About Us
What are Internal Drainage Boards? Organisation History of the Upper Ouse Water Management Board Meeting Dates Emergency Plan Aims & Objectives Development Control Powers & Duties Mission Statement Environmental Strategy & Wildlife Conservation Maintenance Programme Board Members Boards Drainage District Advisory Committees
Resources
Complaints Procedure Byelaws Policies Board Elections Financial Data Transparency Minutes Governance Notices and Events
Consent & Planning
Consent Application Guidance Consent Application Forms Standard Consent Details Planning Application Information Byelaws Development Control Powers & Duties
FAQs
Latest News
Job Vacancies
Contact

Vacancies

Current employment opportunities

At current, the Board has the following opportunities:

  • Land Drainage Operative (closing date 16/07)

For more information, please see below.

 

Land Drainage Operative - Machinery Operative

Permanent | £28,000 – £34,000 + Vehicle Allowance, Local Government Pension Scheme & Other Excellent Benefits

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Land Drainage Operative to join the Upper Ouse Water Management Board (formerly Bedford Group of Internal Drainage Boards). This opportunity is to work as a Land Drainage Operative Machinery Operative within the Operations team.

You will operate machinery such as excavators, tractors, grass cutting equipment and specialist equipment to ensure watercourse & asset maintenance is carried out to alleviate flood risk within the catchment. As a member of the Operations team, you will undertake maintenance works as instructed and to the standard detailed to ensure the Boards assets & watercourses function adequately & in accordance with the Board health & safety and environmental policies.

Although the Boards office is based at Stewartby, Bedford, you are required to travel across the catchment area to working sites and vehicle allowances are provided.

The appointment offers a competitive salary depending on qualifications and experience together with local government pension, opportunities and training to progress and develop knowledge & skills.

For more information about the Upper Ouse Water Management Board, that isn't found on our website or for any further information regarding this role, please don't hesitate to contact Phillip Lovesey, Area Manager on 01234 767995 or email Phillip.Lovesey@idbs.org.uk.

Please find the full job description here.

To apply, please email contact@idbs.org.uk with an up-to-date CV or post a paper copy, with a covering letter to Upper Ouse Water Management Board, Vale House, Broadmead Road, Stewartby, Bedford, MK43 9ND.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 11pm on Thursday 16th July 2026.

We look forward to receiving your application.

 

We are always looking for people to join our teams and although current career opportunities are shown below, we want to hear from anyone looking for new challenges with any of the following skills at ANY time!

  • Civil, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Graduates looking for their first role OR with post graduate experience with an engineering consultancy or contracting background
  • Experienced project managers with PRINCE qualifications or similar.
  • Ecologists, environmental science graduates or those with a passion for rivers.
  • Machine operators, tractor drivers, flail operators.

Even if you don’t meet any of the criteria above, if you like the sound of the UOWMB as a place to work get in contact! contact@idbs.org.uk

 

Career Opportunities

Working for us

If you choose to work for the UOWMB, you will be joining an organisation which is striving to provide employees with a positive employment experience. Whether you work for us as an operative or as a member of the senior management team, there will be a considerable variety of challenges in your diverse workload, and you will be offered real opportunities for career development. All staff have access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, as well as a number of other benefits.

Passionate about Drainage and Water Level Management

The UOWMB and its Member Boards have a low staff turnover, testament to our culture and working environment. If you are offered a position, you will get to work alongside and influence a number of professional and committed people, passionate about Drainage, Water Level Management and Local Democracy.

Equal opportunities

We want our workforce to reflect the make-up of the communities we serve. Therefore, we welcome all applications irrespective of gender, ethnic origin, religion, belief, sexual orientation, age or disability. We consider ourselves to be a family friendly employer and offer flexible working patterns. All staff are expected to observe the Employees Code of Conduct.