Midlothian Council invite applications for the post of ‘Public Lighting Operative’ (PLO) to work alongside Electrician’s carrying out a range of tasks associated with the maintenance and construction of public lighting installations, CCTV, traffic signals and EV chargers; this will involve extensive periods working outdoors and at height with the use of both hand tools and small plant such as cut off saws and breakers.
Although working alongside an electrician candidates should have a general understanding of electricity and electrical safety. They should have knowledge and training of correct manual handling procedures and traffic management as per the Chapter 8 Traffic Signals Manual.
Tasks undertaken include:
- the installation of lighting columns, cable and ducting and other street furniture.
- the installation/replacement of lanterns, lamps, brackets, system controllers and control gear.
- the energising/switching of lamps.
- the inspection and cleaning of street furniture and the maintenance of lighting equipment (e.g. by replacing lamps, lanterns, visors, system controllers and control gear by socket connection, renewing lamp fuses, resetting circuit breakers and time-clocks, dressing and painting lighting furniture, minor repairs to lighting equipment).
- providing general support and assistance to other lighting operatives, electricians and staff.
Competent at the use of abrasive saws and hydraulic breaker packs, battery powered tools such as combi drills, impact drivers and SDS drills.
Must have good communication skills to be able to successfully interact with not only colleagues but the public.
Auto enrolment into our generous Local Government pension scheme and access to vast Council benefits such as cycle to work scheme, car salary sacrifice and many more.
Candidates have potential to earn in excess of £40k through the opportunity of overtime and voluntary winter emergency.
Training will be provided for any skills gaps which falls in line with Midlothian Councils desire to develops its employees into the best they can be, making Midlothian Council a great place to grow.
Jobholders must hold a current HGV driving license (Category C).
Essential Qualification requirements are:
- relevant SCQF level 7 qualification or demonstratable considerable experience in a similar role.
Desirable Qualification requirements are:
- Plant Operators Certificate
- Health and Safety Certificates (IOSH working safely or equivalent)
- IPAF operator qualification
- HNC Electrical
Previous experience of working with electrical apparatus and an understanding of electrical safety are essential elements of this role.
The jobholder will be required to understand processes and interpret technical plans and electric drawings and diagrams. They will also be required to take site measures to allow the accurate ordering of materials and equipment.
CLOSING DATE - Wednesday 8th July 2026
INTERVIEW DATE - Week Beginning 20th July 2026
Position Title: Public Lighting Operative
Directorate: Place
Working from Home: No
Location: Fushiebridge
Contract Status: Permanent
Hours of Work: 39 hours per week
Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday (07:30 – 16:00), Friday (07:30 – 15:00)
Weeks per year: 52
Please note that it is Midlothian Councils policy that successful applicants will be appointed to the first point on the salary scale.
Based on you working 39 hours over 52 weeks per year the minimum actual salary for this position is £33,170.82 per annum.
If you have difficulty applying for this post or accessing attached documents, or if you have a disability and reasonable adjustment is required, please email [email protected] to speak to a member of the Recruitment Team stating the post reference number.
Midlothian Council is currently undergoing a period of transformation, changing and improving the way it delivers services in Midlothian. As a consequence, there are a number of existing employees for whom we are committed to seeking suitable alternative employment within the Council in accordance with our legal obligations. Candidates are advised that, for some vacancies, internal candidates in this situation will be interviewed before the wider selection pool and a slightly longer delay may be experienced before application outcomes can be advised to you. Thank you for your patience in this matter.
If you are a trainee of a Midlothian Council Training Programme, have a disability or you are a care experienced young person who has previously been a looked after child you are eligible for a guaranteed interview if you meet the essential criteria for the post.
