Love working outdoors, getting stuck in and operating machinery? Join Mantair as a Drainage & Groundsworks Operative
We’re looking for a practical, reliable and hands-on person to help install wastewater treatment systems across East Anglia (and beyond). This is not just a digger-driving role - you will be actively involved in trench digging, trial holes, manual excavations, lifting, and other practical tasks alongside operating machinery and hand tools. If you enjoy solving challenges on-site and being part of a skilled installation team, this role offers variety, specialist training, and a chance to build a career in a niche industry.
Why Join Us?
At Mantair Ltd, we’re a market leader in off-mains drainage, providing wastewater solutions for domestic customers as well as respected organisations such as the RSPB and National Trust. As a long-established family-run business, we value teamwork, customer service, and taking pride in doing the job right.
When you join Mantair, you become part of a close-knit team where your hard work is recognised, your contributions matter, and your skills are supported and developed. If you’re looking for a workplace where you’re appreciated, encouraged to grow, and part of something meaningful, Mantair is the place for you.
What Makes This Role Different?
- Work in scenic rural locations, supporting projects with well-known organisations
- Variety day to day - every site and installation is different
- Specialist training to build skilled knowledge in an in-demand, niche industry
- A balance of machinery operation and hands-on manual work to keep each day varied
What You’ll Be Doing
Reporting to the Operations Manager and working as part of the installation team, you will be:
- Preparing, installing, and testing wastewater treatment systems.
- Perform excavation, groundwork, and on-site problem-solving, including manual digging of trenches and trial holes.
- Operate machinery such as Excavators (micro up to 8-tonne), and dumpers from 1 to 3 tonnes
- Use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively
- Maintain high standards of Health and Safety at all times
- Manage deliveries, keep the workshop organised, and manufacture small components using hand tools
Location
Field-based role covering East Anglia (and beyond), with travel to sites and reporting to our Clacton-on-Sea workshop as needed. For projects further afield, overnight stays may be required, but all expenses are covered and a stay-away bonus is provided to reward your time and commitment.
What We’re Looking For
- We typically work in pairs or small work teams. We're looking for someone who can truly integrate into our close knit team - gets along well with others, and is always ready to pitch in and support their teammates.
- Hands-on experience with machinery (diggers, dumpers, forklifts) and willing to get stuck in with manual excavation and groundwork
- Skilled in excavation, groundwork, or general construction
- Hardworking, practical, and enjoys working outdoors
- A full UK driving licence is essential
- Ability to operate basic hand tools
- An advantage if you have: constructions site safety knowledge
What we offer
- Full-time position
- Weekend Overtime opportunities (when available)
- Stay away bonus payment
- All expenses covered for overnight stays
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Eligibility for annual bonus scheme
- Use of Company Van
- Company Mobile
- Pension contribution
- Opportunities to learn and grow in a specialist industry
We are an equal opportunities employer and ensure that our recruitment process is fair, transparent and unbiased. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, ability and background. This helps us to provide a diverse and inclusive working environment.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Ready to join a company that values your skills and hard work? Apply today and be part of Mantair’s growing success.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £26,500.00-£32,500.00 per year
Application question(s):
- Are you located within a reasonable commute to our Workshop in Clacton-on-sea?
- Would you be prepared to stay over for work when working on sites far away?
Experience:
- Excavator: 2 years (required)
- Dumper: 2 years (required)
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
