The glue of the construction industry
Civils Operatives, sometimes known as Groundworkers, are key members of almost every construction site, and the skills they develop can lead to a rewarding career in civil engineering. A Civils Operative accumulates a variety of different skills during their career, keeping life interesting and fast-paced. They are usually the first people on any new build construction site, one of the last offsite and are responsible for carrying out a variety of roles on a construction site.
Working alongside various trades and using their ability to understand each trade’s requirements allows seamless progress on site. It’s often the Civils Operatives that ensure that work carried out is accurate and precise as the many trades on a construction site follow their lead i.e. Bricklayers and Joiners. Steel Frame Erectors build off slabs and foundations that Civils Operatives construct. Groundworkers install the subgrades that form the foundation for surfacing works and modular paving. Plumbers connect into drainage that Civils operatives lay.
Typical Responsibilities
Groundworks and Civils Operatives usually carry out the following tasks and responsibilities:
- Setting up the site, installing temporary fencing, carparks, roads, drainage to allow the site to operate initially.
- Finding and tracing existing site services for record purposes.
- Assisting in earthworks operations checking levels and operating plant.
- Installing services like drainage, ducting, water pipes, cabling.
- Excavating and installing concrete foundations to drawings and specification and setting in accessories like holding down bolts.
- Grouting works to steel columns after erection.
- Installing sheet tanking and DPMs to retaining walls and floor slabs
- Placing and tying reinforcement.
- Setting up perimeter shutters, Placing and Finishing concrete slabs and footpaths
- Setting up and laying kerbs for roads and footpaths
- Installing aggregate materials and subbases below specified finishes
- Operating various plant and equipment such as rollers, dumpers, excavator, telehandlers, powered compaction plates, saws etc.
- Installing modular paving system like slabbing, monoblock, grass matting.
Civil Engineering Careers at Nairn Construction
If you are a hardworking individual looking to progress in Civils, gaining qualifications and plant tickets along the way then get in touch today!
supporting the industry
TEAMWORK | RESPECT | INTEGRITY | CONFIDENCE | VALUE
We recognise the current skills shortage in the industry, and are helping to proactively address this through employing trainees and offering multiple apprenticeship opportunities. Sadly, Dumfries and Galloway does not currently offer a recognised Civil Engineering apprenticeship. However, once you have the basics in place, you can progress through SVQ opportunities, giving you a genuine pathway into a civil engineering career.
Working to an approved framework of modules we support our trainees to gain a well rounded knowledge of civils and plant operation.
We prioritise internal promotion and ongoing development, allowing our staff to remain safe in the knowledge that there are opportunities for them to grow on a personal and professional level.
want to join the team?
We’re always on the look out for hard-working individuals, no matter how experienced you are. If you’re interested in being part of the team, click on the job links for more details.
All applications to be emailed to recruitment@nairnconstruction.co.uk or call 01576501150 for an informal chat.
“Working at Nairn Construction has been an amazing experience. It’s a very fast paced environment where everyone pitches in and supports one another. I found the management team to be very collaborative and listen to the teams’ ideas. The job is never the same, there’s always something new to learn and so much going on with new projects starting. If you are looking for a company with a family feel, then this is definitely the one to work for.”
We have openings for Trainee Civil Engineering Operatives within the team working in D&G, Cumbria and the Central Belt.
Click the link below for further information,
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We are a fair work employer and believe in creating a working environment around our core values of teamwork, respect, integrity, confidence and value.
Meet the team
Nairn Construction’s strength is our people — a leadership team with decades of experience delivering major projects for tier one contractors, backed by a workforce we invest in directly. We employ 90% of our team ourselves, working alongside our regular CIS colleagues on every project.