Winter Services Drivers

Northumberland County Council; Kirkwhelpington; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Northumberland County Council is seeking reliable Winter Services Drivers to keep roads safe across the county. You will operate gritting and snow-clearing vehicles, perform routine checks, and maintain records while working a winter rota including evenings, nights and early mornings.

The role is outdoors in all weather; join a dedicated Highways & Neighbourhood Services team delivering essential winter maintenance and public service, with flexible contract arrangements via NCC's Staff Bank.

Qualifications

• Must hold LGV/HGV licence (Level 2).
• NVQ Level 2 in Winter Services is required.
• Knowledge of driving legislation and safety regulations.
• Experience driving LGV/HGV in hazardous conditions.
• Experience working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate specialist gritting and winter maintenance vehicles.
• Deliver gritting and snow-clearing services to routes and standards.
• Carry out routine vehicle and equipment checks.
• Maintain accurate records and complete paperwork.
• Work safely in challenging weather and traffic conditions.
• Support colleagues to deliver a high-quality winter maintenance service.

Skills

Driving in hazardous conditions

Outdoor work in varying weather

Record-keeping

Customer-focused

Reliable, flexible, team-oriented

Health and Safety compliance

Knowledge of driving legislation

Operate hydraulic equipment

Follow written and verbal instructions

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Winter Services

Tools

LGV/HGV Licence Level 2

Job description

Northumberland County Council is looking for reliable and committed Winter Services Drivers to help keep our roads safe during the winter season. Working as part of our Highways & Neighbourhood Services team, you will play a vital role delivering gritting and snow-clearing services across the county, ensuring the network remains safe and accessible for residents, businesses and emergency services.

As a Winter Services Driver

• Operate specialist gritting and winter maintenance vehicles.
• Deliver gritting and snow-clearing services to agreed routes and standards.
• Carry out routine vehicle and equipment checks.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required paperwork.
• Work safely in challenging weather and traffic conditions.
• Support colleagues to deliver a high-quality, efficient winter maintenance service.

The role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions and participating in a winter rota, including evenings, nights and early mornings when required.

This is an opportunity to undertake rewarding work that directly supports the safety of communities across Northumberland during severe weather conditions. You'll be part of a dedicated team delivering an essential public service and helping keep the county moving when it matters most.

Benefits of joining NCC's Staff Bank include:

• Flexible contract - work and earn alongside your current commitments
• Career opportunities - Build and increase your employability and professional network with the opportunity to gain fixed term and permanent contracts.
• Try different roles within the organisation to find your fit.
• Develop new skills and enhance current expertise to help supplement your career.

Northumberland County Council's Staff Bank provides a pool of highly skilled temporary workers who are looking for a long-term placement, or who want to work flexibly within the council. If a team needs support due to sickness, common staff shortages, or general vacancies, they call upon registered bank members to fill available assignments. These can be filled via a long-term assignment for up to 12 months or on an ad hoc basis.

Where we receive a high volume of applications for a post, we may bring the closing date forward.

Do you have experience driving HGV/LGV vehicles and enjoy working outdoors in a role that makes a real difference to local communities?

We are looking for candidates who have:

• An LGV/HGV Licence (minimum Level 2).
• An NVQ Level 2 in Winter Services.
• Knowledge of driving legislation and regulations.
• An understanding of Health and Safety requirements and safe working practices.
• Experience driving LGV/HGV vehicles in hazardous conditions.
• Experience working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• The ability to operate and maintain specialist hydraulic equipment and a variety of vehicles.
• Good record-keeping skills and the ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
• A customer-focused approach when dealing with members of the public.
• A reliable, flexible and team-oriented attitude.

If successful, you will be subject to Northumberland County Council's pre-employment checking process which includes a minimum of 2 references covering the past 3 years, health clearance and proof of right to work in the UK and depending on the assignment you may be required to undertake a DBS check.

Salary £15.31 per hour (plus standby and enhancements to your salary for working unsociable hours, between 8pm and 6am and during weekends).