At a Glance
- Tasks: Install and maintain street lighting while ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty Group, a leader in infrastructure and engineering.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days annual leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a difference in your community by keeping streets safe and well-lit.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence and experience in street lighting operations required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About The Role
Location: Site-based role covering all of Northamptonshire County
Company: Balfour Beatty Group
Responsibilities
- Installing, repairing and maintaining a wide range of street lighting and illuminated assets, including columns, lanterns, LED lantern replacements, lamps, brackets, beacons, underground SWA cables, illuminated bollards, illuminated signs, feeder pillars and subway lights.
- Working predominantly in a team environment, taking responsibility for your own jobs and safety, while occasionally working alone.
- Carrying out full LED lantern replacement programmes to upgrade outdated lighting to modern, energy‑efficient units.
- Performing ground excavations and proper reinstatement following installation or repair work.
- Painting and maintaining various items of street furniture to a high standard.
- Conducting dynamic risk assessments before and during every job to ensure safe working practices.
- Taking full responsibility for company vehicles, tools, equipment and property.
- Participating in the stand‑by rota to provide essential out‑of‑hours emergency call‑out cover, helping keep Northamptonshire safe 24/7.
Essential Requirements
- A full clean UK driving licence – you will be travelling to various sites across the county.
- Proven competence in street lighting operations, with hands‑on experience in fault‑finding, repairs, and routine maintenance of street lighting systems.
- Comfortable using basic IT tools – we’ll provide a tablet device for recording site works, job updates, and reporting.
Required Competencies
- HEA Portfolio (demonstrating competence in highway electrical works).
- First Aid certification.
- Manual Handling training.
- Current ECS test (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme).
- CSCS/NPORS red card (or equivalent plant/equipment operator card).
- NRSWA (New Roads and Street Works Act qualification – essential for safe signing, lighting, and guarding on highways).
- IPAF 1b (plus Harness & Fall Arrest training – for working safely at height using mobile elevating work platforms, common in column access).
- G39 (Working in the Vicinity of DNO Equipment) + 214 Safe Isolation procedures.
- ESSW (Essential Skills for Safe Working, or equivalent health & safety qualification).
- 302.1 (12D) Traffic Management.
- 204.1 Abrasive Wheels (safe use of cutting/grinding equipment).
- A solid understanding of signing, lighting & guarding procedures for safe roadworks.
Beneficial (but Not Essential)
- Electrical testing qualification or relevant experience (e.g., using testing equipment for fault diagnosis and verification).
Benefits
- Smart working – flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
- Family‑friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partner’s leave.
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and more.
Equal Opportunity and Accessibility
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We also encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all.
Street Lighting Operative employer: Balfour
Balfour Beatty Group is an exceptional employer for Street Lighting Operatives, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and teamwork while providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave policies, and a commitment to inclusivity, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment that values their contributions and well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Street Lighting Operative
✨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 Street Lighting Operative
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 Balfour'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 Balfour. 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 Balfour
✨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 Balfour.
