Mainlaying Operative

Do you enjoy practical work, working outdoors, and being part of a close-knit team? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Mainlaying Operative. 

Our Network Construction teams play a vital role in providing essential water services to our customers. As part of our team, you will help deliver high-quality infrastructure projects that support and improve the water distribution network across the region. 

What you'll do

As a Mainlaying Operative, you will work within a three- to four-person crew delivering the installation, maintenance, and commissioning of new water mains and associated infrastructure. You will ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards while delivering excellent customer service. 

This is a varied and rewarding role where no two days are the same. Working outdoors, you will contribute to projects that provide essential services to local communities. 

Key responsibilities include: 

• installing new water mains and associated fittings on the water distribution network
• carrying out excavations and reinstatement works in highways, footpaths, and open ground
• operating plant and equipment in line with training and competency levels
• working safely and complying with all company health, safety, and environmental procedures
• meeting programme deadlines and productivity targets across a range of construction projects
• maintaining high standards of workmanship and quality assurance
• liaising professionally with customers, landowners, local authorities, and other stakeholders when required
• supporting colleagues and contributing to a positive team-working environment.

This role is based at our Cossington Depot, with travel required throughout the Wessex Water operating area. 

What you'll need 

The ideal candidate will have: 

• a full, valid UK driving licence
• previous experience in construction, civil engineering, utilities, or another hands-on, labour-intensive environment
• experience working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn new skills
• good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

The following qualifications and experience would be advantageous, but training can be provided: 

• NOPORS/CPCS Digger and Dumper certification. 
• Water main installation experience. 
• National Water Hygiene (Blue Card). 
• NRSWA Streetworks qualification. 
• Health and Safety certification. 
• Experience working within the utilities or water industry.

What you'll receive

• A combined pension contribution of up to 20%.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities.
• 25 days' holiday rising to 28 with length of service.
• The opportunity to sell up to five days of holiday every year.
• The opportunity to buy up to ten days of holiday each year (subject to conditions).
• A healthcare package that allows you to claim back healthcare costs.
• Life assurance of up to eight times your salary.
• The opportunity to lease a new electric car through salary sacrifice (subject to conditions).
• Cashback and discounts from more than 3,000 retailers.
• One paid volunteering day each year.
• Enhanced family leave and pay arrangements.
• Access to an interactive health and wellbeing platform.
• Support from trained mental health first aiders.
• A £1,000 referral fee if you recommend someone who is successfully recruited by us. 

Who we are

YTL UK is part of the international YTL Group based in Kuala Lumpur. The UK companies include:

• Wessex Water – one of the top-performing water and sewerage companies in England and Wales, serving 2.9 million people across the South West
• YTL Developments – a major UK developer currently redeveloping a 450-acre former airfield into an award-winning, exciting mix of houses, apartments, schools, commercial space, restaurants and hotels, to make a truly sustainable new community
• YTL Construction UK – a top 20 UK contractor providing fully integrated services to infrastructure, residential, commercial, industry, energy and environmental sectors
• YTL Arena – the development and operation of an entertainment complex that includes a 20,000-capacity arena, conferencing and exhibition space
• plus a number of other retail, environmental and specialist businesses.

Our people tell us that YTL UK is a great place to work, which is why so many of them stay with us! You will have a unique opportunity to develop and progress your career within such a diverse group.

We are passionate about diversity and inclusion – with that in mind, all applicants are welcome. We are delighted to have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are a Disability Confident Employer.  

If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process, please inform a member of our Recruitment team.