Job Purpose

*** Part time - 18.5 hours per week ***

The daily structure of weekly working hours can be discussed further at interview stage. 

The Canal & River Trust is a charity entrusted with the care of over 2000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs in England and Wales. These historic, natural and cultural assets form part of the nation’s strategic and local green infrastructure network, linking urban and rural communities as well as habitats. Our waterways contribute to the health and well-being of local communities and economies, creating attractive and connected places to live, work, volunteer and spend leisure time.  We believe that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays it's part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing wellbeing benefits to millions.

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Heritage Advisor to join our Yorshire & North East (YNE) regional team, as part of our High Risk Asset Projects taking place over the next 5 - 6 years. 

The Trust is currently offering an opportunity for an experienced ecologist to join our YNE regional team, focused on our High Risk Asset Projects, that include reservoirs, canal embankments, aqueducts and culverts.

The role will involve working with other specialist teams to review projects on high risk assets, ensuring the Trust manages the waterways safely whilst protecting our natural heritage, adhering to environment legislation and delivering biodiversity net gain.  The role will be both demanding and very rewarding, working in a unique environment with priority habitat and species of conservation concern and public interest.

Location and coverage

The role will be based working from home, with the allocation of a nearby Hub for collaborative working. 

This is a regional role and there will be an expectation that the successful candidate will be able travel to attend meetings or fieldwork throughout the regional waterway network. 

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

Most relevant regional hubs include: Leeds

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

As Heritage Advisor you will provide the Trust with specialist technical expertise to the Yorkshire & North East region, where our historic waterway network has over 300 Listed Buildings, 10 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and 2 World Heritage Sites amongst many other designations. You will support and implement the Trust’s protection, improvement and promotion of the historic built environment of the waterways; and provide professional services to help the Trust achieve its objectives as a waterways and wellbeing charity.

Key Accountabilities:

You will be working with a diverse range of business functions including; environment, operational, asset management, engineering, estates, planning and third party works to deliver the following:

• Act as key contact in the region for heritage related matters - providing informed technical advice, guidance and support to the Trust departments, covering heritage assets and the wider historic environment to ensure high standards of repair and conservation.
• Perform research, site visits, assessment and recording of heritage assets, identify impacts on the historic environment and report heritage incidents.
• Negotiate heritage consents, monitor heritage works, demonstrate best conservation practice and ensure works are legally compliant, to safeguard the reputation of the Trust.
• Deliver awareness-raising training, toolbox talks and facilitate practical training for the Trust staff, contractors, volunteers and stakeholder or community groups.
• Perform heritage assessments, surveys or other reports as required for the Trust projects or works.
• Comply with international, national and the Trust heritage philosophy, principles and policies to ensure the Trust‘s heritage advice and support service is up to date and effective.
• Use the Trust‘s business systems and ensure all relevant information and heritage reporting data is input in a timely, consistent and accurate manner.
• Provide expert technical advice within the field to ensure high quality/ best practice standards are achieved and high confidence in the Trust‘s reputation as custodians is retained.
• Work collaboratively with teams in addressing issues of high concern/ discontent with users/ visitors to improve standards on the network.
• Represent the Trust’s interests regionally within their specialism with regulators or other parties in aspects of mutual interest/ benefit including the application for and negotiation of regulatory agreements/ consents..
• Implement relevant inspection/monitoring/ recording and maintenance programmes for the assets within their region. Undertake the necessary field and research work required, assessment of impacts, recording and reporting; commission and work with consultants; and analysis of outputs as required.
• Contribute to the implementation of a management system for environmental and heritage assets (EMS / Environmental asset strategy and Heritage Strategy; including associated processes & standards) especially with responsibility for monitoring application within their local area and contribution to maintenance of appropriate levels of training & competency (including certification) in their specialism locally.
• Identify opportunities and lead volunteer tasks within their area of expertise. Ensure an engaging experience for participants.
• Contribute to national and local programmes of engagement with customers, volunteers, stakeholders and the general public to raise awareness of the Trust, and promote the value of waterways and the work of the Trust.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Trust’s Asset Management Strategies in respect of environmental/ heritage assets.

About you

In addition to the specialist expertise and professional qualifications you bring, it is also essential that you have an ability to engage with a variety of stakeholders across the organisation and wider, and communicate effectively to protect and promote the Trusts’ waterways heritage and enjoy working with volunteers and community groups. Your approach is collegiate and you will enjoy working with your nearest colleagues and team members to define and manage critical priorities in a busy and demanding environment. As an advocate of the Trust you need to have a real passion for your subject, and apply that to the context of our complex national organisation ensuring that our rich heritage remains protected, appreciated, understood and relevant both in the present, and for future generations. 

Heritage

• Degree or Postgraduate qualification (PG Dip,MA, MSc, PhD) in heritage conservation or equivalent in heritage discipline. 
• Full membership of professional institute (IHBC, RICS, MCIOB, IFA)  or associate membership is strongly desired. 

General

• Experience of working in an historic environment and dealing with heritage assets.
• An interest in historic waterways, historic vessels or industrial archaeology is an advantage. 
• Proven experience in application of specialist knowledge within a business environment.
  • Ability to interact effectively with individuals and bodies with a role in the heritage sector.
  • Ability to perform research, assessment and recording of heritage assets.
  • General knowledge of heritage legislation and guidance for England (and Wales when relevant).
  • Ability to evaluate and comment on design and development proposals for heritage assets.
  • Working knowledge of conservation principles and philosophy.
  • Working knowledge of historic building construction and appropriate methods of conservation and repair.
• Able to research and identify impacts of proposals and develop appropriate mitigations and controls.
• Understanding of the Trust‘s history & development with evidence of appreciation of the Trust's infrastructure. 
• Able to influence/ negotiate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good communicator to a range of audiences, ability to adapt style and content as appropriate to audience. 
• Experience in the delivery of excellent customer service standard. 
• Effective IT skills - familiar with and adept in working in a variety of media including GIS skills. 
• Considers Health & Safety in all aspects of work. 
• Driving is integral to the role - driving licence is essential and use of your own vehicle.

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

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.