Semi Skilled Operative

Durham County Council; North East; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

27 days annual leave (rising to 32)

Local Government Pension Scheme

Job summary

Durham County Council is seeking a Semi Skilled Operative / Labourer to join the Construction Team within Resources. The role involves supporting a wide range of construction and maintenance projects across County Durham, working with skilled tradespeople, and maintaining safe working practices.

You will undertake groundworks, operate tools and equipment, and help with site safety. The position offers hybrid working where applicable and opportunities for development.

Qualifications

• Experience of manual activities in the built environment.
• Ability to work safely and follow health and safety procedures.
• Willingness to develop new skills and undertake training.

Responsibilities

• Carry out site labouring duties and assist with construction activities.
• Operate hand tools, powered tools, plant and machinery as directed.
• Maintain high standards of health and safety on site.
• Support building maintenance and construction works.
• Work independently and as part of a team across multiple locations.

Skills

Manual work

Construction environment

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Education

NVQ Level 2 (construction)

Good basic education

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Plant & equipment

Job description

Are you a practical, motivated individual with experience working in construction, building maintenance or a similar environment? Do you take pride in delivering high-quality work while maintaining excellent health and safety standards?

We are looking for a Semi Skilled Operative / Labourer to join our Construction Team within Resources.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide range of construction and maintenance projects across County Durham, supporting the delivery of essential services and helping to maintain and improve council buildings and Facilities.

As a Semi Skilled Operative / Labourer, you will undertake a variety of construction and maintenance activities, working alongside skilled tradespeople including builders, electricians and heating engineers.

You will support the delivery of projects by carrying out site labouring duties, operating plant and equipment, maintaining safe working environments and assisting with construction activities. Your duties will include:

• Supporting building maintenance and construction works.
• Assisting skilled trades staff to deliver high-quality workmanship.
• Undertaking groundworks, fencing, concreting and other construction activities.
• Erecting and removing safety signage, barriers and site safety equipment.
• Operating hand tools, powered tools, plant and machinery.
• Carrying out routine vehicle, plant and equipment checks.
• Maintaining high standards of health and safety on site.
• Working independently and as part of a team across multiple locations.
• Taking a lead role on site in the temporary absence of a Site Manager or Foreman.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking individuals who:

• Have experience of manual work within the built environment.
• Have practical construction or building maintenance experience.
• Are able to work safely and follow health and safety procedures.
• Can use a range of hand tools, plant and equipment.
• Are reliable, flexible and motivated.
• Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Have the willingness to develop new skills and undertake training.

What Will I Need?

Essential

• Good basic education
• Experience of manual activities in the built environment

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a construction-related discipline.
• Health and Safety certification.
• First Aid certification.
• Category CE (HGV) driving licence.
• Experience of hard landscaping, building maintenance or supervisory responsibilities.

Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria.

If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed.

Interviews

Interviews will be held on 6 October 2026

We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.

Our Offer To You

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.

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