At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain highways and footpaths, ensuring safety and quality service.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, dedicated to community service and teamwork.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Safety-critical role with a supportive environment and commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: NRSWA qualification and health & safety training preferred; driving licence is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
An opportunity has arisen for a General Operative to join our Operational Highways team at Leicestershire County Council. In this role, you will work as part of a team to deliver a best‑value, customer‑focussed service throughout Leicestershire, supporting activities to maintain highways, footpaths and structures in accordance with statutory requirements. This is a Safety Critical Post and, consequently, subject to random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with our policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
- Deliver a range of highway maintenance activities, including Quick Response, General Maintenance, Drainage, Roadmender, Gully Emptying and Camera Van work.
- Work flexibly, efficiently and effectively across various teams as directed, covering normal, night, weekend and public holiday shifts.
- Be scheduled into a mandatory call‑out rota to cover evening, weekend and public holiday emergencies.
- Transport yourself to and from the depot on a daily basis, as required by the role.
Qualifications
- New Roads and Streetworks Act (NRSWA) Qualification (Operatives) and accredited Health & Safety training certificates (e.g. NPORS plant operator, Appointed Person).
- Valid driving licence; possession of a Large Goods Vehicle Licence and CPC training with a current DQC Card is an asset.
- Demonstrable evidence of relevant skills and experience with a commitment to attain the essential qualifications.
- Experience working in a highways or civil engineering environment, with the ability to take measurements and calculate quantities, understand construction specifications, materials, compaction, workmanship requirements and safe plant and machinery usage.
- Knowledge of Construction Health, Safety and Environmental requirements, safe working procedures, and legislation including driver’s hours, PPE, manual handling and Chapter 8 Traffic Management Regulations.
- Core communication skills, both written and verbal, and experience using information technology (e.g. personal computer, PDS, mobile phones) in a work‑related context.
- Motivation, initiative, organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Professional and positive approach when dealing with customers and colleagues, maintaining an objective stance and communicating accurate information in challenging circumstances.
Flexible Working
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part‑time working, job sharing, term‑time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to equal opportunity and encourage applications from all suitable candidates. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability.
General Operative in Nottingham employer: Leicestershire County Council
Leicestershire County Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a General Operative, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute meaningfully to the community by maintaining essential highways and footpaths. With a commitment to safety and equal opportunities, this role provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a difference in their local area.
Contact Details:
Leicestershire County Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Operative in Nottingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Leicestershire County Council, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like General Operative at Leicestershire County Council.
We think you need these skills to ace General Operative in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leicestershire County Council
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
