Skilled Operative

pla; Denton; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading port authority in the UK is looking for a Skilled Operative to join their Civil Engineering team. This role involves executing small construction projects and maintaining assets with a focus on groundworks. Candidates should have at least 10 years of experience in the construction industry, strong expertise in groundworks, and relevant certifications. The position offers a competitive benefits package and requires working primarily in Denton across various PLA sites.

Benefits

28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)

Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)

Generous pension

Onsite parking with electric charging

Access to Occupational Health

Cycle to Work Scheme

Car-leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)

Access to MyGymDiscounts

Qualifications

• 10+ years of site experience in construction with focus on groundworks.
• Experience in maritime sector preferred.
• Full UK driving license is essential.
• Willing to undertake training for LGV driving license and plant operation.

Responsibilities

• Carry out small construction projects and maintenance of PLA assets.
• Monitor material stocks and advise Construction Supervisor.
• Plan, organize, and schedule daily tasks to meet deadlines.
• Ensure high-quality workmanship and compliance with specifications.
• Perform groundworks tasks including excavation and drainage installation.

Skills

Groundworks

Drainage

Carpentry and Joinery

Bricklaying

Roofing

Painting and Decorating

Kitchen Fitting

Microsoft Office

Education

City & Guilds – Full Technological Certificate in relevant trade

Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance

Tools

Construction Equipment

Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)

Mobile Boom Operator Certification

Job description

Job title: Skilled Operative

Department: Civil Engineering

Reporting to: Civil Engineer

Grade: 8

Salary: £40,976 per annum

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Base: Based at Denton, working across all PLA sites.

Closing date: 9th January 2026

Interview date: 28th January 2026

Who we are:

We are the UK’s biggest port, central to the country’s economy and ambitions for growth. We connect the UK to the world, but we are much more than a conventional port.

We are driven by our purpose to protect and improve the 95 mile stretch of the River Thames which is tidal – from Teddington Lock on the border of Surrey, through the heart of London, Kent, Essex and out to the North Sea.

The role:

The Civil Engineering team are seeking a Skilled Operative to carry out small construction projects and maintenance of PLA assets as part of the Trades Team, with a focus on groundworks. This includes construction, repair, and general upkeep of PLA assets, using safe and effective construction techniques and finishing skill.

Key responsibilities:

• Deputise in the absence of the Construction Supervisor or Revetement Manager
• Monitor material stocks and advise Construction Supervisor of material shortages etc.
• Plan, organize, and schedule daily tasks to meet project deadlines.
• Quality control and workmanship of permanent works by monitoring work progress and quality, addressing any issues promptly.
• Setting out of the works and to be able to read and interpret construction drawings, blueprints, and specifications.
• Identify issues to Construction Supervisor or Civil Engineers
• Perform groundworks tasks such as excavation, trenching, levelling, and backfilling to prepare sites for construction.
• Installation of drainage systems, manholes, and utility services.
• Lay foundations, concrete, and hard landscaping materials as required.
• Follow site plans, specifications, and instructions from supervisors or site
• To perform vehicle and plant driving functions.
• Ensure work completed to a high standard to maximise durability.
• Take all reasonable precautions to keep equipment, plant, materials and fuel secure through site inspections

What we are looking for:

• A minimum of 10 years site experience within the construction industry with an emphasis on groundworks and civil engineering.
• Experience of work within the maritime sector would be useful.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programmes including Word, Excel, Office
• City & Guilds – Full Technological Certificate (FTC) in relevant trade or minimum level 2 NVQ Diploma in Building Maintenance, Multi-trade Repair and Refurbishment (Construction)
• Hold current qualification in Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS)
• Full UK driving licence is essential. ‘C1’ LGV driving licence is required or will be willing to undertake funded training.
• Hold, or be willing to undertake training course for IPAF (Duel) Mobile Vertical (3a) + (3b) Mobile Boom – Operator
• Skilled in groundworks, drainage, carpentry and joinery, bricklaying, roofing, painting and decorating and kitchen fitting
• Qualified, or willing to be trained, to operate plant and access equipment.
• Qualified, or willing to be trained, to work at height and over water.

In return, we offer a competitive benefits package:

• 28 days annual leave (plus Bank Holidays)
• Medical Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension
• Onsite parking with electric charging
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling and Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Car‑leasing scheme (Tusker Cars)
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Nick Jordan, Civil Engineering Department at [e-mail]

The PLA are not registered with the UK Home Office and do not sponsor candidates who require a visa or work permit to work in the UK, therefore an offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.