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- Tasks: Join a team to clean and maintain sewage treatment sites with hands-on drainage tasks.
- Company: FM Conway, a family-run business with over 60 years of experience in innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, career development, health support, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values individuality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team shaping the future of water and drainage solutions.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving license required; training provided for all skills needed.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
FM Conway is recruiting for a Drainage Operative to join our Water and Drainage Division as part of our Wastewater Team. As our Drainage Operative, you will work in a team to support the essential cleaning works required on various sewage treatment sites. This is a full time, permanent position, based from our Colchester depot.
The duties of the Drainage Operative role will include:
- Working within existing cleaning teams on low, medium or high-risk entry works, where an entry is required into various assets for cleaning purposes in order for the client to carry out any essential mechanical repairs.
- Assisting the HGV Drainage Operatives with a variety of drainage tasks, including high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ), vacuumation to inspect, clean, and maintain drainage networks.
- Carrying out drainage cleaning and investigation activities to identify and resolve onsite issues.
- Responding to reactive and emergency callouts, helping to resolve urgent onsite drainage problems.
- Learning to maintain and correctly use our fleet of specialised Combination jetting/vacuumation units.
What skills and experience do you need?
You will ideally have experience in high pressure water jetting, working in confined spaces and working at heights, however, this is not essential, as full training will be provided. A full UK driving license is essential.
What benefits will you receive?
As our Drainage Operative, we will offer you a range of fantastic benefits including career and professional development (including our HGV apprenticeship program), 23 days holiday plus bank holidays, company pension, life assurance, opportunities for internal and external training and access to a wide range of shopping discounts through our Rewarding Great People platform. We will also offer you a range of health and well-being benefits including 24-hour advice lines, and support from our in-house mental health first aiders.
A brief introduction to FM Conway and the Water and Drainage Division:
FM Conway is a business of families with over 60 years’ experience of creating sustainable and innovative transportation solutions. We pride ourselves on our core values, creating a culture around Care, Innovation, Integrity and Excellence. The heart of FM Conway has, and always will be, its great people and we are always searching for talented individuals to join our family. You will be joining our Water and Drainage Management Division, one of the fastest-growing and most innovative areas of our business. This dynamic division delivers a full range of services, including drainage surveys, maintenance, and rehabilitation across the entire highway network. As part of this forward-thinking team, you will be working on the front line of infrastructure maintenance, supported by one of the UK’s largest and most technically advanced specialist transport fleets. It is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a team that is not only growing rapidly but also shaping the future of water and drainage solutions.
So, if you want to Join our Family as our Drainage Operative, click apply today!
Closing Date: 27/05/2026
FM Conway is an award-winning equal opportunities employer. We recognise that our workforce should reflect our diverse communities and we are proudly committed to creating an inclusive culture in which we celebrate and value individuals from all walks of life.
At our heart we are a business that recognises and embraces individuality, so if you are excited about this role but you are unsure if you meet all of the criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway as you may still be the right candidate for this or another role we are recruiting for. We believe in people, not algorithms. That’s why every application is personally reviewed by a member of our Recruitment Team - never by AI. We look forward to receiving your application!
Drainage Operative - Colchester, Essex employer: FM Conway
Contact Detail:
FM Conway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Drainage Operative - Colchester, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on FM Conway and their Water and Drainage Division. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Try out some common interview questions related to drainage operations and teamwork. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you’re chatting with the team, let your passion for the role shine through. Talk about why you’re excited about working in drainage and how you can contribute to the team’s success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows you’re keen and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Drainage Operative - Colchester, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see that you're excited about joining our Water and Drainage Division and contributing to our team.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly in drainage. If you've worked in similar environments or have transferable skills, let us know! We love seeing how your background fits with what we do.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us get a quick understanding of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at FM Conway
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of drainage systems and the specific tasks mentioned in the job description. Familiarise yourself with high-pressure water jetting and vacuumation techniques, even if you haven't done them before. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Safety First
Since the role involves working in confined spaces and at heights, be prepared to discuss safety protocols. Think about any relevant experiences you've had and how you prioritised safety in those situations. This will demonstrate your awareness and commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Team Player Vibes
FM Conway values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked in a team before. Highlight your ability to support colleagues and contribute to group efforts, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can fit into their family-oriented culture.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the training provided for new operatives or the types of projects the Water and Drainage Division is currently tackling. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career goals.