Ernest Gordon Recruitment
General Operative (Civils)

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Groundworker (Civils)
£40,000 - £50,000 + Overtime + Door-to-Door Pay + 2 Annual Bonuses
Location: Swindon
Are you a Ground worker, Civils Operative or Utilities Operative with experience working on water, utilities, pipelines or deep excavation projects?
Are you looking for a long-term role where you can increase your earnings through overtime and develop into a Supervisor position?
On offer is a permanent opportunity with an established contractor that has been operating for over 25 years, working on major water and civil engineering projects. You will receive door-to-door pay, overtime opportunities, two annual bonuses and ongoing training, with a clear opportunity to progress within the business.
In this role, you will work as part of a site team delivering water and deep excavation projects. You will be involved in pipeline installation and associated civils works, including working with ductile iron and HDPE pipework, pipe bedding and surround, backfilling, chambers, fittings and valves.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This role would suit a Groundworker, Civils Operative, Utilities Operative or similar with experience in water, utilities, pipeline or civil engineering projects who is looking for a stable long-term position with the opportunity to develop their skills, take on more responsibility and increase their earnings through overtime.
The Role:
- Working on water, utilities and deep excavation projects
- Installing and preparing ductile iron and HDPE pipework
- Carrying out pipe bedding, surround, backfilling and chamber works
Working Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm | 45-hour week, with overtime available
The Person:
- General Operative, Civils Operative, Utilities Operative or similar
- Experience working on water, utilities, pipeline or civil engineering projects
- Experience with pipework, chambers, fittings and valves
- Valid CSCS card


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Reference: BBBH27204C
Keywords: Groundworker, Civils, utilities, excavation, General Operative, Construction Operative, RAMS, Groundworker, Thames Water, Swindon
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.
The salary advertised is a guideline for this position. The remuneration offered will be dependent on the extent of your experience, qualifications, and skill set.
Ernest Gordon Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at our website.
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