Skilled Operative

Port of London Authority; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK port authority is seeking a Skilled Operative to join their Civil Engineering team. The successful candidate will be responsible for construction and maintenance projects, especially groundworks. Candidates should have extensive experience in construction and a range of relevant skills. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including 28 days annual leave and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

Medical Cash Plan

Generous pension

Onsite parking with electric charging

Cycle to Work Scheme

Car-leasing scheme

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years site experience in construction with a focus on groundworks.
• Current qualification in Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS).
• Full UK driving licence is essential, 'C1' LGV required or willing to train.

Responsibilities

• Deputise in absence of Construction Supervisor or Revetement Manager.
• Monitor material stocks and report shortages.
• Plan, organize, and schedule daily tasks.

Skills

Groundworks

Drainage installation

Carpentry and joinery

Bricklaying

Roofing

Painting and decorating

Kitchen fitting

Education

Full Technological Certificate (FTC) in relevant trade

Minimum level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance

Tools

Microsoft Office

Plant and access equipment operation

Job description

Job title: Skilled Operative

Department: Civil Engineering

Reporting to: Civil Engineer

Grade: 8

Salary: £40,976 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Based at Denton, working across all PLA sites.

Closing date: 9th January 2026

Interview date: 28th January 2026

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95‑mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

The Civil Engineering team are seeking a Skilled Operative to carry out small construction projects and maintenance of PLA assets as part of the Trades Team, with a focus on groundworks. This includes construction, repair, and general upkeep of PLA assets, using safe and effective construction techniques and finishing skill.

Key responsibilities:

• Deputise in the absence of the Construction Supervisor or Revetement Manager
• Monitor material stocks and advise Construction Supervisor of material shortages etc.
• Plan, organize, and schedule daily tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Quality control and workmanship of permanent works by monitoring work progress and quality, addressing any issues promptly.
• Setting out of the works and to be able to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Identify issues to Construction Supervisor or Civil Engineers
• Perform groundworks tasks such as excavation, trenching, levelling, and backfilling to prepare sites for construction.
• Installation of drainage systems, manholes, and utility services.
• Lay foundations, concrete, and hard landscaping materials as required.
• Follow site plans, specifications, and instructions from supervisors or site
• To perform vehicle and plant driving functions.
• Ensure work completed to a high standard to maximise durability.
• Take all reasonable precautions to keep equipment, plant, materials and fuel secure through site inspections

What we are looking for:

• A minimum of 10 years site experience within the construction industry with an emphasis on groundworks and civil engineering.
• Experience of work within the maritime sector would be useful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programmes including Word, Excel, Office
• City & Guilds – Full Technological Certificate (FTC) in relevant trade or minimum level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance, Multi-trade Repair and Refurbishment (Construction)
• Hold current qualification in Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Full UK driving licence is essential. ‘C1’ LGV driving licence is required or will be willing to undertake funded training.
• Hold, or be willing to undertake training course for IPAF (Duel) Mobile Vertical (3a) + (3b) Mobile Boom – Operator
• Skilled in groundworks, drainage, carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, roofing, painting and decorating and kitchen fitting
• Qualified, or willing to be trained, to operate plant and access equipment.
• Qualified, or willing to be trained, to work at height and over water.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Nick Jordan, Civil Engineering Department at [e-mail]

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.