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Senior Highways and Drainage Operative
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Senior Highways and Drainage Operative
Senior Highways & Drainage Operative
Full-Time, Permanent £33,699 to £36,363 per year Reading Borough Council
About the Role
Location: Based at 19 Bennet Road, Reading, RG2 0QX Role: Hands-on supervisory position within the Highways & Drainage Team Key Focus: Maintenance, upgrades, and safety compliance for Reading’s highways, drainage systems, and public spaces
The Senior Highways & Drainage Operative will lead a small operational team to deliver high-quality highways repairs, drainage maintenance, streetworks, and infrastructure projects. Responsibilities include:
- Day-to-day site management
- Vehicle, plant, and material coordination
- Ensuring health & safety compliance
- Collaboration with engineers and inspectors
- Driving income-generating schemes
Key Responsibilities
- Supervision: Lead and guide operatives on-site
- Maintenance Work:
- Execute highway repairs, resurfacing, and reinstatement
- Conduct drainage excavations, repairs, and gully cleansing
- Install street furniture and traffic infrastructure
- Compliance: Adhere to Chapter 8, NRSWA, and health & safety regulations
- Team & Vehicle Management:
- Drive and maintain LGVs, plant, and equipment
- Conduct routine inspections & record-keeping
- Productivity: Assist in meeting efficiency and service targets
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Required Qualifications & Experience
- Demonstrated technical highways expertise
- Excellent literacy and numeracy skills
- NRSWA (National Registration for Excavation & Reinstatement) accreditation
- Extensive experience in highway maintenance and drainage repairs
- Supervisory experience in safety-critical work environments
- Strong communication and teamwork abilities
- Technical knowledge of highway materials, equipment, and scheduling
Preferred (but not mandatory)
- HGV Class 2 licence
- Mechanical excavator qualification (CITB-recognised)
- Relevant apprenticeship (e.g., Supervisor Development Programme)
Additional Requirements
- Ability to work 37+ hours/week (including overtime)
- Participation in a call-out rota (shift allowance available)
- Deply availability for ** srpnation tasks**
- Physical fitness to meet role demands
Role Values
Reading Borough Council emphasises diversity, collaboration, and personal impact. Success hinges on:
- Inclusion & Fairness – recruiting the best talent from all backgrounds
- Customer Service – delivering high standards in all operations
(Disability Confident Employer – prioritises accessibility and support.)
Why Work Here
Our Vision
Ensure Reading is a vibrant, sustainable place to live, work, and thrive—and share its successes with everyone.
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Core Values & Behaviours
- Work Together – Collaborate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
- Drive Efficiency – Embrace new ideas, take initiative, and challenge waste
- Be Ambitious – Push performance boundaries with honesty and positivity
- Make a Difference – Flexibility and service-first mindset
Career Growth & Support
- A collaborative, innovative workplace
- Proactive leadership who values team input
Competitive Benefits
Pay & Flexibility
- ++25 days holiday + bank holidays (33+ days after 10 years)
- Flexible working options for a better work-life balance
Environment & Development
- Modern depot at 19 Bennet Road, Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
Wellbeing & Lifestyle
- Life assurance (3x salary for Scheme members)
- Ofsted-Outstanding day nursery (Kennet Day)
- Season Ticket Loan – reduced commute costs
Sustainable Transport
- Lease car salary sacrifice – informative vehicles with maintenance included
How to Apply
Contact: Steve Rendell, Highways and Drainage Operations Manager 📧 steve.rendell@reading.gov.uk
Posting Closes: 14th July 2026
Interview Date: To be determined Interview Location: 19 Bennet Road, Reading
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