Operative & HIAB Driver

About the role

Volker Highways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities.

We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in‑house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in‑house contracts.

We are looking for an Operative & HIAB Driver to safely transport, deliver, and support the installation of street lighting columns and associated materials across Luton, Bedfordshire.

• Operate a HIAB‑equipped vehicle to safely transport, load, and unload street lighting columns, ensuring all lifting operations comply with safety regulations and vehicle weight limits.
• Support excavation and installation activities by interpreting plans, inspecting sites for hazards and underground services, and ensuring columns are positioned and installed accurately in line with specifications.
• Maintain high standards of site safety by following all company and industry protocols, working responsibly under the direction of the Site Supervisor or Site Foreman, and contributing to a safe working environment for all.
• Complete accurate records of works carried out, communicate progress and issues with supervisors and colleagues, and ensure the vehicle is well‑maintained with all defect reporting completed correctly.

• Proven experience operating HIAB vehicles within a highways, street lighting, construction, or utilities environment.
• Strong understanding of safe lifting operations, site safety protocols, and working around underground services.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and site plans.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong awareness of safe working practices and compliance requirements.
• Full UK Driving Licence including HGV Class 2.
• HIAB certification (Loader Crane).
• G39 Certification.
• NRSWA (Street Works).
• MEWP (Mobile Elevated Work Platform).
• ECS Test.
• First Aid – Appointed Person.

If your past experience doesn't match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.

• Competitive salary.
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday.
• Option to buy additional annual leave.
• Private medical care.
• Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts.
• Training and development opportunities – comprehensive skills‑based training.
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits.
• Employee Assistance programme.
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support.
• 24/7 Virtual GP service.

Volker Highways is under the umbrella of Volker Wessels UK, a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors, including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within Volker Wessels UK, Volker Highways can ensure our staff provide unrivaled resources and expertise to our clients.

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect, so that our teams can be comfortable being themselves and thrive.

Volker Wessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.