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Semi Skilled Operative

Job Summary
Contract Type:
Permanent
Working Pattern:
Full time
Advert Start Date:
14/09/2026
Advert End Date:
27/09/2026 23:59
Salary:
£29,071 - £32,046
Hours per week:
37
Job Category:
Construction
Vacancy ID:
301940
Employment Location:
Medowfield Depot, St Johns Road DH7 8XQ
Post Number:
RES26-185
Number of posts:
1
Closing date:
27 Sep
Further Information
Are you a practical, motivated individual with experience working in construction, building maintenance or a similar environment? Do you take pride in delivering high-quality work while maintaining excellent health and safety standards?

We are looking for a Semi Skilled Operative / Labourer to join our Construction Team within Resources.

This is an exciting opportunity to work on a wide range of construction and maintenance projects across County Durham, supporting the delivery of essential services and helping to maintain and improve council buildings and Facilities.

As a Semi Skilled Operative / Labourer, you will undertake a variety of construction and maintenance activities, working alongside skilled tradespeople including builders, electricians and heating engineers.

You will support the delivery of projects by carrying out site labouring duties, operating plant and equipment, maintaining safe working environments and assisting with construction activities.
Your duties will include:
  • Supporting building maintenance and construction works.
  • Assisting skilled trades staff to deliver high-quality workmanship.
  • Undertaking groundworks, fencing, concreting and other construction activities.
  • Erecting and removing safety signage, barriers and site safety equipment.
  • Operating hand tools, powered tools, plant and machinery.
  • Carrying out routine vehicle, plant and equipment checks.
  • Maintaining high standards of health and safety on site.
  • Working independently and as part of a team across multiple locations.
  • Taking a lead role on site in the temporary absence of a Site Manager or Foreman.
What We Are Looking For
We are seeking individuals who:
  • Have experience of manual work within the built environment.
  • Have practical construction or building maintenance experience.
  • Are able to work safely and follow health and safety procedures.
  • Can use a range of hand tools, plant and equipment.
  • Are reliable, flexible and motivated.
  • Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
  • Have the willingness to develop new skills and undertake training.
We encourage you to contact Anthony Shale via email at anthony.shale@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role.  
 
WHAT WILL I NEED?
Essential
  • Good basic education 
  • Experience of manual activities in the built environment  
Desirable
  • NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in a construction-related discipline.
  • Health and Safety certification.
  • First Aid certification.
  • Category CE (HGV) driving licence.
  • Experience of hard landscaping, building maintenance or supervisory responsibilities.
Please refer to the attached Person Specification for the full criteria. 

If successful, you will be required to undertake and pass an in-house driving assessment as part of our pre-employment checks before any offer of appointment can be confirmed.

INTERVIEWS
Interviews will be held on 6 October 2026
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU
We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable.

Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website 

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
 
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
HOW TO APPLY 
Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentRES@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
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