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Highways and Drainage Operative
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Highways and Drainage Operative
Highways & Drainage Operative – Full-Time, Permanent Role
Reading Borough Council £28,142 to £33,699 Per Year Closes: 14 July 2026
About the Role
Based at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX, this hands-on position within the Highways & Drainage Team (starting April 2026) focuses on maintaining and improving the borough’s infrastructure—keeping roads, footpaths, and drainage safe, accessible, and resilient for residents and visitors alike.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Cleansing and maintaining gullies, drainage systems, and related infrastructure
- Carrying out minor carriageway and footpath repairs
- Installing and repairing street furniture (e.g., signs, bollards)
- Responding to emergency call-offs, including flooding, blockages, and storm damage
- Supporting winter maintenance (gritting, snow clearance)
- Operating tools, plant, and machinery safely while adhering to traffic management and health/safety protocols
- Working outdoors in all weather conditions, as part of a team and on out-of-hours rotas when necessary.
This role demands flexibility, physical stamina, and a commitment to proactive problem-solving—working both to schedule and react to urgent public safety concerns.
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About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience in highways, drainage, or construction (or is keen to be trained)
- Is practically minded, physically fit, and comfortable working outdoors in diverse conditions
- Prioritises health and safety with an understanding of highway-related risks
- Thrives in a team environment, reliably following instructions and adapting to new tasks
- Maintains a flexible approach, including emergency duty on-call
- Holds a full UK driving licence (an HGV licence is desirable depending on role requirements).
As a team member, you’ll contribute directly to making Reading a vibrant, livable community.
Benefits
At Reading Borough Council, we back innovation, growth, and a strong work culture. Our benefits include:
- Career Development: Supportive environment where ideas are welcomed, offered alongside professional development opportunities.
- Modern Working Conditions: A well-equipped depot at 19 Bennet Road, Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance: Three times your annual salary (for LGPS members).
- 25 Days Holiday (+ bank holidays), rising to 33 days after 10 years—buy more optional leave if needed.
- Flexible Working Policies: Wide-ranging flexibility options for work-life balance.
- On-site Childcare: Kennet Day Nursery (rated Outstanding by Ofsted).
- Season Ticket Loan: Affordability support for transport commutes.
- Lease Car Scheme: Salary sacrifice option to lease an environmentally friendly car for three years, covering servicing, insurance, and taxes.
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Our Team Reading ethos encourages collaboration to drive efficiency and collective success:
- Unity: Work together with colleagues and our partners.
- Innovation: Be proactive about improving delivery ("Drive Efficiency").
- Growth Mindset: Push performance standards higher ("Be Ambitious").
- Public Service: Stepping up to help the city thrive ("Make a Difference to Reading").
Key Details
- Location: 19 Bennet Road, Reading
- Application Closes: 14 July 2026
- Interviews: To be confirmed (likely at Bennet Road Depot, in person).
- How to Apply: Visit reabcli.webitrent.com
For further questions, contact: Steve Rendell, Highways and Drainage Manager Email: steve.rendell@reading.gov.uk
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