What do excavation operatives do at Lanes Group?

The work of an excavation operative requires technical knowledge and a responsive approach, as our teams can expect to be called upon for both pre-planned and emergency repair jobs at domestic and commercial sites throughout the day.

Operating as part of a two-man crew, excavation operatives will be tasked with carrying out small groundworks, minor drainage-related repairs, reinstatements, pipework renewals and patch lining repairs, all of which require their own planning processes and risk assessment procedures.

It’s up to the operative to carry out the work as quickly, safely and cost-effectively as they can. Sometimes, this will involve navigating confined spaces, meaning operatives will have limited room to manoeuvre and may also face hazards caused by fire, liquid levels and air supply - this requires considerable care and expertise.

Excavation projects can vary greatly in size and scope, ranging from straightforward excavations of individual pipes to large-scale civil projects that can involve the movement of hundreds of tonnes of material. Our operatives therefore need to be flexible enough to adopt the correct approach for each given situation, while also embracing the irregular hours and on-call working model that is required for our 24/7 service. These roles require a lot of outdoor work and physical labour, so we’re looking for candidates who will thrive in these settings.

Salary and working conditions

Every Lanes Group employee will have the opportunity to earn a competitive wage, with pay grades scaling according to experience levels. However, that barely scratches the surface when it comes to the advantages of being part of the Lanes family. We are dedicated to offering our staff one of the industry’s most comprehensive packages of professional benefits and progression opportunities. All staff can expect to receive regular training to develop their skills, as well as access to an optional company-wide health scheme, a workplace pension and childcare vouchers. Full-time employees are also eligible for up to 20 days of paid holiday a year, plus bank holidays.

Other perks include full corporate uniforms and free car parking across 80% of our network of depots and offices, underlining our commitment to building a company culture that truly makes our staff feel like valued members of the team, and our pledge to keep investing in those workers to help them grow their career at Lanes.

Lanes Group is a forces-friendly employer, meaning we welcome applications from veterans and reservists who can bring transferable skills from their military careers to this highly active role.

Does this role offer overtime and bank holiday pay?

Depending on current workloads, depot requirements and business needs, there may be opportunities to work variable shift patterns and hours. Overtime is available in these situations, including bank holiday work, giving you the chance to increase your earnings when additional cover is required.

Skills, qualifications and experience

For this role, you need to be able to demonstrate previous experience in drainage and excavation-related roles, as well as having up-to-date New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) qualifications and a Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card. Experience working in confined spaces and first-aid training are seen as desirable, but not strictly necessary. A commitment to safety, quality and customer satisfaction are essential qualities.

Those with more experience may be considered for the role of lead operative - a team leader position which demands more responsibility. However, there are opportunities for excavation operatives to progress into this role as they develop their skills and experience.

For those wishing to become excavation assistants, some degree of prior experience is still desirable, but these junior team members will work alongside a more senior operative to learn the basics of the role on the job.

Help applying for excavation jobs

If you are looking to update your CV, we've got a free downloadable template to help. Just drop in your details, adjust it to suit your experience, and you're good to go.

Take a look at our excavation operative and assistant jobs below: