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- Tasks: Maintain and improve highways and drainage systems, ensuring safety for all.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, a Disability Confident Employer committed to inclusivity.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and on-site nursery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction or willingness to learn; must be physically fit.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 35000 £ per year.
We are looking for a reliable and hardworking Highways & Drainage Operative to join our Highways & Drainage Team to start in April 2026. This is a hands-on role maintaining and improving the highway network, helping to keep roads, footpaths and drainage systems safe, serviceable and resilient for residents, businesses and visitors. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About The Role
Based at our Bennet Road depot - 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX. As a Highways & Drainage Operative, you will carry out a wide range of practical highway and drainage maintenance works. This includes:
- Cleansing and maintaining gullies and drainage systems
- Carrying out minor carriageway and footway repairs
- Installing and repairing street furniture
- Responding to emergency call-outs such as flooding, blockages and storm damage
You will work outdoors in all weather conditions, using a variety of tools, plant and machinery, and will be expected to follow safe working practices at all times, including traffic management and health and safety procedures. The role also involves working as part of a team to deliver programmed works as well as reacting quickly to urgent issues that affect public safety. You may also be required to support winter maintenance activities, including gritting and snow clearance, and to participate in standby or out-of-hours rotas to ensure the network remains safe and accessible.
About You
- Has experience of highways, drainage or construction-related work (or is willing to be trained)
- Is practical, physically fit and comfortable working outdoors
- Understands the importance of health and safety in a highways environment
- Can work well as part of a team and follow instructions
- Has a flexible approach to work, including emergency and out-of-hours duties
- Holds a full UK driving licence (HGV licence desirable, depending on role)
Team Reading and Our Values
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
- Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
- Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Depot at 19 Bennet Road in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
For more information on this position please contact Steve Rendell, Highways and Drainage Manager at steve.rendell@reading.gov.uk
Closing Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Setup: In person at 19 Bennet Road, Reading
Highways and Drainage Operative employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Highways and Drainage Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Reading Borough Council and their Highways & Drainage Team. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your hands-on skills! Since this role is all about practical work, be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have. If you’ve done similar tasks before, share those stories to demonstrate your capability.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for the unexpected! This job involves responding to emergencies, so think of examples where you've had to think on your feet or adapt quickly. Highlighting your flexibility can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to making Reading a better place.
We think you need these skills to ace Highways and Drainage Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in highways, drainage, or construction work. If you're new to this field, don’t worry! Just express your willingness to learn and adapt.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and enthusiasm without wading through unnecessary fluff!
Emphasise Teamwork: Since this role involves working as part of a team, mention any past experiences where you collaborated with others. Show us that you can work well with colleagues and contribute positively to the team dynamic.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of highways and drainage systems. Familiarise yourself with common maintenance tasks, tools, and safety procedures. This will show that you're serious about the role and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this role involves working as part of a team, be prepared to discuss your experience collaborating with others. Share examples of how you've worked together to solve problems or complete projects, highlighting your ability to follow instructions and support your colleagues.
✨Be Ready for the Outdoors
This job is hands-on and outdoors, so be ready to talk about your comfort level with working in various weather conditions. Mention any previous experience in similar environments and your willingness to tackle emergency situations like flooding or blockages.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
The role requires a flexible approach, especially regarding emergency call-outs and out-of-hours duties. Be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances, showing that you're committed to keeping the community safe.
