Drainage Operative We have an excellent opportunity for a Drainage Operative to join our small, friendly, and committed team, delivering an essential service that keeps Solihull moving. You’ll play a vital role in maintaining the Borough’s highway drainage assets and supporting our response to flooding events—making a real difference to the safety and resilience of our communities. Solihull Council is responsible for the maintenance of more than 40,000 highway gullies. Through our annual programme of works, the team ensures these gullies are emptied of silt and remain in good working order. You’ll also be involved in helping to clean watercourses and culverts, and during periods of heavy rainfall, you will support the emergency response to assist residents and protect property. What you’ll do As a Drainage Operative, you will: Drive and operate a range of specialist vehicles (up to HGV Class 2), including Gully Emptiers,, High Pressure Jet Vac units, and high-pressure jetting machines with ancillary equipment such as root cutters. Clean, clear and maintain highway gullies and drainage systems using mechanical and manual methods - investigating blockages, carrying out remedial work, cleaning equipment and providing support to other skilled operatives when required. Lift, carry, and manoeuvre heavy equipment and undertake manual digging as part of daily operations. Carry out vehicle checks and maintenance tasks, such as oil and water checks, ensuring vehicles are kept clean and in safe working order. Empty, clean, and dispose of waste from gullies, cesspools, tanks and sewer sections using high pressure jet vac equipment. Participate in a standby rota (1 week in every 6) to provide a 24/7 response to emergency or unplanned events, including flooding. Working Hours Monday to Thursday: 07:30 – 15:30 Friday: 07:30 – 15:00 Why join us? You’ll be part of a supportive and welcoming team where your contribution truly matters. This is a hands-on, rewarding role where you’ll see the impact of your work first-hand—enhancing the safety, appearance, and resilience of Solihull’s highways and environment. Working for Solihull we also offer employees Generous annual leave entitlements with the opportunity to purchase up to 10-days additional leave per year. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme – a 24-hour independent, free and confidential advice and support service. Family and carer friendly policies. Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Employee benefits including staff discounts, subsidised travel passes and Cycle 2 Work Scheme. If you’re motivated, practical, and enjoy varied outdoor work, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please click on the link below. Your application should be in your own words and reflect your own personal experiences. If you have a specific question regarding this post, please contact: Sudhakar Yallanki, Engineer, Highway Services at sudhakar.yallanki@solihull.gov.uk Closing date: 12 April 2026 Interviews: 21 April 2026 This post is covered by the Fluency Duty, as outlined in the Code of Practice on the English language requirements for public sector workers. Solihull Council is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. Solihull Council has a responsibility for, and is committed to, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Attached documents Drainage Operative - JDPS (Mar 26).docx