At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a skilled team to maintain and repair vital drainage systems across the highway network.
- Company: FM Conway, a family-run business with over 60 years of experience in sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy 23 days holiday, career development, health support, and shopping discounts.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of water and drainage solutions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure while receiving full training and support.
- Qualifications: Full UK driving licence; experience with high-pressure water jetting is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
FM Conway is looking for a Drainage Operative to join our dedicated Water and Drainage Management team to support essential infrastructure across the highway network. In this role, you will work as part of a skilled two-person crew, carrying out a variety of vital tasks, including the cleaning, clearance, repair, and maintenance of drainage systems. Whether you already have experience in the drainage industry or are looking to start a new and rewarding career, we offer full training and ongoing support to help you succeed and grow in the role. This is a full-time, permanent position based in Winchester, Hampshire.
The duties of the Drainage Operative role will include:
- Assisting the HGV Drainage Engineers with a variety of drainage tasks, including high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ) to inspect, clean, and maintain drainage networks.
- Carrying out drainage cleaning and investigation activities to identify and resolve issues.
- Supporting the safe and effective use of high-pressure water jetting equipment.
- Responding promptly to reactive and emergency callouts, helping to resolve urgent drainage problems.
- Operating the GIS Trimble unit accurately and efficiently, following all company procedures and safety guidelines.
What skills and experience do you need?
To be considered for this role, you must have a full UK driving licence. Experience in a similar role with high-pressure water jetting would be an advantage, but it is not essential - we can provide full training to help you develop the skills you need. A CSCS Card and a Confined Space ticket would be beneficial, allowing you to contribute more quickly in this dynamic environment.
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 programme), 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's 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: 17/05/2026
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 in Portsmouth employer: FM Conway
FM Conway is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Winchester, Hampshire, where you can thrive as a Drainage Operative. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training, career development opportunities, and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowance, health and well-being support, and access to shopping discounts. Join our dedicated team and be part of a company that values innovation, integrity, and excellence while shaping the future of water and drainage solutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drainage Operative in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on FM Conway and their Water and Drainage Management team. Understanding their values and recent projects can help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! If you're new to the drainage industry or high-pressure water jetting, don’t sweat it. We recommend brushing up on basic drainage concepts and safety protocols so you can confidently discuss them in your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you apply through our website, make sure to express why you’re excited about joining FM Conway. A genuine passion for the role can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready for hands-on questions! Since this role involves practical tasks, be prepared to discuss any relevant experience or skills you have. Even if you’re new, think about how your past experiences can relate to the job at hand.
We think you need these skills to ace Drainage Operative in Portsmouth
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 Management team and contributing to essential infrastructure.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s not directly in drainage. If you've worked with high-pressure water jetting or similar tasks, mention it! We love seeing how your skills can fit into our team.
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 apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application 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 high-pressure water jetting. Familiarise yourself with common issues that arise in drainage maintenance and be ready to discuss how you would approach these problems.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since you'll be working as part of a two-person crew, it's important to demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Share examples from your past experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes, especially in challenging situations.
✨Safety First!
Make sure you understand the safety protocols related to drainage work. Be prepared to talk about any relevant certifications you have, like a CSCS Card or Confined Space ticket, and express your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the role or the company culture. Inquire about training opportunities or how the team handles emergency callouts. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
