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- Tasks: Join a team maintaining and improving the UK's road network with hands-on work.
- Company: Carnell, a company dedicated to keeping the nation moving.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, and night shift allowances.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on road safety while enjoying outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Experience in highways or civil engineering and relevant certifications required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and a supportive team environment.
Location: Preston Based working on various sites across the UK, working away and night shifts required.
Contract: Full-time
Salary: £134.50-£173.74 per shift depending on experience + allowances + great benefits.
Are you someone who takes pride in doing a job well? Do you enjoy hands-on work, being outdoors, and being part of a team that keeps the nation moving? If so, we’d love to welcome you as a Highways Operative.
At Carnell, our teams play a vital role in maintaining, repairing, and improving the UK’s road network. Every shift you work helps create safer, stronger, and more reliable roads for millions of people.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Installing kerbs, edgings, and carrying out flagging/trenching
- Completing drainage tasks at varying depths
- Managing ducting and cabinet site set-ups
- Cabling and electrical ducting work
- Earthworks and concreting
- Constructing steps and other essential structures
- Reading and interpreting plans and drawings
- Ensuring all work meets required standards and safety regulations
This role involves travelling to different sites, working nights, and spending time away from home when necessary.
What You’ll Bring
- A team player with good communication skills
- Professional, reliable, and responsible
- Able to follow instructions and work safely
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- NPORS / CPCS (Excavators, Dumpers, Rollers)
- CSCS Operative Card
- CAT & Genny
- Safe excavation training
- 1-day First Aid
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Previous experience in highways or civil engineering environments (especially high-speed roads)
What We Offer
- Generous holiday allowance
- Pension scheme
- Referral scheme
- Death in service benefit
- Online rewards platform
- Group income protection
- Company vehicle (per gang), fuel card & PPE provided
- Night shift allowance
- Working away allowance
If you’re ready to take the next step in your highways career—or start a new one—this is your chance to join a professional, friendly team where your work truly matters. Apply now and help us build safer roads for everyone.
Carnell is committed to a diverse, inclusive workforce, offering equal opportunity to all. We create an environment where difference is embraced and individuals flourish. We value passionate, responsive, innovative, trustworthy, and respectful people. These behaviours are embedded across the company, they guide us in all actions both on site and in the office. We are committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of all our employees; not only ensuring that everybody goes home safely but also giving all a good work life balance.
Highways Operative in Preston employer: Carnell Support Services
Contact Detail:
Carnell Support Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways Operative in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to friends, family, or even former colleagues who might have connections in the highways or civil engineering sectors. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that job.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your hands dirty! If you can, volunteer for local projects or join community initiatives related to road maintenance. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and safety regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tasks like drainage work or cabling, as this will impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Highways Operative in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let us see your enthusiasm for the role! Share why you love working outdoors and being part of a team that keeps the roads moving. A bit of personality goes a long way!
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous experience in highways or civil engineering environments. If you've got NPORS/CPCS qualifications or have worked on high-speed roads, shout about it! We want to know what makes you a great fit.
Follow Instructions Carefully: Pay close attention to the application instructions. If we ask for specific documents or details, make sure you include them. It shows us that you can follow directions, which is super important in this role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carnell Support Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key tasks listed in the job description. Brush up on your skills related to installing kerbs, drainage tasks, and reading plans. Being able to discuss your experience with these tasks will show that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working as part of a site team, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you’ve communicated effectively and collaborated with others in previous jobs. This will highlight your ability to fit into their supportive environment.
✨Safety First!
Safety is crucial in this role, so be ready to discuss your understanding of safety regulations and protocols. Mention any relevant training you’ve completed, like your Safe Excavation training or First Aid certification, to demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
This job requires working away and night shifts, so be honest about your availability and willingness to adapt. Show enthusiasm for the opportunity to travel and work in different locations, as it reflects your commitment to the role and the company’s needs.