Soft Estate Operative Level 1 – M25

About the Role

Join Connect Plus Services and become part of the new Soft Estates Maintenance Team, responsible for delivering safe and efficient soft estate maintenance across the M25 DBFO Network. In this role, you will carry out a wide range of soft estates works, hazard clearance and network maintenance tasks, contributing directly to the safety and operational efficiency of one of the UK’s busiest motorways.

As a Soft Estate Operative Level 0, you will use your skills and experience to maintain grassed areas, vegetation, ditches and other grounds while supporting the safe operation of the highway network. This is a hands‑on, operational role offering practical experience and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the daily running of a critical infrastructure asset.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will undertake routine soft estate maintenance, including grass cutting, heavy vegetation clearance, arboriculture works, ditch clearance and weed spraying. You will maintain and clear signs, operate soft estate plant—including chainsaws, chippers, Robomowers, ride‑on mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters—and ensure all work is completed safely and efficiently.

You will accurately record and report activities using mobile communication and data devices, maintain driving and vehicle records and take care of all CPS property, including vehicles, radios and tablets. You will report any issues affecting the safe operation of the network and contribute to the Winter Service rota and other operational requirements as needed.

Safety is central to this role. You will actively support Zero Harm initiatives, attend training courses as required and uphold the Balfour Beatty values while contributing to CPS’s sustainability objectives.

Who We’re Looking For

We are seeking a skilled, safety‑focused Soft Estate Operative Level 0 with the following:

• A valid UK Driving Licence (minimum Category C / LGV Class 1)
• Driver Qualification Card (CPC)
• A current CSCS Operative Card
• Relevant elements of Sector Scheme 18
• Registration on the Register of Land‑based Operations (ROLO)

You will have proven experience working on a live motorway or All‑Purpose Trunk Road (APTR) network and be fully competent in operating soft estate plant, including chainsaws, chippers, Robomowers, ride‑on mowers, strimmers and hedge cutters. You will bring a hands‑on, proactive approach to maintaining safe and efficient roadways while supporting a high‑performing operational team.

Behavioural Competencies

Results Driven:
Shows passion and enthusiasm for their work. Tackles problems directly and works to resolve them without delay.

Focus on Excellence:
Goes the extra mile to exceed expectations. Continuously looks for opportunities to add value and improve performance.

Teamwork & Collaboration:
Sets aside personal agendas to work for the benefit of customers, suppliers, and stakeholders. Proactively shares knowledge, ideas, and expertise.

Customer Focus:
Dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers. Actively gathers customer insight to improve services and solutions. Manages customer experience to maintain strong relationships.

Operational Excellence:
Plans and organises work to safely achieve maximum efficiency and consistent delivery.

Adaptability:
Learns quickly and adapts positively to changing business and customer demands. Energised by change.

Why Work for Us?

At Connect Plus Services (CPS), you’ll be part of a world-class team maintaining and operating the M25, Europe’s busiest motorway. As a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins, and Egis, we play a vital role in keeping millions of journeys moving safely and efficiently.

A Career Like No Other

Working on the M25 offers unrivalled experience, challenges, and opportunities that no other highways project can provide. You’ll be exposed to cutting-edge technology, large-scale infrastructure, and complex engineering solutions, making every day dynamic and rewarding.

Long-Term Stability & Growth

With just under 15 years remaining on this project, we offer career stability, professional development, and progression opportunities. Whether you’re looking to build new skills or take the next step in your career, we invest in your growth.

A Supportive & Inclusive Team

At CPS, your contributions matter. We foster a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where safety, innovation, and teamwork drive everything we do.

CPS recognises the impact of our work on the environment and the communities surrounding the M25 network. We are committed to reducing our carbon footprint while delivering wider sustainability outcomes, including environmental protection, social value, and responsible resource use. Through sustainable practices, innovation, and long‑term stewardship, we aim to support community wellbeing and ensure responsible, future‑focused delivery.

About us

Connect Plus Services (CPS) is a joint venture between Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK. With around 800 colleagues, we operate and maintain the 117‑mile M25 network on behalf of Connect Plus and National Highways, managing over 100,000 assets to keep Europe’s busiest orbital motorway moving 24/7.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Employer and Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively support equality, inclusion and social value, and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Note to all internal CPS employees:

If you are interested in applying, please submit your application through your parent company’s careers portal by entering the job title in the search bar. If your employing company is not advertising this role, please submit your CV and the role title to HR@connectplusm25.co.uk