Installation Operative

Fishtek; Buckfastleigh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Annual bonus

Training & development

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Fishtek, part of the RSK Group, is seeking a practical Installation Operative to join our team. The role combines hands-on workshop work in Buckfastleigh with offshore and on-site installations across the UK, requiring reliability, safety focus and a willingness to travel.

You will support project preparation, pre-assembly of components, and the installation of fish and eel pass components on site. Travel, staying away from home when required, and maintaining high standards of workmanship are

Qualifications

• Level 4 HNC in Mechanical/Civil Engineering or Level 3 NVQ in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering / Engineering Maintenance / Construction Operations.
• 3+ years practical experience in construction, mechanical installation, maintenance, fabrication or similar operations.
• Experience using hand and power tools safely.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to commute reliably to Buckfastleigh and attend the unit when not working on site.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and stay away from home for project work.
• Good attention to detail, a safety mindset and the ability to work independently or in a small team.
• Basic IT skills and willingness to learn company systems and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and pre-assemble fabricated and mechanical components before mobilisation.
• Support loading, unloading, packing, mobilisation and demobilisation.
• Maintain tools, plant, installation equipment, consumables and stock in an organised condition.
• Assist with routine inspections, maintenance activities and records under the direction of the Site Supervisor.
• Help maintain a safe, clean and efficient workshop and storage unit.
• Install fish and eel pass components on sites across the UK.
• Carry out setting out, drilling, installation of mechanical and chemical anchors, basic pipework and small concrete/formwork activities.
• Use hand and power tools near water, following risk assessments and site rules.
• Travel and stay away from home as required on projects.

Skills

Hand and power tools

Driving licence (UK)

Commute to Buckfastleigh

Safety awareness

Teamwork

IT basics

Education

HNC in Mechanical/Civil Engineering (Level 4)

NVQ Diploma in Mechanical/Engineering Maintenance/Construction Operations (Level 3)

Tools

CSCS training

Job description

Installation Operative (Workshop & Site)

Location: Buckfastleigh, Devon (UK travel and overnight stays required)

The Vacancy

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £30,000–£36,000 (depending on experience)

About us

As part of the RSK Group, Fishtek provides civil engineering and fisheries consultancy services, with a particular focus on designing and installing fish and eel passes that improve river connectivity and the aquatic environment. Our team includes civil and structural engineers and fisheries biologists, supported by a wider network of specialists working across the river environment.

The Role

We are looking for a practical and dependable Installation Operative to join our growing installations team. The role combines work at our Buckfastleigh workshop and storage unit with installation projects across the UK.

When not on site, the successful candidate will be based at the unit and must be able to commute reliably to Buckfastleigh and attend the unit throughout the working week.

Frequent travel and periods working away from home, especially in the season from April to September, are an essential part of the role. The successful candidate will work under the Site Supervisor, supporting project preparation, unit activities and safe, high-quality installation work.

Key responsibilities – Workshop

• Prepare and pre-assemble fabricated and mechanical components before mobilisation.
• Support loading, unloading, packing, mobilisation and demobilisation.
• Maintain tools, plant, installation equipment, consumables and stock in an organised condition.
• Assist with routine inspections, maintenance activities and associated records under the direction of the Site Supervisor.
• Help maintain a safe, clean and efficient workshop and storage unit.

Key responsibilities – Site work

• Install fish and eel pass components on sites across the UK.
• Carry out setting out, drilling, installation of mechanical and chemical anchors, basic pipework and small concrete/formwork activities.
• Use hand and power tools, including 110V equipment, and undertake work near water.
• Follow risk assessments and method statements, site rules, quality requirements and instructions from the Site Supervisor or Site Manager.
• Work away from home and remain on site during the working week for the duration of projects when required.

Qualifications and key skills

Essential

• Level 4 HNC in Mechanical Engineering / Civil Engineering OR Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering / Engineering Maintenance / Construction Operations.
• Relevant practical experience in construction, mechanical installation, maintenance, fabrication, workshop or similar operations, ideally at least 3 years.
• Practical experience using hand and power tools safely.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Ability to commute reliably to Buckfastleigh and attend the unit when not working on site.
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently and stay away from home for project work.
• Good attention to detail, a positive approach to safety and the ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
• Basic IT skills and willingness to learn company systems and procedures.

Desirable (Training can be provided)

• Experience in civil, structural or mechanical engineering projects.
• Relevant NVQ, City & Guilds or equivalent practical qualification.
• CSCS or other construction-site training and tickets.
• Experience working in or around water.
• Experience of small concrete works, fabrication and general assembly work.
• An interest in rivers, ecology, conservation or sustainable engineering.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Progression towards Site Supervisor and more senior roles.
• Mentoring, training and professional development.
• Company pension and annual bonus.
• Varied environmental engineering projects.

RSK is an Inclusive Employer.

#RSKGroup #Fishtek #Consultancy #Operative #Fish #Installation

About Us

We are a leading, Devon-based fisheries and engineering consultancy firm. We craft sustainable and innovative solutions to remedy the challenges facing fish populations in freshwater and marine environments.

Fishtek is an industry leader in designing fish and eel passes and providing fisheries consultancy and engineering services throughout the UK and further afield. We work with and for charitable trusts, non-departmental public bodies and multiple water industry organisations, including the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Water, Affinity Water and Next Generation Consultancy Services.

Fishtek is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?