TalentFinderUK

Land Drainage Operative

📍 East Peckham 💷 £26,185 Per Annum Permanent · Full time Posted 8 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Land Drainage Operative | Paddock Wood, Kent | Full Time | £26,185 Per Annum

Upper Medway IDB is a leading flood risk management authority in the Medway catchment. Working under the Land Drainage Act, we perform statutory support works to control water movements in the local flood zones.

We are seeking an operative with experience in landscaping, groundworks, or a similar environment to join the team carrying out routine maintenance of adopted watercourses throughout Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.

The Role

The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out field-based maintenance, safely using powered and manual tools, and operating plant. Full training will be provided.

The role is based at the depot in Paddock Wood, Kent, with working hours of 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, including a 30-minute lunch break.

Key Responsibilities

  • Carry out routine, field-based maintenance on adopted watercourses in all weather conditions
  • Respond to emergency work outside normal working hours when required
  • Ensure vehicles and equipment are kept in good working order
  • Submit timesheets, vehicle and plant logs with all relevant information
  • Liaise with public services, local authorities, landowners, and conservation bodies as directed
  • Undertake necessary training in accordance with current legislation
  • Comply with the Health and Safety Policy
  • Work cooperatively with the Works Manager, Depot Leader, Clerk, and senior officers to improve efficiency and safety
  • Undertake any other reasonable duties as required

Requirements

Essential

  • Full UK driving licence and the ability to make your own way to the depot for a 7:30 am start
  • Reasonable level of physical ability and fitness due to the practical nature of the work
  • Ability to write and speak English for paperwork and communication purposes
  • Willingness to work in all weather conditions
  • Self-motivated with the ability to remain calm under pressure
  • Team player with the ability to actively participate and support other members of the workforce
  • Practical mindset

Desirable

  • Knowledge or some level of training in Health and Safety
  • Willingness to develop existing and new skills
  • Experience working in and around heavy plant such as excavators
  • Experience using strimmers, brush cutters, chainsaws, and other power tools
  • Tractor operation experience
  • Experience working around rivers, streams, and other land drainage watercourses

What’s In It For You

  • Starting salary of £26,185 per annum
  • Local Government Pension Scheme
  • Full training provided
  • 42.5 hours per week

If you are ready to start your career at Upper Medway IDB, then click APPLY now! We can’t wait to hear from you!

Your data will be handled in line with GDPR.

For employers

Hiring a Land Drainage Operative yourself?

This role is advertised by TalentFinder on behalf of an employer. If you are hiring for something similar, we fill roles like this on a flat fee — not a percentage of salary. Advertise it yourself across the UK's major job boards from £399 +VAT, or hand the whole search to a dedicated recruiter with Guaranteed Hire: £1,500–£4,000 +VAT by salary band, with a 100% refund if the role is not filled.

A typical agency charging 20% of first-year salary would bill around £5,200 to fill a role at this salary. Our flat fee does not move with the salary.

See how Guaranteed Hire works Compare what this costs

Apply for Land Drainage Operative

Takes about two minutes. Our team reviews every application and will be in touch directly.

No CV to hand? You can also email it to recruitment@talentfinderuk.co.uk after applying.