Job Purpose

See compensation detail in our 'What We Offer' section below. 

We're the charity who look after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because we believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays its part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

Our Asset Engineers play a key role in supporting our vision and delivering our Waterways and Wellbeing strategy across the country. We are open and committed to develop, train and support people in their personal and professional development, at all stages of their careers.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a  Asset Engineer to join our Asset Management team in the West Midlands Region.

The role of the Engineers in the asset management team is to maintain, the Trust’s infrastructure through their entire life cycle to enable visitors to safely enjoy our canals and rivers and safeguard them for future generations. Our asset engineers do this by inspecting and assessing the condition of our built assets, prioritising repair and renewal works specifying works that are required, and support of the operations team on minor repairs and reactive repairs.   

Working as part of a team of Engineers, Technicians and Inspectors, our Asset Engineers provide a critically important asset management role across the Trust, supporting works prioritisation/delivery and the implementation of the Trust’s asset strategy. See more about our specialist teams here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/engineering).

Location & coverage

Formally based in either our Birmingham or Hatton, Warwickshire hubs, this vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our hub spaces as and when required for team working and collaborative meetings. It is therefore essential that applicants are able and willing to work effectively from home.

This role will involve regular travel to and along the reservoirs, canals and river navigations of the West Midlands and occasionally you may also be required to work nationally too. The regularity and distribution of travel will be discussed further at interview stage. 

See our network map here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network 

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

We're very proud to be the custodians of one of the largest collection of industrial heritage, covering 2,000 miles of the UK's canals and rivers and over 8,500 different structures, many of them listed.   The majority of our canals and navigable rivers are over 200 years old, and they still work as they were designed to. This is quite remarkable and reflects the innovation and skill of the original engineers and the continuing dedication and expertise of our team today.

As Asset Engineer you will work with colleagues across departments, and with a variety of partners internally and externally,  to deliver works programmes and supports the implementation of the asset strategy for the Trust. You will support decisions on asset investment priorities which are driven by a risk management approach. 

Accountabilities:

Investigate and develop cost effective design and construction solutions ensuring best value, taking into account user requirements and whole life costs where appropriate. 

Responsible for undertaking scheduled asset inspections, ensuring that they are completed to plan, approved and recorded in the prescribed format, to the prescribed quality.

Contribute technical advice during the feasibility, design, construction and commissioning phases for projects to our direct labour force (Direct Services), framework contractors and volunteers.

Define the maintenance, repair and renewal works for delivery by the Trust ‘s teams and contractors, taking account of all statutory, technical, operational and customer requirements. 

Design and specify engineering solutions and, where required, act as Principal Designer or Designer for works, (in accordance with CDM2015).

Support the definition of the maintenance, repair and renewal works for delivery by internal teams and contractors, taking account of, all statutory, technical, operational and customer requirements.

Contribute to the development and the implementation of the Trust ‘s Design Guidance, Standards and Specifications. 

Support internal and external enquiries associated with the assets. Respond as appropriate by reference to relevant information sources..

Where required, provide suitable temporary works designs to support works by Direct Services.

Build relationships with local representatives of partnerships, regulators, and stakeholders to protect, maintain, and continually improve levels of service and improve data held by the Trust. 

Where appropriate actively participate in the Trust‘s “Stand-by” and” Call-out rotas”. 

About you

As you will work in a multi-disciplinary environment & teams as part of your day to day work, it is important that you really enjoy being part of a team and that you have a collaborative approach to your work.  You will, of course, work alone under your own initiative too, however engaging with others across all levels of the organisation and with a variety of external partners is how you will get the job done.

Essential

Professional qualification in a relevant technical discipline, i.e. Degree or HND in Civil Engineering.

GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths.

Knowledge and understanding of historic infrastructure, preferably in a water environment.

Experience in assessing infrastructure risk.  

Experience in cross-functional working delivering performance across range of functions. 

Able to negotiate with internal and external contacts. 

Able to support other areas of the business in an appropriate manner, taking account of overall business priorities and negotiating resources as appropriate.

Able to provide a good standard of written communication and proven ability to present technical data to non-technical audiences.

Evidence of Continuous Professional Development.

Proficient in the use of a personal computer and business applications software e.g. MS Office.

Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven. 

Confirmation of right to work in the UK. 

Desirable

Incorporated Engineer (AMICE) (or working towards Incorporated or Charted status, the Trust Operate an ICE accredit training agreement) or equivalent professional qualification (ICE) 

Membership of relevant professional body at an appropriate level ICE, CIWEM.

Proven experience of inspecting / delivering engineering activities. 

Proven experience in assessing infrastructure risk. 

Experience of GIS or mapping systems.

We are currently conducting our interview processes virtually as we continue to respect and follow necessary social distancing guidance to protect our team and our candidates.  You may be invited to a face to face further stage interview which will always be conducted following strict social distancing guidelines. 

To Apply:  click on the "Apply for this job" button and follow the process - complete the application form & upload current CV

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk