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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain highways and drainage, ensuring safe roads every day.
- Company: Be part of Bedford Borough Council, committed to community safety and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a Monday to Friday work pattern with opportunities for out-of-hours call outs.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public safety while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a willingness to learn and work hard.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for a Highways Operative to join our team at Bedford Borough Council. The successful candidate will be required to maintain the public highway by carrying out the highways and drainage works on a day to day basis in accordance with Works Orders received to ensure a safe highway network. Within the role, you will be working with fellow Operatives to carry out Highway and Drainage works, using appropriate plant, vehicles and materials, in accordance with the specifications. Assisting in Winter Maintenance Operations/Severe weather plans over the cold weather months of any given year and assisting in out of hours call outs of any given year will be required within this role.
Closing Date: 20th April 2026
Interviews: 30th April 2026
Please note:
The Council will not normally re-employ ex-employees in receipt of:
- a severance payment (within 12 months of leaving)
- a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical
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Operative Highways & Street Lighting employer: Bedford Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Bedford Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative Highways & Street Lighting
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Highways Operative. Understanding the day-to-day tasks, such as drainage works and winter maintenance operations, will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience with plant machinery or vehicles in your discussions. Being able to talk about your hands-on experience will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability for out-of-hours call outs and winter maintenance. Showing your willingness to be flexible can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative Highways & Street Lighting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description for the Highways Operative position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities and selection criteria, and think about how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in highways and drainage works. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work with plant, vehicles, and materials as mentioned in the job description.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When responding to the application questions, ensure your answers are clear and concise. If a yes/no response is required, consider providing brief explanations where appropriate to showcase your qualifications.
Proofread Before Submission: Before you hit 'Apply for Vacancy', take the time to proofread your CV and answers. Check for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure all information is accurate and complete.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bedford Borough Council
✨Know Your Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Highways Operative. Understand the importance of maintaining a safe highway network and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these responsibilities.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since you'll be working closely with fellow operatives, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles. Highlight your ability to work as part of a team, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Prepare for Winter Maintenance Questions
Given the role involves assisting in Winter Maintenance operations, think about your experience with cold weather work or emergency call-outs. Be prepared to discuss how you handle challenging conditions and your commitment to safety.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Make sure your CV reflects any relevant experience with highways, drainage works, or operating plant and vehicles. Be ready to elaborate on this experience during the interview, demonstrating how it makes you a suitable candidate for the role.