Highways and Drainage Operative

Local Government South East; Reading; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Life Assurance

On-site nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car scheme

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a reliable Highways & Drainage Operative to maintain and improve the highway network, keeping roads, footpaths and drainage systems safe and resilient for residents and visitors.

Based at Bennet Road depot, the role involves practical maintenance, emergency response, winter duties and working outdoors in all weather, with a strong emphasis on health and safety and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Experience in highways, drainage or construction-related work or willingness to train.
• Practical, physically fit and comfortable working outdoors.
• Committed to health and safety in a highways environment.
• Team player with ability to follow instructions and flexible for out-of-hours duties.
• Full UK driving licence; HGV licence desirable depending on role.

Responsibilities

• Carry out a wide range of highway and drainage maintenance works.
• Cleansing and maintaining gullies and drainage systems.
• Carry out minor carriageway and footway repairs.
• Install and repair street furniture.
• Respond to emergency calls such as flooding, blockages and storm damage.
• Work outdoors in all weather and follow safety procedures.
• Support winter maintenance activities including gritting and snow clearance.
• Participate in standby or out-of-hours rotas.

Skills

Highways & drainage experience

Practical

Health & safety minded

Team player

Driving licence

Job description

Reading Borough Council

We are looking for a reliable and hardworking Highways & Drainage Operative to join our Highways & Drainage Team. This is a hands‑on role maintaining and improving the highway network, helping to keep roads, footpaths and drainage systems safe, serviceable and resilient for residents, businesses and visitors.

• Full Time
• Permanent
• Reading
• Posted 12 hours ago
• Starting £29,071 Per year £ / Year
• Closes: 15 November 2026

Website Reading Borough Council

We are looking for a reliable and hardworking Highways & Drainage Operative to join our Highways & Drainage Team. This is a hands‑on role maintaining and improving the highway network, helping to keep roads, footpaths and drainage systems safe, serviceable and resilient for residents, businesses and visitors.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About The Role

Based at our Bennet Road depot – 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX

As a Highways & Drainage Operative, you will carry out a wide range of practical highway and drainage maintenance works. This includes cleansing and maintaining gullies and drainage systems, carrying out minor carriageway and footway repairs, installing and repairing street furniture, and responding to emergency call‑outs such as flooding, blockages and storm damage.

You will work outdoors in all weather conditions, using a variety of tools, plant and machinery, and will be expected to follow safe working practices at all times, including traffic management and health and safety procedures. The role also involves working as part of a team to deliver programmed works as well as reacting quickly to urgent issues that affect public safety.

You may also be required to support winter maintenance activities, including gritting and snow clearance, and to participate in standby or out‑of‑hours rotas to ensure the network remains safe and accessible.

About You

• Has experience of highways, drainage or construction‑related work (or is willing to be trained)
• Is practical, physically fit and comfortable working outdoors
• Understands the importance of health and safety in a highways environment
• Can work well as part of a team and follow instructions
• Has a flexible approach to work, including emergency and out‑of‑hours duties
• Holds a full UK driving licence (HGV licence desirable, depending on role)

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Benefits

• Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
• Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
• Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Our Offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A Competitive Salary Alongside a Range Of Benefits Including

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Depot at 19 Bennet Road in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Steve Rendell, Highways and Drainage Manager at [e-mail]

Closing Date: Sunday 15th November 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Setup: In person at 19 Bennet Road, Reading