General Operative, Trades ​/ Skilled Labor

General Operative – Exeter

Full Time Permanent, 42.5 hours per week.

Annual salary: up to £29,488.20, plus company van and fuel card.

We are the largest provider of repairs, maintenance, and regeneration services across the UK, working with more than 70 local authorities, arm‑length management organisations and housing associations.

As a General Operative you will work alongside Exeter City Council on a stable and well‑established contract, delivering excellent service and support through our local teams. You will work within residents’ homes carrying out damp and mould related repairs and remedial works across our housing portfolio. This will involve working from job to job on a planned route, identifying issues, preparing surfaces, and supporting or undertaking treatments and repairs to ensure properties are safe, compliant, and fit for purpose.

• Carry out damp and mould inspections within occupied and void properties, identifying root causes and appropriate remedial actions.
• Undertake damp and mould treatments, including cleaning, mould removal, application of anti‑mould solutions and preventative measures.
• Prepare and repair affected surfaces, including basic plastering, patch repairs, and redecoration where required.
• Complete associated repairs linked to damp issues, such as sealing, minor carpentry, and ventilation improvements.
• Work from a planned schedule, travelling from job to job to meet service delivery targets.
• Ensure all work is completed to a high standard, achieving a ‘right first time’ approach.
• Maintain strong communication with residents, providing clear advice on prevention and aftercare in a respectful and professional manner.
• Identify and report any wider property or safeguarding concerns while on site.
• Follow all health and safety procedures, including safe use of equipment, materials, and PPE.
• Accurately complete job records and update systems in line with company and client requirements.
• Work collaboratively with other trades and teams to deliver a seamless repairs service.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, quality standards, and cost control measures.

• Previous experience in a repairs, maintenance or damp and mould‑related role.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Good customer service skills, with a professional approach when working in residents’ homes.
• Ability to use a PDA or willingness to learn.
• Ability to carry out manual handling, lifting, bending and repetitive tasks.
• Sound awareness of health and safety practices, particularly when working with damp, mould treatments and associated materials.
• Basic understanding of damp and mould issues, including causes and effective remedial actions.
• Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload across multiple properties.

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Annual Mears Fun Day.
• Volunteering leave to support community work.
• Staff perks through Mears Rewards – discounts on groceries, holidays, eye test vouchers, share save scheme and more.
• Family friendly policies.
• Full uniform.

All roles require entitlement to work within the UK. Mears does not offer visa sponsorship.

To drive a Mears vehicle you must be aged over 21, have held your licence for over 3 months and have less than 9 points.

All roles are subject to background, identity and security checks prior to commencement of employment.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We are a Disability Confident employer and value equal opportunities for all candidates. We support the Armed Forces Covenant and have received the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.