Job Purpose

Seasonal Boat Operators (15hrs per week )

Anderton Boat Lift (Northwich, Cheshire)

 On a boat, 50ft in the air, with international passengers…. how does that sound to you?

This could be any day in the life of a Boat operator at Anderton Boat Lift, a working lift built in 1875 that takes boats from the River Weaver to the Trent and Mersey Canal at a height of 50ft in the air.  It is an amazing historic structure and people come from all over the world to visit, and to take a boat trip to experience this unique journey.

As a boat operator you will work with a small team to ensure every visitor has a memorable experience on each boat trip throughout the summer, whilst ensuring safe passage. The Edwin Clark is our special passenger boat and has seen a lot of voyages, and with more people enjoying the waterways, particularly for wellbeing next summer will be no exception. From even before the trip starts, you will ensure that visitors have the best experience possible with the support of commentaries, up to date knowledge of the lift and the river and ensuring they tell their friends what a great time they had.

We will provide in depth training for you to qualify to steer the Edwin Clark with passengers (unless you are already qualified) & there will be a team around you to ensure that you are supported throughout this training until you are competent and confident to do deliver this experience.

Uniform is provided as well as Personal protection equipment such as lifejacket

If you feel you can add to our visitor experience, we would like to hear from you

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. 

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

Do you have boat handling experience and a passion for engaging with customers? 

You'll be working with a friendly, teaam who create an amazing and memorable experience for our thousands of visitors to the attraction every year during our busy and buzzing visitor season.  

Key responsibilities

• Responsible for the overall safety of customers during boarding, their journey and alighting the boat, ensuring scheduled timetables are adhered to in accordance with operating procedures.
• Undertake safety briefings to our guests and ensure compliance. Complete the required logs and reports in accordance with the Maritime Coastguard Agency’ guidelines. Undertake risk assessment processes.
• Maintaining the upkeep of the boat to regulatory standard, including execution of all training exercises.
• Provide excellent service to Canal & River Trust guests at the attraction, participating in the theatre of our trip and presenting key facts in an informative and imaginative way, tailoring each trip to the audience.
• Work alongside volunteers and new employees, displaying the Trusts values and being a role model/mentor for them, supporting them to acquire the necessary understanding of the role requirements, ensuring that they enjoy their experience with the Trust.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Good level of written English and basic Maths
• Proven experience of boat handling. 
• Ability to command a boat and lead people.
• Judgement and initiative in the delivery of safety evacuations and training exercises.
• Ability to communicate confidently with a diverse range of people to pass safety critical information concisely.

Desirable: 

• Boat Masters Licence Grade 3 (Training will be provided to meet certification requirements). 
• Proven experience in the operation of a passenger carrying boat or workboat. 
• Customer Service training qualification – Welcome Host or equivalent.
• Some experience in a customer facing role within a leisure or customer service environment, or in a direct sales environment.
• Literate in the use of computers, Internet

If you are interested but would like to know more, please contact the team on crt.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk we'd love to talk with you.