester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Birthday leave

Private medical care

Pension

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work

Training opportunities

Family friendly policies

Flexible working

Employee Assistance Programme

Mental health support

24/7 Virtual GP

Job summary

VolkerHighways is seeking a Highways Operative to join the Highways Term Maintenance Contract, based at the depot in Chichester, West Sussex. You will carry out kerb laying, drainage, asphalt, and civils work, operate plant, and support winter and out-of-hours tasks.

A strong team player with a valid UK driving licence is essential, and training opportunities are available. We offer competitive pay and benefits, with progression potential within a supportive, safety-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in highways maintenance or civils is preferred.
• NRSWA or SWQR qualification is required.
• Confident operating plant and tools.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.
• Willingness to undertake training (e.g. NRSWA, CSCS).
• Outdoor work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Carry out kerb laying, footway works, drainage, asphalt, and general civils.
• Operate mechanical plant and machinery (training where required).
• Support emergency call-out and winter maintenance duties.
• Work with direct labour and subcontractors to achieve targets.
• Ensure work is delivered safely and to quality standards.

Skills

Highways maintenance

Team player

Outdoor work

Driving licence

Education

NRSWA/SWQR certification

CSCS card

HGV licence (desirable)

Tools

Plant operation

Heavy machinery

Job description

About us

VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities.

We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.

About the role

We are currently looking for a Highways Operative to join our Highways Term Maintenance Contract based out of our depot in Chichester, West Sussex.

Key Responsibilities

• Carry out a variety of highways maintenance tasks including:
  • Kerb laying and footway works
  • Drainage repairs and installation
  • Asphalt and patching works
  • General civils and groundworks
• Operate mechanical plant and machinery (training and certification where required).
• Support emergency call-out and winter maintenance operations as part of an out-of-hours rota.
• Work collaboratively with direct labour and subcontract partners to achieve daily/weekly targets.
• Ensure all work is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with VolkerHighways’ quality standards.
• Maintain tools, equipment and vehicles in a safe, clean and serviceable condition.

About you

• Experience in highways maintenance, construction or general civils (preferred but not essential).
• NRSWA or Street Works Qualification Register (SWQR)
• Confident operating plant and tools
• A strong team player with a positive and reliable work ethic.
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Full UK driving licence (HGV desirable but not essential).
• Willingness to undertake training and development (e.g. NRSWA, CSCS, winter duties).

If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

Why work with us?

VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerHighways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
• Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefit
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service

Fairness, inclusion and respect

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.

If you need support with your application, please contact us at [e-mail]

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies:

Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.

We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed to [e-mail]

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.

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