Tunnel Maintenance Civil Operative

Connect Plus Services; Hatfield, South Mimms; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect Plus Services is seeking a hands‑on Tunnel Maintenance Civil Operative to support the safe operation of tunnels and pumping stations on the M25 network. You will assist the Tunnel Maintenance Manager with planned and reactive maintenance, ensuring high standards of safety and reliability across assets and systems.

You should have IPAF, Confined Space Training, and CSCS Safety Card, plus a full UK driving licence.

Qualifications

• IPAF certification for MEWPs and booms.
• Confined Space Training.
• CSCS Safety Card (or equivalent).
• Full, clean UK driving licence (essential).
• Experience with high-risk or large-vehicle operations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee tunnel vehicles used by agency drivers, ensuring checks are completed before/after use.
• Drive tunnel vehicles during planned closures or reactive incidents.
• Assist Tunnel Maintenance Technicians with inspections, repairs and general asset upkeep.
• Complete daily worksheets, maintenance reports and vehicle checks on time.
• Follow safety procedures and maintain Zero Harm commitment at all times.
• Escort and supervise subcontractors, ensuring site rules and safety standards are met.
• Support work delivered for National Highways and partners.
• Undertake manual and semi-skilled tasks across trades as required.
• Support sustainability initiatives and wider business objectives.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as directed.

Skills

IPAF certification

Confined Space Training

CSCS Safety Card

Full UK driving licence

HGV Class 1 or Class 2 (adv)

CPC Driver Card (adv)

Job description

About the Role

Join Connect Plus Services as a Tunnel Maintenance Civil Operative and play a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of tunnels and pumping stations across the M25 network and its associated spur roads.

In this hands-on operational role, you will support the Tunnel Maintenance Supervisor and Manager in delivering planned and reactive maintenance activities. You will contribute to the day-to-day upkeep of critical infrastructure, ensuring that tunnels, assets and associated systems are maintained to the highest standards of safety, reliability and compliance.

This role is suited to a practical and safety-focused individual who enjoys working in a dynamic operational environment and contributing directly to the performance of a nationally significant road network.

Location and Working Arrangements

This role is based from the CPS Hatfield and South Mimms Depots, with regular work across tunnels and pumping stations on the M25 and its spur roads. You will be required to work flexibly to support planned maintenance closures and reactive works as required.

A full UK driving licence is essential, and the role may involve operating specialist vehicles, working in confined spaces and supporting out-of-hours activities.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Tunnel Maintenance Civil Operative, you will report to the Tunnel Maintenance Manager and support the effective delivery of maintenance operations across the network.

• Oversee the correct operation of tunnel vehicles when used by appointed agency drivers, ensuring all required checks are completed before and after use.
• Drive tunnel vehicles when required during planned closures or reactive incidents.
• Assist Tunnel Maintenance Technicians in delivering a wide range of maintenance activities, including inspections, repairs and general asset upkeep.
• Complete daily worksheets, maintenance reports, drive-through sheets and vehicle checks, ensuring all documentation is accurate and submitted on time.
• Follow all safety procedures and instructions, maintaining a strong commitment to Zero Harm at all times.
• Provide escort and supervision to subcontractors, ensuring compliance with site rules and safety standards.
• Support work delivered on behalf of National Highways and partner organisations.
• Undertake manual, semi-skilled and skilled tasks across a range of trades, including out-of-trade activities when required.
• Support wider business objectives, including sustainability initiatives.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties within your capability, as directed by line management.

Who We're Looking For

You will hold relevant operational and safety qualifications, including:

• IPAF certification for MEWPs and booms.
• Confined Space Training.
• A valid CSCS Safety Card (or equivalent).

You will also have:

• Experience of tunnel maintenance regimes.
• A good understanding of current health and safety legislation.
• The ability to work independently when required.
• Experience operating company vehicles in line with organisational policies and procedures.
• A willingness to undertake further training, including Sector 22 requirements.
• Strong customer service and communication skills.
• The ability to perform effectively under pressure within a complex operational environment.
• A collaborative, professional and team-focused approach.
• A reliable, organised and thorough working style.
• A full, clean UK driving licence.

The following would be advantageous:

• Experience working in high-risk operational environments.
• An HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence.
• A valid CPC Driver Card.

Behavioural Competencies

• Results Driven: Shows passion and enthusiasm for their work. Tackles problems directly and works to resolve them without delay.
• Focus on Excellence: Goes the extra mile to exceed expectations. Continuously looks for opportunities to add value and improve performance.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Sets aside personal agendas to work for the benefit of customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. Proactively shares knowledge, ideas, and expertise.
• Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Actively gathers customer insight to improve services and solutions. Manages customer experience to maintain strong relationships.
• Operational Excellence: Plans and organises work to safely achieve maximum efficiency and consistent delivery.
• Adaptability: Learns quickly and adapts positively to changing business and customer demands. Energised by change.

Why Work for Us?

At Connect Plus Services (CPS), you'll be part of a world-class team maintaining and operating the M25, Europe's busiest motorway. As a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis, we play a vital role in keeping millions of journeys moving safely and efficiently.

A Career Like No Other

Working on the M25 offers unrivalled experience, challenges, and opportunities that no other highways project can provide. You'll be exposed to cutting-edge technology, large-scale infrastructure, and complex engineering solutions, making every day dynamic and rewarding.

Long-Term Stability & Growth

With just under 15 years remaining on this project, we offer career stability, professional development, and progression opportunities. Whether you're looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, we invest in your growth.

A Supportive & Inclusive Team

At CPS, your contributions matter. We foster a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where safety, innovation, and teamwork drive everything we do.

About Us

Connect Plus Services (CPS) is a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK. With around 800 colleagues, we operate and maintain the 117-mile M25 network on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways, managing over 100,000 assets to keep Europe's busiest orbital motorway moving 24/7.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Employer and Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively support equality, inclusion and social value, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Note to all internal CPS employees

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application through your parent company's careers portal by entering the job title in the search bar. If your employing company is not advertising this role, please submit your CV and the role title to [e-mail]