Highways Maintenance Operative

Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.  

 

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Purpose of the role

 

We have some great opportunities for Highways Maintenance Operatives (Drainage) to join the Cheshire West and Chester contract based at either one of our depots, CH2 4EX, Guilden Sutton or CW7 2RB, Winsford. To maintain and cleanse the Cheshire West & Chester drainage network, working from supervisor-issued instructions to deliver high-quality work on time. You’ll represent Colas Ltd professionally at all times while strictly adhering to all safety, site, and permitting regulations. 

 

Split shift pattern:

• • 6:00am – 2:00pm

  • 2:00pm – 10:00pm

• Alternating weekly shifts (early / late)

• Occasional Saturday work required

• Enhanced pay:

  • Evenings (6pm–10pm, Mon–Fri)

  • Overtime rates for Saturdays

Main Responsibilities

 

As a Highways Maintanence Operative (Drainage) your duties will include, but not be limited to the following: 

• Carry out drainage cleansing and maintenance works

• Undertake high-pressure water jetting safely and to specification

• Operate mechanical plant and equipment

• Clear ditches, sites, vegetation, and undergrowth

• Perform manual excavation (trial holes, hard materials, shovelling)

• Replace gratings in footways and carriageways

• Install temporary and permanent signage

• Set up traffic and pedestrian management systems

• Assist with emergency response and call-out rota

• Load and unload materials as required

• Take before and after photos of completed works

• Complete job sheets and return paperwork on time

• Work safely in line with Health & Safety regulations, risk assessments, and method statements

• Comply with Traffic Management Act permitting requirements

• Report vehicle and plant defects promptly

• Deliver work efficiently to required quality standards

Ideal Candidate

 

The ideal candidate will have experience in drainage or reactive maintenance, ideally within highways or emergency response. It is essential that you hold a category C Driving Licence, CSCS card, Driver CPC, NHSS 12D T1/T2. Experience with high pressure jetting, with familiarity of Whale Tankers and basic IT skills (desirable). 

 

It is essential that you bring strong communication, teamwork, and organisational skills. A proactive, self-motivated approach, with the ability to prioritise, work under pressure, maintain attention to detail, and a willingness to learn and develop is essential. 

Package Description

 

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

 

• A salary between £29,868.00 and £30,386.00 (plus rates for evening and Saturday work)
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 21 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Family-Friendly Benefits, including Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Pay
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal / professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business. 

 

Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice. 

 

Note to Recruitment Agencies                                                                                                                                         

In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.