Excavation operatives: responsibilities

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.

After all, most property owners would prefer to avoid disruptive excavations wherever possible, so it’s up to the operative to pick the right solution for each problem, and 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 underpins our 24/7 service. It also goes without saying that 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 and local conditions. Variable shift patterns and hours can be arranged, while overtime options are often available, depending on current workloads, depot requirements and business needs.

However, that barely scratches the surface when it comes to the advantages of being part of the Lanes family. We’re dedicated to offering our staff one of the industry’s most comprehensive packages of professional benefits and progression opportunities, meaning 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.

It’s also worth noting that 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.

Skills, qualifications and experience

Excavation engineering can be a complex discipline, which is why we’re looking for applicants who are able to demonstrate the expertise necessary to perform this work to the high standard that our clients have come to expect from Lanes Group.

As such, to be considered for these roles, candidates 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 should be considered 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 less essential due to the fact that these junior team members will be working alongside a more senior operative to learn the basics of the role on the job.

Future prospects

Becoming an excavation engineer at Lanes Group provides an outstanding opportunity to achieve long-term job security and build a career over time. Instead of picking up a one-off pay cheque, Lanes employees can become trusted members of an evolving team, while finding new avenues for growth within a successful organisation that’s always moving forward.

No two days at Lanes Group are ever the same, and staff can feel the full benefit of that dynamism by getting involved in the long-term training pathways we finance for our valued workers.

Learning from experienced engineering mentors, employees can develop new specialisms and take on new responsibilities, gradually bolstering their earning power. The fact that we employ more than 2,200 people across our 25 regional offices and utility hubs throughout the UK also means that engineers can move around the country without having to leave the Lanes family.

What’s more, we strive constantly to live up to our status as an equal opportunities employer, so we welcome applications from underrepresented areas of the community, and can promise that candidates from all backgrounds have an equal chance at a long and happy career with us.