General Operative (Internal Applicants Only)

Role Overview

Leicestershire County Council is seeking a General Operative to join its Operational Highways team. This vacancy is restricted to current internal applicants only.

You will be part of a team delivering a responsive, efficient, and customer-focused highways service across Leicestershire. The post involves working across different teams as needed to support the upkeep of highways, footpaths, and structures in line with statutory obligations. Typical duties may include quick response work, routine maintenance, drainage, roadmender tasks, gully emptying, or camera van operations.

Working Pattern and Conditions

This is a permanent, full-time position of 37 hours per week, based at Croft Highways, Arbor Road, Croft, Leicestershire LE9 3GE or Mountsorrel Highways, Granite Way, Mountsorrel, Leicestershire LE12 7TZ.

Working time may fall outside standard hours and can include nights, weekends, and public holidays, in all weather conditions, depending on service needs. The role includes participation in a compulsory call-out rota for evening, weekend, and public holiday emergencies. Employees aged under 21 are excluded from this requirement.

Shifts begin and end at the depot, and you are expected to arrange your own daily travel to and from the depot.

This is a safety-critical role and is therefore subject to random drug and alcohol testing under the organisation’s policies and procedures. A copy of the Substance Misuse Policy and Procedure can be requested.

Pay and Contract

Salary is £25,995 to £26,409 per annum, with pro rata pay for part-time working where applicable. The organisation notes that a pay award is pending.

Contract type: permanent.

What You Need

Applicants must show in their application how they meet the essential criteria. You should either hold the required qualifications and training, or be able to demonstrate relevant skills and experience with a clear commitment to obtain them.

Essential qualifications and certifications include the New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) Operatives qualification, relevant accredited health and safety training records, and supporting certification such as NPORS plant operator or Appointed Person, where applicable. A valid driving licence is required. A Large Goods Vehicle licence and CPC training with a current DQC card would be beneficial, but are not mandatory.

You should have experience in highways, civil engineering, or a comparable environment, including the ability to measure and calculate quantities such as areas, volumes, and weights. Knowledge of construction specifications, materials, compaction, workmanship standards, and safe use of plant and machinery is also expected.

Awareness of construction health, safety, and environmental requirements is important, along with understanding safe systems of work, driver’s hours legislation, PPE, manual handling, and Chapter 8 traffic management regulations.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, together with experience using workplace technology such as PCs, PDS devices, and mobile phones.

You must be able to work well with others, stay motivated, use your own initiative, and manage priorities effectively in an organised way. The role also calls for a calm, professional, and diplomatic approach when dealing with customers and colleagues, including giving clear updates and handling difficult situations positively.

Equality, Flexibility, and Additional Information

The council welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and seeks people who share its commitment to accessible, inclusive services for all residents. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate this commitment during selection.

Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with disabilities. The council is a Disability Confident Employer.

Flexible working discussions are welcome and may include part-time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the role and service needs.

If you need an alternative format for the application pack or experience technical issues, support is available through the Employee Service Centre by phone or via the online support portal.

By submitting an application, you agree to the organisation’s terms and conditions. The vacancy may close early if enough suitable applications are received.

About the Organisation

Leicestershire County Council works with local communities and partners to provide public services that help make Leicestershire a great place to live and work. The council values the contribution of its employees and aims to offer meaningful roles where ideas are welcomed and work has a positive impact.

Application Guidance

Applicants are required to submit a supporting statement that clearly explains how they meet the criteria set out in the “What You Need” section. Applications without this statement will not be assessed and may be rejected.

For informal enquiries, contact Tom Vesty, Highways Works Manager, by telephone or email.

Benefits Information

Further details about the recruitment process, organisational values, employee benefits, and working for the council are available through the organisation’s published information.