Mainlaying Ganger

Job Title: Mainlaying Ganger

Location: South West - Wessex Water Region (Bournemouth, Poole, Southampton, Salisbury, Dorchester & surrounding areas)

Employment Type: Full Time

Working Hours: Monday to Friday

What's in it for you...

We believe in looking after our people, and it shows. When you join Ipsum, you're not just taking a job - you're starting a career with real support behind it.

• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Option to buy up to 5 additional holidays
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
• 24/7 access to a virtual GP and mental health support & counselling services
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more!
• Life assurance cover
• Long service recognition
• Enhanced Maternity Pay
• Paid volunteering opportunities in your community

About the role...

Due to continued growth across our Water division, Ipsum is looking for experienced Mainlaying Gangers to join our teams delivering essential clean water infrastructure projects throughout the Wessex Water region.

Working as part of a dedicated mains installation crew, you will be responsible for the safe excavation, installation, testing and commissioning of new water mains and associated infrastructure. You'll play a key role in delivering high-quality projects while maintaining the highest standards of safety, compliance and customer service.

As a Mainlaying Ganger you will...

• Lead and support site setup activities including barriers, signage and traffic management in accordance with NRSWA requirements.
• Read utility drawings and utilise CAT & Genny equipment to safely identify underground services prior to excavation.
• Carry out trench excavations, trial holes and reinstatement works to required specifications.
• Install new water mains using ductile iron, PVC, MDPE and HPPE pipework.
• Complete butt fusion, electrofusion and mechanical pipe jointing activities.
• Install valves, hydrants, boundary boxes, pressure control equipment and other network assets.
• Undertake service connections from new and existing mains to residential and commercial properties.
• Ensure all activities are completed in accordance with approved Risk Assessments and Method Statements (RAMS).
• Maintain accurate site records, as-laid drawings and asset information.
• Liaise professionally with customers, local authorities, site managers and highway inspectors.
• Operate plant, tools and equipment safely whilst promoting a positive safety culture across the team.
• Support testing, commissioning and handover activities upon project completion.

About you...

We're looking for motivated and safety-focused individuals with experience working on clean water network installation projects.

You'll ideally have:

• Previous experience working as a Mainlaying Ganger, Team Leader or Senior Operative within the water utilities sector.
• Experience installing and commissioning clean water mains and associated fittings.
• Good knowledge of excavation, reinstatement and utility asset protection requirements.
• Experience with electrofusion and butt fusion jointing techniques.
• Strong understanding of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Ability to interpret utility drawings and site specifications.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Essential qualifications and certifications

• EUSR National Water Hygiene Card (Blue Card)
• SHEA Water Passport or CSCS affiliated equivalent
• NRSWA Operative Units including Location & Avoidance, Signing Lighting & Guarding and relevant Excavation & Reinstatement units
• CAT & Genny Certification
• First Aid Qualification
• Asbestos Awareness

Desirable qualifications

• CPCS or NPORS Excavator and Dumper Tickets
• Abrasive Wheels Certification
• Trench Support / Shoring Training
• Water network commissioning or pressure testing experience
• Additional utility sector qualifications

Our commitment to Equal Opportunities...

We're proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Before applying, please review our Privacy Policy to understand how we process your data in line with GDPR.

Next steps...

If you're interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to the Careers Team for more information. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how you can help us continue delivering critical water infrastructure across the Wessex Water region.