Job Purpose
The Grab Lorry Driver/Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of a rigid grab lorry, including transporting, collecting, loading and unloading construction materials, excavated spoil and other approved waste.
The role involves working across construction, utilities, telecoms and civil-engineering sites throughout Scotland. The driver must operate the vehicle and hydraulic grab safely, comply with road transport and lifting requirements, and ensure that all materials and waste are transported to authorised locations with the correct documentation.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Drive and operate the grab lorry safely, legally and efficiently.
- Collect and deliver aggregates, stone, sand, spoil, excavated materials and other approved loads.
- Operate the hydraulic loader and clamshell grab attachment within the manufacturer’s instructions, rated capacity and safe working limits.
- Follow site-specific risk assessments, method statements, lifting plans and instructions from authorised site personnel.
- Ensure that loads are collected and discharged without placing people, property, underground services or overhead power lines at risk.
- Carry out daily walk-around and pre-use checks covering tyres, wheels, lights, brakes, mirrors, cameras, warning systems, hydraulic equipment, grab attachment, stabilisers, controls, load sheets and safety devices.
- Record vehicle and equipment checks accurately and immediately report defects, damage or safety concerns.
- Ensure loads are evenly distributed, properly contained and secured, and that the vehicle remains within its permitted gross and individual axle weights.
- Complete delivery tickets, collection records, weighbridge tickets, waste transfer notes and other client documentation accurately.
- Comply with drivers’ hours, working-time and tachograph requirements and make accurate entries on the tachograph system.
- Keep the cab, body, hydraulic equipment and grab attachment reasonably clean and in safe working condition.
- Carry out other reasonable transport, yard or operational duties consistent with the role.
Essential Qualifications and Requirements
- Valid Category C rigid HGV driving entitlement recognised in Great Britain, commonly referred to as a Class 2 licence.
- Valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence and Driver Qualification Card appropriate to the journeys being undertaken.
- Valid digital tachograph driver card.
- Valid lorry-loader/grab operator qualification.
- Good practical knowledge of drivers’ hours, tachographs, load security, vehicle weights and daily vehicle checks.
- Suitable medical fitness to hold and maintain the required HGV entitlement.
- Right to work in the United Kingdom.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
- Previous experience operating a grab lorry.
- Experience working in telecoms, utilities, construction or civil engineering.
- Recognised CSCS-affiliated plant/operator card accepted by the relevant client or site.
- Street Works qualification where the driver will also undertake duties classed as street works.
- Slinger/signaller or banksman training.
- Utility avoidance, overhead-services or safe-digging awareness training.
- Experience completing waste transfer notes and working with licensed waste facilities.
- Quarry, aggregate-site or client-specific driver inductions.
Skills and Personal Qualities
- Strong commitment to health, safety and environmental compliance.
- Reliable, punctual and capable of working with minimal supervision.
- Good spatial awareness and confidence operating in restricted locations.
- Professional and courteous when dealing with clients, site teams and members of the public.
- Able to stop work and raise concerns where site conditions or instructions appear unsafe.
- Good understanding of vehicle dimensions, loader reach, stability and load limitations.
- Flexible regarding working locations, start times and reasonable operational requirements.
Pay: £12.82-£23.00 per hour
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
