At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a two-person crew in delivering essential highways maintenance activities.
- Company: Join NY Highways, a respected local employer focused on community service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Secure, permanent role with clear pathways for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in highways maintenance and leadership skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 13.5 - 16.5 £ per hour.
Salary: From £30,273 per year
Grade: 4
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Hours: 40 per week
Location: Brompton-on-Swale, North Yorkshire
Looking for your next step with the opportunity to lead a crew and develop your career in Highways Maintenance? Are you looking for secure, practical work where you can use your experience to make a real impact? NY Highways is looking for a Highways Skilled Operative Lead to join our close-knit team based in Brompton-on-Swale, near Richmond, working across North Yorkshire.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced highways operative who is ready to take on additional responsibility, lead a two-person crew and continue developing their career within a respected local employer.
What you'll be doing
As part of a supportive and experienced team, you'll lead a two-person crew delivering a range of highways maintenance activities across the local highway network, including:
- Kerbing, drainage installation, patching and ironwork renewal
- Installation and maintenance of street furniture
- General site maintenance, including excavating trenches and holes
- Traffic management activities and routine cyclical works
- Maintaining roadside verges and operating highways plant, tools and equipment
- Ensuring work is delivered safely, efficiently and to the required standards
You'll also take part in an out-of-hours emergency callout rota and may be required to support winter maintenance activities. This is a hands-on, outdoor role, working in all weather conditions. Full PPE and outdoor clothing are provided.
This is a great opportunity to secure a permanent role, offering strong benefits, ongoing training and long-term career progression.
With NY Highways you'll have:
- A secure, permanent role with a respected highways provider
- Training and development from day one, including nationally recognised highways qualifications
- Clear pathways for career progression into supervisory, specialist and leadership roles
- Annual pay progression
- Generous annual leave starting at 24 days, rising to 29 days, plus bank holidays
- Company vehicle use during the working day
- Membership of the Royal London pension scheme with employer contributions up to 6%
- Health Cash Plan, Occupational Health and Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to additional benefits including Cycle to Work, Vivup discounts, Credit Union and Death in Service cover
- Job stability through our long-term partnership with North Yorkshire Council
You'll be successful if you have:
- Experience working within highways maintenance, construction or a similar operational environment
- Experience of supervising, mentoring or leading colleagues on-site
- A Level 2 qualification in Highway Maintenance, or equivalent practical experience
- Banksman, Abrasive Wheels and Emergency First Aid certification
- Manual Handling and Safe Dig training
- Traffic Management TM1 and TM2 qualifications
You will also:
- Enjoy practical, hands-on work and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Be confident organising and leading day-to-day activities on site
- Take pride in delivering work safely and professionally
- Work well as part of a team
- Support and encourage less experienced colleagues
- Be flexible and responsive to operational needs
At NY Highways we're committed to developing our people. If you don't fully meet all of the criteria for this post, we may be able to offer an alternative role and support you with the training needed to progress into positions like this in the future.
Why join NY Highways?
NY Highways delivers highways services in partnership with North Yorkshire Council. While we work closely with the Council, we're an independent organisation with a strong commercial focus and public service values. We invest in our people, training and equipment, creating a supportive working environment where you can build a long-term career close to home while helping to maintain and improve North Yorkshire's highway network.
Ready to Apply?
Application deadline: Midnight on Monday 31st August 2026
NY Highways is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief.
We will not accept applications from agencies and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.
At NY Highways, safety is a core principle. We are dedicated to the health and safety of our employees and the public. To maintain a safe work environment, we enforce a strict substance misuse policy. Employees must report to work fit for duty and free from drugs or alcohol. New employees will undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing, with random tests conducted throughout employment. Adherence to this policy is essential for upholding our safety standards and ensuring the integrity of our operations.
Skilled Operative Lead two person crew employer: Applefields School
Whitby School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inspiring environment for both students and staff. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, mental health support, and continuous professional development, we empower our employees to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located in the heart of the Whitby community, our school embodies values of ambition, courage, character, and endeavour, ensuring that every day offers new challenges and rewards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Skilled Operative Lead two person crew
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Skilled Operative Lead two person crew
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Applefields School's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Applefields School. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Applefields School
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Applefields School.