Civils General Operative in Preston

Eric Wright Water Ltd is a multi-disciplinary engineering and construction company working in the water and wastewater industry. Our experienced project management and in-house operational teams work with our clients to provide a professional service. Our capabilities allow us to deliver solutions across the civil and MEICA spectrum. We operate framework contracts with a number of the key UK water companies. Our delivery model provides customer service and value to our clients. Eric Wright Water aims to be the leader in our field, delivering excellence in engineering and construction within the water industry.

We are committed to building long term working relationships with both our clients and suppliers and do this in the spirit of the ‘Eric Wright’ ethos of working in an honest, non-adversarial and collaborative manner. Our approach to project delivery is fully aligned to that of our clients in terms of Health and Safety and Environmental management; ‘If I cannot do it safely, I will not do it’. Our clients benefit from our ability to provide a ‘one-stop-shop’ whereby we offer a comprehensive range of service covering project asset design, construction, installation, commissioning and handover, through to ongoing maintenance and management.

Join our growing team and play a key role in delivering essential water infrastructure projects across the North West. We're looking for an experienced Civils General Operative who will help in contributing to the successful completion of projects through their versatility and dedication. Day to day duties will help towards successful operations on site. As this is a site-based role, flexibility is essential. The successful candidate must be willing to travel between sites and participate in out-of-hours and emergency works when required.

• Carry out general labouring duties, including digging trenches, carrying materials, and preparing work areas for construction activities.
• Assist with loading, unloading, and moving plant, equipment, and construction materials around site.
• Support skilled tradespeople, including groundworkers and other site personnel as required.
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe working environment by removing waste, clearing debris, and ensuring safe access and egress routes are always available.
• Monitor and maintain site fencing and security measures where required.
• Undertake general building and maintenance tasks within your level of competence and training.
• Operate plant, tools, and equipment safely and effectively when appropriately trained and authorised to do so.
• Carry out routine checks and basic maintenance of equipment to ensure it remains in good working order.
• Ensure all work is carried out in accordance with company procedures and current Health & Safety legislation, including compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
• Follow all site rules, risk assessments, and safe systems of work at all times.
• Contribute positively to site operations and work collaboratively with colleagues and subcontractors.

• Previous experience in a construction, civil engineering, or labouring environment.
• Good understanding of health and safety requirements within a civil engineering setting.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow instructions.
• Experience operating plant and machinery is advantageous (relevant tickets/certifications preferred).
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to maintaining high standards of work.
• Flexible approach with a willingness to undertake a variety of duties as required.
• CSCS card.
• Full UK driving licence.

At the heart of everything we do are four core values: Integrity – We’re transparent, honest, and accountable. We build trust and deliver lasting impact. Excellence – We go beyond expectations with expertise, determination, and attention to detail. Respect – We’re inclusive, compassionate, and professional. Every voice matters. Innovation – We think differently, solve problems creatively, and embrace a “can do” attitude.

• Be part of a business that exists to make a difference.
• Thrive in a healthy, empowering environment.
• Work with passionate, dedicated colleagues who live our values.
• Enjoy real opportunities to grow and shape your future.
• Good salary and benefits offer.

• Enhanced annual leave starting at 26 Days + bank holidays rising with service.
• Enhanced Paid Family Leave - maternity, paternity, adoption, fertility, compassion, bereavement, crisis, emergency dependants, and much more.
• Learning and development - we offer a range of learning opportunities to develop talent at all levels within our business focussing on technical competence, upskilling, compliance and governance and career development.
• Pension — 6.5% employer contribution of your salary into your pension to help you save for the future.
• BUPA - optional scheme and can include your family to the scheme (50% contribution).
• Group Income Protection — 50% of your salary covered for 3 years for long term illness.
• Health Plans – optional, including dental, cash health plans and critical illness.
• EAP – Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured, supporting you and your family with advice, guidance and counselling on a variety of areas such as health, fitness, home life, finances and much more.
• Mental Health support – through the Thrive app, approved by the NHS, provides tools, to tackle, prevent and manage common stressors such as sleep, bereavement, work issues etc.
• Savings scheme – Put aside an affordable amount for a rainy day in the future.
• Recognition awards – awards for long service and special birthdays.
• Company Doctor – for when you can’t get to see your own or if you have any health concerns.
• A comprehensive health and wellbeing strategy focussed on physical, emotional, financial and career wellbeing.
• A wide range of enhanced benefits to support your well-being and work‑life balance.

Working at the Eric Wright Group of companies is truly special. Owned 100% by the Eric Wright Charitable Trust, we are a commercially focused business with a social purpose, which means that after reinvestment in the business, our profit is donated to charity via the Trust. This ownership structure provides a high level of stability for the Group and supports longer-term commercial and charitable strategies. Our reputation is built on our Chairman's founding principles of a company that must be profitable, ethical and farsighted, as a result we have people, community and social value at our heart.

The companies across the Group regularly collaborate to deliver outstanding results on bespoke projects for both public and private sector clients. We are extremely proud of our dedicated, passionate and friendly colleagues who live our values and work hard to make a difference in communities every day.

At Eric Wright Group, our clients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, who share our values, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.