knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

This role is offered on a 2 year fixed term basis and your working pattern will follow a 4-on / 4-off shift rota.  Some night shift working must be expected when water levels are high or rising at Toddbrook Reservoir.

During normal weather periods, the team will work day shifts, however where levels at Toddbrook start to rise, the rotating day/nights shift pattern will come into effect.  It is therefore a requirement that candidates are able to adapt to the required working pattern at critical times.  Rota and working arrangements can be discussed in further detail during interview.  

We have working hub locations at Staleybridge & Swettenham.  You will be required to travel across the locations detailed to perform your duties and be based from Toddbrook working site when required to perform night shift duties.

Responsibilities:

• • Working outside, carry out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, to maximise network availability.
  • Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside you are assigned to, including repairs to towpath, structures, fences etc
  • Provide reservoir surveillance duties at the 4 reservoirs which feed the Peak Forest and Macclesfield Canals – Toddbrook, Combs, Bosley and Sutton
  • Perform general water control / reactive / PPM / maintenance tasks in and around the Whaley Bridge area 
  • Provide a first level of response for reactive works to ensure the safety of customers and the availability of the network, participating in an on-call rota as required.
  • Support asset inspections, identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Area Operations Manager or Engineers.
  • Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering - paying keen attention to detail
  • Assist in the planning of all work to ensure the correct equipment, materials and plant resources.
  • Work alongside volunteers from time to time
  • Protect the natural and historic environment associated with the waterways by ensuring their consideration during all works.
  • Participate in the operational rota, including requirement to respond to requirement for night shift rotation & call outs

About you: 

It is essential that our new team members can settle in and enjoy the varied work we perform, so you really must love physical outdoor work all year around, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment and the critical nature and impact of the specific duties of this team.  

It is also essential that you are comfortable dealing with the public, and can respond to the unexpected with thought, care, respect and a positive practical approach.

Essential:

• You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work. 
• You will be a good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness - you will be the face of the Canal & River Trust on our waterways and will handle all communication with respect. 
• Have an understanding of health & safety at work and good health and safety practice
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills 
• Some experience of manual/construction/outdoor work.
• Some experience of working with tools and/or equipment.
• Basic IT skills  and quick to learn - comfortable with modern handheld mobile devices for making calls, inputting information, and use of mobile applications etc.
• Valid full UK driving licence with access to private vehicle. You will be expected to drive company vehicles from time to time, and move around the locations listed above.
• Candidates must be flexible to adapt to required working patterns, sometimes at short notice, to ensure team cover at Toddbrook Reservoir during weather events.

Desirable:

• Experience working in a relevant environment - paid work or as a volunteer (outdoors related, environmental related, customer service etc).
• Experience using of tools and equipment to delivery work - training will be given to use appropriate plant/tools to maintain the canal/river environment.
• Good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness.
• Demonstrate an awareness of heritage / environmental  issues that may influence the way we work.
• Countryside practice and vegetation skills may be an advantage.
• Can work alone on occasions, however thrives as part of a team to deliver a common goal.
• Evidence that you can work or deliver activity to a plan/schedule