Highway Operative

Location: North Yorkshire
Rate: £17-£18 per hour (PAYE)
Contract: Initial 2-month contract with the opportunity to move into a permanent position

Exciting Opportunity for a Highways Operative in North Yorkshire

This role will play a key part in supporting the delivery of highway maintenance and improvement works across the network. The successful candidate will predominantly support road marking and surface marking activities, ensuring all works are completed safely, efficiently and to the required standards, specifications and health and safety requirements.

The role will involve operating specialist road marking vehicles and equipment, applying permanent and temporary markings, and supporting wider highway operations including temporary traffic management and winter maintenance activities.

The main duties of the Highways Operative include:

• Applying permanent and temporary road markings using thermoplastic and paint materials in line with highway specifications.
• Operating road marking machinery, including hand applicators and mechanical extrusion systems.
• Preparing work areas by cleaning, drying, and priming surfaces before applying markings.
• Setting out road marking works in accordance with design drawings, standards, and site instructions.
• Installing, maintaining, and removing temporary traffic management measures including cones, barriers, and signage in line with Chapter 8 requirements.
• Carrying out line removal operations using approved techniques.
• Completing daily vehicle and plant checks, reporting any defects or maintenance requirements.
• Maintaining accurate records of completed works, including materials used and time spent on site.
• Ensuring all works are completed in line with health, safety, environmental, and quality procedures.
• Working closely with supervisors, colleagues, and site representatives to ensure efficient delivery of works.
• Maintaining vehicles, plant, and equipment in a clean and serviceable condition.
• Supporting winter maintenance activities including fitting plough attachments, loading salt, hand salting, snow clearance, acting as a banksman, and identifying hazards on the highway.
• Participating in an out-of-hours call-out rota, including evenings, weekends, bank holidays, and emergency response activities when required.

The Highways Operative will have key experience in:

• Demonstrable experience working within road marking operations, including applying new markings to highway specifications.
• Experience operating road marking plant, machinery, and specialist equipment.
• Knowledge of health, safety, and environmental requirements within highway maintenance environments.
• Ability to interpret drawings, designs, and technical instructions.
• Experience working with temporary traffic management and understanding of Chapter 8 requirements.
• Ability to accurately complete work records and documentation.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.
• HGV licence and NRSWA accreditation would be advantageous.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training including Banksman, Manual Handling, Abrasive Wheels, Safe Dig, and Emergency First Aid.