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- Tasks: Maintain public highways and drainage systems, ensuring safety and efficiency.
- Company: Join Bedford Borough Council, a supportive and community-focused employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a willingness to learn and work as a team.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with winter maintenance operations and out-of-hours call outs.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ 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.
When you are ready to apply, click on ‘Apply for Vacancy’; you will be asked to upload a CV and answer some application questions. The application questions require a yes/no response. Please make sure your CV shows how you meet the requirements for the role you are applying for, the job profile below will show the essential selection criteria.
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) or a local government pension (applies to Senior Officers only) unless the appointment is business critical.
For further information, please email recruitment.team@bedford.gov.uk
Bedford Borough Council is proud to be a member of the Armed Forces Covenant and the Care Leavers Covenant, we pledge to interview any eligible job applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer and guarantees to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role they are applying for. Bedford Borough Council is unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.
Work Pattern: full time Monday to Friday with OOH call outs and Winter Gritting.
Is this a customer facing role which requires a fluent English Speaker? Yes
Vacancy Location: Bedfordshire, Borough Hall
Operative Highways & Street Lighting employer: D S D
Contact Detail:
D S D Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative Highways & Street Lighting
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Bedford Borough Council and understand their values and projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the interview process, plus it shows your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your skills match the job description, especially around highways and drainage works. Practise your answers so you can speak confidently about your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience and skills to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Operative Highways & Street Lighting
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Highways Operative role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially those related to highways and drainage works.
Answer Application Questions Thoughtfully: When you get to the application questions, take your time! Even though they’re yes/no answers, think about how your experiences align with the requirements. A thoughtful approach can make a big difference.
Showcase Teamwork Skills: Since you'll be working closely with fellow Operatives, emphasise any teamwork experience in your CV. Mention specific instances where you collaborated effectively to achieve a common goal.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at D S D
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of a Highways Operative. Brush up on your knowledge of highway maintenance, drainage works, and the specific tools and materials used in the job. This will help you answer technical questions confidently.
✨Show Team Spirit
Since you'll be working closely with fellow operatives, highlight your teamwork skills. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others, especially in challenging situations like winter maintenance or emergency call-outs.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Prepare for situational questions that might come up during the interview. For instance, how would you handle a sudden severe weather event? Having a few scenarios in mind can demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or the council's future plans for highway improvements. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.