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 Nick.Jordan@pla.co.uk
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.