General Operatives / Water Main Pipe Layers

Fawkes & Reece Group; Swindon; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Long-term opportunities

Competitive rates

Potential for continued work

Job summary

Fawkes & Reece Group is actively recruiting General Operatives / Water Main Pipe Layers for major water and civil engineering projects across the M4 Corridor. The roles include general operative duties and specialized pipe laying tasks on water mains and related components.

Ideal candidates will have background in water mains, utilities, drainage or civil engineering and hold relevant safety cards. The positions offer long-term work with competitive rates based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• CSCS/EUSR/NCO card required or advantageous.
• Experience with water mains, utilities or civil projects.
• Ability to work in teams and in physically demanding environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor/Ganger and Machine Operator with day-to-day site activities.
• Work safely around trenches and chamber excavations.
• Hand dig and expose underground services using approved safe-digging procedures.
• Prepare trench formations, bedding and pipe supports.
• Assist with installation of ductile iron and HDPE water mains.
• Install valves, hydrants, meters and associated fittings.
• Assist with HDPE butt-fusion or electrofusion activities as qualified.
• Maintain housekeeping and report damaged pipes or equipment.

Skills

CSCS

EUSR Labourer

NCO Water Assistant

Job description

General Operatives / Water Main Pipe Layers

Reference: M4GOP_1790781591
Posted: September 30, 2026

Fawkes & Reece are currently recruiting for General Operatives / Water Main Pipe Layers to work on major water and civil engineering projects across the M4 Corridor.

We are looking for experienced operatives with backgrounds in water mains, utilities, drainage and civil engineering. This is an excellent opportunity to join established site teams working on long-term water framework projects.

Depending on experience and qualifications, we are looking for both General Operatives and Water Main Pipe Layers.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor/Ganger and Machine Operator with day-to-day site activities.
• Work safely in and around supported trenches and chamber excavations.
• Hand dig and expose existing underground services using approved safe-digging procedures.
• Prepare trench formations, bedding and pipe supports.
• Assist with the installation of ductile iron and HDPE water mains.
• Clean, inspect and prepare pipe ends, seals, flanges and jointing surfaces.
• Install mechanical joints, couplings, flange assemblies and restraint systems where competent.
• Install valves, hydrants, air valves, washouts, meters and associated fittings.
• Assist with HDPE butt-fusion or electrofusion activities where appropriately qualified.
• Assist with the installation of precast chambers, bases, rings, cover slabs, steps and covers.
• Assist with reinforcement, formwork and concrete works.
• Place, compact and finish concrete where required.
• Operate small plant and equipment when trained and authorised.
• Assist with dewatering activities in accordance with the approved arrangements.
• Place and compact pipe surround and backfill without damaging installed pipework.
• Assist with pipe measurements, joint records, photographs and material records.
• Maintain good housekeeping and ensure tools and materials are stored safely.
• Report damaged pipes, fittings, shoring, services, tools or lifting equipment immediately.

Water Main Pipe Layer Duties

Experienced Pipe Layers will also be expected to:

• Install and joint ductile iron and HDPE water-main pipework.
• Ensure pipework is correctly aligned and installed to the required levels and gradients.
• Install valves, fittings and associated water-main components.
• Complete mechanical joints, flange connections and restraint systems.
• Carry out pipe preparation and jointing in accordance with the relevant procedures.
• Assist with pressure testing, flushing, chlorination and commissioning activities.
• Maintain clean and segregated tools and equipment for potable-water works.
• Record joint numbers, fitting details and as-built information.
• Work closely with the Supervisor/Ganger and Site Engineer to ensure works are completed to specification.

Requirements

General Operative/Water Mains Pipe Layer

• Previous experience working on civil engineering, utilities, drainage or water projects.
• Experience working in and around excavations.
• Experience with hand digging and exposing underground services.
• Good understanding of site health & safety.
• Ability to work as part of a team in a physically demanding environment.
• Relevant CSCS, EUSR Labourer or NCO Water Assistant card.

The following qualifications would be advantageous:

• Ductile Iron Pipe Installation training.
• Forward-Tipping Dumper.
• Ride-on Roller.
• Abrasive Wheels.
• Disc Cutter / Breaker / Compactor training.
• Confined Space training.
• First Aid.

What We Offer

• Long-term opportunities working on a major Water Framework.
• Projects located across the M4 Corridor.
• Competitive rates dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Opportunity to work on major water and civil engineering projects.
• Potential for continued work for reliable and experienced operatives.

Working Conditions

Candidates should be prepared to:

• Work outdoors throughout the year.
• Work in wet, muddy, noisy and restricted environments.
• Work around deep excavations, heavy plant and operational water sites.
• Travel between sites across the M4 Corridor.
• Work occasional nights, weekends, shutdowns or emergency works where required.
• Wear all required PPE and water-hygiene equipment.
• Undertake physically demanding work.
• Comply with site security, occupational-health and fitness-for-work requirements.

Location: Across the M4 Corridor
Sector: Water / Utilities / Civil Engineering
Roles: General Operative / Water Main Pipe Layer
Employment: Freelance / Contract
Start: ASAP / Immediate