Repair and Maintenance Operative

Join Our Team as a Repair & Maintenance (R&M) Operative at Thames Water!
We're expanding our team and currently recruiting Repair & Maintenance (R&M) Technicians and Operatives across Thames Valley Area.

This is a great opportunity to build a career in a hands-on, vital industry — keeping essential infrastructure running smoothly and safely.

What you'll be doing as a Repair and Maintenance Operative

As an R&M Operative, you’ll play a key role in maintaining and repairing underground utility assets. Under the guidance of an R&M Technician, you’ll ensure all work is carried out safely and to the highest quality standards.

Shifts & Flexibility

• Standard pattern:
  • 1 in 4 weekends.
  • 1 in 4 weeks on a late shift.
  • 1 in 8 weeks on standby.
  • Average of 45 hours per week.

Flexibility for overtime during peak demand is essential.

What should you bring to the role?

We’re seeking reliable, safety-focused team members with a strong work ethic and a problem-solving mindset. You’ll need to:

• Have experience in repair and maintenance, ideally in utilities.
• Be trained or experienced in working on underground networks (pipes and valves) in the highway environment.
• Be IT-competent and confident using digital tools.
• Use initiative to resolve issues and carry out high-quality repairs.
• Communicate effectively and work well with others.
• Maintain a positive, can-do attitude and embrace new ideas.
• Be comfortable working independently and outdoors in all weather.
• Meet the physical demands of the role.

Essential

• Street Works Qualification (NRSWA) – strong advantage.
• Level 2 Service Avoidance. (Cat & Genny Training)
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• EUSR Water Hygiene Card.
• Mains & Service Laying Certification.
• Manual Handling Certification.
• Mini Digger / JCB Operation Certification.
• Lorry Loader Qualification.
• Deep Excavation / Trench Timbering Training.
• Abrasive Wheels Certification.
• First Aid Certification.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering a salary up to £38,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience, plus a van and a fuel card.
• Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year increasing to 28 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Generous Paternity Leave, including 4 weeks paid and an optional 2 weeks unpaid.
• Enhanced Maternity Leave, 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay!
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of yourself and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.