At a Glance
- Tasks: Operate plant and machinery for fibre installations in beautiful rural landscapes.
- Company: Join Wessex Internet, an award-winning broadband provider transforming rural connectivity.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30,000 - £36,000, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working patterns and regular three-day weekends in winter.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact on rural communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in civils or utilities, full UK driving licence, and strong work ethic.
The predicted salary is between 38725 - 47331 £ per year.
Build more than infrastructure—build the future of rural connectivity. Wessex Internet is an award-winning broadband provider transforming how rural communities stay connected across the South West. As we continue expanding into the New Forest, Wiltshire, and South & West Dorset, we're looking for experienced Civils Operatives to join our fast-growing in-house team. In this role, you’ll get hands‑on with our trenchless technology (Mole Plough and Directional Drilling), operating plant and machinery across varied and often beautiful landscapes. If you love physical outdoor work, want long‑term stability, and thrive in a supportive, tight‑knit team, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
What we offer:
- A £30,000 - £36,000 starting salary (depending on experience)
- Real career progression, including supervisory and team leader pathways
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays, with the option to buy/sell up to 5 days
- Private medical insurance, life assurance & income protection
- Cycle to Work & Tech purchase schemes
- Enhanced family leave policies
- 75% staff broadband discount
- High street discounts across 100+ major brands
- Summer & Christmas team socials
- A chance to be part of a company with a strong, long-term vision
What you’ll be doing:
- Operating plant and machinery (including 2.7-ton Kubota diggers) for fibre installs, manholes, and telecoms cabinets
- Supporting mole plough and directional drilling teams to deliver fast, trenchless fibre installations
- Carrying out daily plant checks and basic maintenance
- Flagging site challenges and helping your Team Leader keep projects moving
- Always promoting and following safe working practices, reporting any H&S concerns
- Supporting and mentoring junior team members on site
We're looking for someone with:
- Experience in civils, utilities, groundwork, or rural infrastructure
- A full UK manual driving licence
- A strong work ethic and comfort working outdoors in any weather
- Confidence operating plant and machinery (tickets beneficial but not essential)
- Experience with excavation, ducting, and/or pipe or cable laying
- Understanding of working on agricultural land or in remote environments
- A proactive, solutions-focused, team-first approach
Desirable (but not essential):
- B+E trailer licence
- CSCS Street Works / Cable Avoidance (CAT & Genny)
Seasonal Working Pattern:
This role follows our annualised seasonal working pattern, designed to make the most of the busy construction season while offering greater flexibility during the winter.
- Summer (approximately March–October): Monday to Friday 50-hour working week
- Winter (approximately November–February): Monday to Thursday 36-hour working week
Enjoy regular three-day weekends during the quieter months. Your salary is paid equally throughout the year, giving you consistent monthly earnings regardless of seasonal hours worked. Occasional Friday training days and overtime may be required to support business needs.
If you’re ready to put your civils experience to work in a growing company with a clear vision for the future, and help us build the fibre network powering rural communities for generations to come.
Rural Civils Operative in Fordingbridge employer: Wessex Internet
Wessex Internet is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within its senior leadership team. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave, and a range of perks, while also having ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment focused on strategic financial leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rural Civils Operative in Fordingbridge
✨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 Wessex Internet, 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 Rural Civils Operative at Wessex Internet.
We think you need these skills to ace Rural Civils Operative in Fordingbridge
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 Wessex Internet
✨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!
