Highways Maintenance Operative

Purpose of the role

Colas are responsible for the Maintenance & Response contract for Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), delivering a range of highway and structures maintenance services across the network. This includes cyclical and reactive maintenance, planned schemes, and the upkeep of Chester City Walls, a Grade I listed monument, helping to keep the highways network safe, serviceable, and sustainable.

We are looking for a Highways Maintenance Operative to join the Structures and Bridges team based in Winsford, Chester CW7 2RB. Working as part of a dedicated structures team, you will carry out a variety of maintenance activities on bridges and highway structures, helping to preserve and improve vital infrastructure across the county.

Winsford | Full Time | 12.71-14.60

✔ Monthly paid salary

✔ Overtime and additional shift payments available

✔ Up to 10% combined pension contributions

✔ 21 days holiday plus bank holidays

Main Responsibilities

As a Highways Maintenance Operative, your duties will include but not be limited to the following:

• Carrying out reactive, routine and programmed maintenance on bridges and structures across the CWAC network

• Undertaking brickwork repairs, painting, concrete repairs and joinery works

• Preparing structures for inspections, including vegetation clearance, strimming and general site preparation

• Cleaning bridge drainage systems and carrying out minor maintenance activities to ensure structures remain safe and serviceable

• Responding to inspections, defects, complaints and emergency situations as required

• Promoting and maintaining high standards of health and safety at all times

• Working closely with team members to ensure safe systems of work and risk assessments are followed

• Participating in Incident Management and Winter Service activities when required

• Operating company vehicles, plant and equipment safely and in accordance with company procedures

• Completing administrative tasks including timesheets and recording labour, plant and material usage

• Maintaining a professional approach that positively reflects the image of Colas

• Working flexibly, including occasional nights and weekends when operational requirements demand

• Undertaking any other reasonable duties as directed by your Supervisor or Line Manager

Ideal Candidate

As a Highways Maintenance Operative, we are looking for:

✔ Full UK Driving Licence (or working towards obtaining one)

✔ Experience within bridges, structures or highways maintenance environments

✔ Knowledge of painting, brickwork, concrete repairs and joinery works

✔ A proactive, can-do attitude with the ability to work on your own initiative

✔ Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure

✔ Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions

✔ Commitment to maintaining high health and safety standards

Desirable qualifications and experience:

✔ Excavator or plant operation tickets

✔ MEWP certification

✔ Chainsaw qualification

✔ Spraying licence

✔ PASMA / Tower Scaffold qualification

✔ Other relevant highways or structures maintenance qualifications

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• Life Assurance Scheme of up to 4x basic salary

• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme

• Opportunities to study towards fully funded professional qualifications

• Ongoing personal and professional development

• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support

• Opportunities for career progression within a leading infrastructure services business