Skilled Highways Operative

Northumberland County Council; Alnwick; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days annual leave plus public/bank

Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi scheme – up to 2 days monthly

Job summary

Northumberland County Council is seeking highway maintenance staff to support the local road network across the county. The role covers road and pavement repairs, drainage and earthworks, concrete work, street infrastructure, and winter/emergency response as part of the Highways team.

Applicants should have Level 2 or equivalent and a valid UK driving licence, with previous highways/construction experience. The role emphasizes safety, site leadership when needed, and accurate record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Experience in highways and construction is preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans.
• Good record-keeping and safety compliance.

Responsibilities

• Excavate damaged surfaces and repair potholes, lay asphalt/tarmac.
• Install, clean, and repair drainage pipes, gully pots, and manholes.
• Lay in-situ concrete, set reinforcement, and fit formwork or shoring.
• Operate hand tools and lightweight/heavy machinery as required.
• Erect safety fences, guardrails, signs and other street infrastructure.
• Set up and manage temporary traffic control measures.
• Participate in gritting, snow-clearing and emergency response.
• Read and interpret drawings; follow health and safety regulations; log work records; lead on site when supervisor is absent.

Skills

Highways experience

Construction experience

Valid UK Driving Licence

Education

Level 2 or Equivalent Qualification

Job description

We are committed to delivering safe, well‑maintained highways across the county. As part of our Highways team, we play a vital role in keeping Northumberland's road network in excellent condition for residents, businesses and visitors. Our operational teams use specialist equipment and innovative repair techniques to deliver efficient highway maintenance solutions countywide.

• Road & Pavement Repairs: Excavate damaged surfaces, repair potholes, lay new asphalt/tarmac, and carry out flagging, kerbing, and block paving.
• Drainage & Earthworks: Install, clean, and repair drainage pipes, gully pots, manholes, channels, and associated ironwork (such as valve cases and covers).
• Concrete & Structural Work: Lay in‑situ concrete, set up steel reinforcement (steel‑fixing), and fit formwork or shoring equipment.
• Plant & Equipment Operation: Use a range of hand tools, powered plant, and heavy machinery (such as pedestrian rollers, breakers, or mechanical jetting plant).
• Street Infrastructure: Erect and repair safety fences, guardrails, bollards, street signs, and walling/fencing.
• Traffic Management: Set up and manage temporary traffic control measures to ensure safe work zones.
• Winter & Emergency Response: Participate in gritting, snow‑clearing, and emergency flood/storm response (frequently on a rota or out‑of‑hours basis).
• Site Leadership & Compliance: Read and interpret technical drawings/blueprints, follow health and safety regulations, complete digital/paper work logs, and take a lead role on site in the absence of a supervisor. Valid UK Driving Licence
• Previous experience in Highways and Construction
• Level 2 or Equivalent Qualification
• The ability to understand complex detailed spoken and written instructions, as well as plans drawings schedules and calculate work requirements and keep accurate work records. Northumberland County Council's (NCC) vision is 'Land of Great Opportunities', for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.

We have some outstanding benefits and perks to offer you, including:

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees)
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees)

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