Drainage Operative

FM Conway is looking for a Drainage Operative to join our dedicated Water and Drainage Management team to support essential infrastructure across the highway network. In this role, you’ll work as part of a skilled two-person crew, carrying out a variety of vital tasks, including the cleaning, clearance, repair, and maintenance of drainage systems. Whether you already have experience in the drainage industry or are looking to start a new and rewarding career, we offer full training and ongoing support to help you succeed and grow in the role. This is a full time, permanent based in Colchester, Essex.

The duties of the Drainage Operative role will include:

• Assisting the HGV Drainage Engineers with a variety of drainage tasks, including high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ) to inspect, clean, and maintain drainage networks.
• Carrying out drainage cleaning and investigation activities to identify and resolve issues.
• Supporting the safe and effective use of high-pressure water jetting equipment.
• Responding promptly to reactive and emergency callouts, helping to resolve urgent drainage problems.
• Operating the GIS Trimble unit accurately and efficiently, following all company procedures and safety guidelines.

What skills and experience do you need?

To be considered for this role, you have a full UK driving licence. Experience in a similar role with high-pressure water jetting would be an advantage, it’s not essential – we can provide full training to help you develop the skills you need. ACSCS Card and a Confined Space ticket would be beneficial, allowing you to contribute more quickly in this dynamic environment.

What benefits will you receive?

As our Drainage Operative, we will offer you a range of fantastic benefits including career and professional development (including our HGV apprenticeship program), 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, company pension, life assurance, opportunities for internal and external training and access to a wide range of shopping discounts through our Rewarding Great People platform. We will also offer you a range of health and well-being benefits including 24-hour advice lines, and support from our in-house mental health first aiders.

A brief introduction to FM Conway and the Water and Drainage Division

FM Conway is a business of families with over 60 years’ experience of creating sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. We pride ourselves on our core values, creating a culture around Care, Innovation, Integrity and Excellence. The heart of FM Conway has, and always will be, its great people and we are always searching for talented individuals to join our family.

You’ll be joining our Water and Drainage Management Division – one of the fastest-growing and most innovative areas of our business. This dynamic division delivers a full range of services, including drainage surveys, maintenance, and rehabilitation across the entire highway network. As part of this forward-thinking team, you’ll be working on the front line of infrastructure maintenance, supported by one of the UK’s largest and most technically advanced specialist transport fleets. It’s a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that’s not only growing rapidly but also shaping the future of water and drainage solutions.

So, if you want to Join our Family as our Drainage Operative, click apply today!

Closing Date: 10/11/2025

FM Conway is an award-winning equal opportunities employer. We recognise that our workforce should reflect our diverse communities, and we are proudly committed to creating an inclusive culture in which we celebrate and value individuals from all walks of life. EDI-Strategy

At our heart we are a family that recognises and embraces individuality, so if you are excited about this role but you are unsure if you meet all of the criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway as you may still be the right candidate for this or another role we are recruiting for.

We look forward to receiving your application!