Mobilisation, Excavation and Reinstatement (MER) operative (Groundworker)Job Location: National Salary: Competitive Contract Type: Permanent Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday What you’ll do: To support the successful delivery of geotechnical drilling and ground investigation projects by preparing and enabling safe, efficient, and effective site operations. As a Mobilisation, Excavation and Reinstatement (MER), you will be responsible for carrying out trial pitting, service avoidance, ground clearance, and site preparation activities to ensure the site is fully ready for drilling operations. Your role will directly support the smooth operation of drilling activities, while promoting the highest standards of safety, compliance, and environmental protection. You will work as part of a close-knit team, contributing to the successful completion of site investigation projects on time and to specification. The purpose of the Mobilisation, Excavation and Reinstatement (MER) operative role is to support the mobilisation, preparation, and enabling of geotechnical drilling sites. This includes digging inspection pits, avoiding underground services, clearing vegetation, creating access routes, and assisting with site logistics. The role is essential to ensuring a safe, efficient, and productive site, supporting the drilling team to focus on core drilling activities. You will ensure site readiness, uphold health and safety protocols, and provide operational support to achieve successful project outcomes. Key Responsibilities: Site Preparation & Enabling Works: • Excavation of Trial Pits & Inspection Holes: Carry out hand-dug trial pits and inspection pits to check for underground services and inform drilling locations. • Service Avoidance: Use Cable Avoidance Tools (CAT & Genny) to detect and avoid existing underground utilities and services. • Vegetation Clearance & Ground Preparation: Clear ground, vegetation, and obstructions from the site, ensuring clear access for drilling rigs, plant, and equipment. • Access Routes & Traffic Management: Create and maintain safe access routes for vehicles, plant, and drilling teams, including traffic management where necessary. • Site Setup & Exclusion Zones: Install temporary fencing, barriers, and signage to secure the site and establish clear boundaries for work zones. Operational Support to Drilling Crews • Support Drilling Crews: Assist drilling teams with site mobilisation, setup, and equipment handling as needed. • Material Handling: Unload, move, and store materials, tools, and equipment required for drilling operations. • Site Logistics: Support efficient movement and positioning of equipment and plant to minimise downtime. • Sample Handling: Assist with the handling, storage, and transport of soil and material samples collected from trial pits and boreholes. Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance • Safety First: Adhere to health and safety policies and procedures at all times, ensuring a safe working environment for all personnel. • Risk Assessments & Site Inspections: Participate in site-specific risk assessments, toolbox talks, and daily pre-start checks. • PPE Compliance: Ensure correct and consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. • Incident Reporting: Report any hazards, near misses, or incidents to the Site Supervisor or Site Manager immediately. • Environmental Protection: Implement measures to reduce waste, protect wildlife, and minimise the environmental impact of site operations. Equipment & Asset Management • Equipment Checks: Inspect and maintain tools, equipment, and plant before use, reporting any defects to the Site Supervisor. • Daily Plant Checks: Support the daily inspection and maintenance of plant and equipment to ensure smooth operation. • Equipment Handling: Support the safe movement and operation of excavation, lifting, and drilling equipment. What we’re looking for: Practical Knowledge: Hands-on experience in site preparation, trial pitting, and enabling works within construction, civil engineering, or geotechnical environments: • Safety Awareness: Strong understanding of health and safety practices, including underground service avoidance (CAT & Genny) and use of PPE. • Physical Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks such as manual digging, lifting, and working outdoors in all weather conditions. • Communication: Ability to clearly communicate with site supervisors, site managers, and drilling teams. • Problem Solving: Capable of thinking on your feet and offering solutions to site-based issues as they arise. • Attention to Detail: Precision in following site plans, risk assessments, and safety protocols to ensure site readiness and compliance. Essential • Sentinel/PTS Certification (or willingness to obtain). • Parliamentary Pass and BPSS Clearance (or willingness to obtain). • Full UK Driving Licence. • CSCS Card (Construction Skills Certification Scheme). • Street Works Certification for excavation and reinstatement activities. • Plant Operator Certification for small tools and equipment (e.g., mini-excavators, dumpers). Desirable • NVQ Level 2/3 in Construction Operations or Groundworks. • First Aid Certification. • Asbestos Awareness Training. • CAT & Genny Training Certification Team Player: Collaborates effectively with site teams, contractors, and supervisors. •Self-Motivated: Proactively identifies tasks and takes initiative to complete them. •Reliable & Trustworthy: Arrives on time, meets deadlines, and follows through on commitments. Flexible & Adaptable: Can adapt to changing site conditions, priorities, and work schedules. WORKING CONDITIONS • Work is carried out on outdoor sites in various weather conditions. Role requires physical labour, including manual excavation, lifting, and carrying. • Work hours may require early starts, late finishes, and occasional weekend shifts to meet project deadlines. • Work may require overnight stays depending on the location of the project Why join us: Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities. Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base. Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued. Competitive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including: 23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service bank holidays Yearly bonus scheme & Share options Robust pension scheme Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service Free or subsidised national gym memberships Employee Recognition Scheme 2 personal choice volunteering days Ground Control Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland. We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK. If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team. INDHP