Public lighting operatives clean and maintain street lights and the lighting associated with road signs in a particular district. They often assist qualified street lighting electricians.

The Work

You could be:

• cleaning lights and signs and replacing bulbs and lighting elements
• jointing and terminating electrical cabling
• setting the time switches for street lights
• reporting faults or damage done to any lights and signs
• driving vehicles and operating plant machinery
• carrying out routine maintenance on plant machinery and equipment
• maybe using special software to keep details of defects and repairs
• working as part of a team erecting new lamp posts or road signs
• making sure traffic management plans are in place and pedestrians are safe from falling objects.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of the company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

The starting salary for street lighting operatives is around £13,000 to £16,000 a year, rising to about £19,500 or more with experience.

Conditions

• You would work outdoors and travel round your district.
• You would often work from a hoist or lift mounted on a vehicle. There can be a risk of falls and other minor injuries.
• You would be outside in all weathers and working conditions could be cold, wet, dirty and noisy.
• You have to wear overalls and a safety helmet.
• You may have to work late and sometimes be on call in case of emergencies.

Useful Subjects

• Practical Electronics

Getting In

• You will not usually require formal qualifications, but employers will expect a satisfactory standard of English and Maths.
• Electrical knowledge and experience would be helpful. For street lighting electrician vacancies you need relevant electrical qualifications.
• You need to have a full driving licence.
• Sometimes a special category licence is required to drive and operate large vehicles and plant machinery.
• Some employers might ask for a streetworks ticket (NRSWA - New Roads and Street Works Act) or CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) card.
• You will need to be fit, in good general health and preferably not allergic to dust.

Public lighting operatives are employed by local authorities and highway maintenance companies.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• safety conscious
• careful and methodical
• reliable and consistent
• able to work as part of a team or on your own initiative
• able to remain calm in difficult situations.

You need to have:

• good hand skills
• a good head for heights
• common sense
• good co-ordination
• good communication skills - you may have to explain problems to members of the public.

Training

• Training is normally on the job with an employer and by working with a more experienced person.
• You may also go on relevant short courses, such as health and safety and first aid.

Getting On

• After suitable experience in the job, you may be promoted a supervisor post.
• You may also be able to move on to other opportunities within the local authority.

More Information

Depending on your employer, you might be able to train as an electrician and become a street lighting electrician.

Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.