Lead Field Operative

Leicestershire County Council; Croft, Mountsorrel; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Leicestershire County Council is seeking a Highway Operative to lead a small team across Croft and Mountsorrel depots. You will deliver construction, maintenance and surfacing works for highways, footpaths and structures, ensuring compliance with LCC specifications.

Role requires NVQ2 in Highways Maintenance or equivalent, NRSWA Operative status, and experience with IT tools on site. The position offers a permanent contract, 37 hours weekly, with potential night and weekend duties.

Qualifications

• Qualifications in NVQ 2 in Highways Maintenance or equivalent with relevant certifications.
• Experience in highways or civil engineering environment with IT use on site.
• Knowledge of construction specs, materials, compaction and workmanship, plus safe plant operation.
• Understanding of health, safety, environmental requirements and driver hours regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead a small team of Operators delivering highways, footpaths and structures works to LCC standards.
• Ensure work is completed to high quality, record incidents and escalate when needed.
• Develop skills of less experienced operatives and promote on-site learning.
• Be flexible with hours, including nights, weekends and holidays as required.

Skills

NVQ2 Highways

NRSWA Operative

Trades Test

NPORS Operator

Appointed Person

PDS IT

Education

NVQ2 Highways Maintenance

NRSWA Qualification

Tools

NPORS Operator

Appointed Person

Job description

Job Description

Organisation: Leicestershire County Council

Work Location: Croft Depot, Arbor Road, Croft Leicestershire LE9 3GE or Mountsorrel Depot, Hawcliffe Road, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7AH

Salary: £29,550 - £32,055 per annum (pro rata for part-time)

Working Hours: Full Time, 37 Hours per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 15th November 2026

Interview Date(s): Wednesday 25th November 2026 - Please note: interviews will be in person.

Come and work as part of a team that delivers the best value, customer-focused service throughout Leicestershire and, occasionally, surrounding counties. Leading a small team of Operators, you will work flexibly, efficiently and effectively delivering construction, maintenance and surfacing activities to maintain highways, footpaths and structures in accordance with statutory requirements.

You will ensure that activities are completed to a high standard, in accordance with the LCC specifications, tackle unacceptable behaviour on site, record any incidents, and elevate to the Site Team Leader/ Supervisor for further action, if required. You will also assist in the development of skills for less experienced operatives and encourage experiential learning whilst on site.

The nature of the work may involve you carrying out activities outside of normal working hours, including night, weekends and public holidays, in all weather conditions to meet the needs of the service. You may be required to support a call-out rota to cover evening, weekend and public holiday emergencies. (Exclusion will apply to employees aged under 21).

This role is a "Safety Critical Post" and, consequently, subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with our policies and procedures. A copy of our Substance Misuse Policy and Procedure is available upon request.

About You

• Qualifications in NVQ 2 in Highways Maintenance or similar, Trades Test Assessment, New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) Qualification (Operative), Accredited and relevant H&S Training Records and Certification (e.g. NPORS plant operator, Appointed Person, etc) or have demonstrable evidence of the skills and experience together with a commitment to attain the essential qualifications.
• Have experience of working in a highways or civil engineering environment and using information technology (e.g. personal computer, PDS, mobile phones, etc) in a work-related context.
• Have extensive knowledge of construction specifications, materials, compaction, and workmanship requirements, also of safe working practices when using plant and machinery.
• Know about Construction Health, Safety and Environmental requirements and safe working procedures, legislation including driver's hours, PPE and manual handling and of Chapter 8 Traffic Management Regulations.
• You have core communication skills, both written and verbal. You can and are willing to work with everyone in the team, and you can use your own initiative in planning and prioritising.
• Skilled at driving and operating specialist plant and use of rollers, compaction equipment and saws.
• Can respond confidently to customers & colleagues with understanding & diplomacy whilst maintaining an objective & professional stance and give customers the correct information and keep them up to date with regular contact. You can remain calm & positive in challenging circumstances.

In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer .

Interested in Flexible Working?

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.

John Benson, Highways Works Manager [North].

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Tom Vesty, Highways Works Manager [South].

Tel: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

About Us

About Leicestershire County Council

At Leicestershire County Council, we're committed to making a real difference in people's lives. Our aim is to work with communities and partners to deliver public services that make Leicestershire the best possible place to live and work for everyone.

Our employees play a key role in supporting this goal and helping us deliver the vital services we provide to the people of Leicestershire. Whether you're starting your career or looking for your next challenge, you'll find a place with us where your ideas are valued, and your work has purpose.

Benefits

For further information on what it’s like to work for us and the benefits we offer, please refer to the following:

• Our Recruitment Process
• Our Organisational Values
• Our Employee Benefits
• Working for Us