Skilled Operative

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

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 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.

• Deputise in the absence of the Construction Supervisor or Revêtement Manager
• Monitor material stocks and advise Construction Supervisor of material shortages etc.
• Plan, organise, 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 back filling 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

• 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.

• 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 My Gym Discounts

For further information or if you would like to have an informal discussion about the position, please contact Nick Jordan, Civil Engineering Department at

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.