Job Purpose

The Canal & River Trust is one of the UK’s largest charities, we maintain 2,000 miles of historic canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, along with museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of protected historic buildings – preserving them for future generations.

We are currently seeking a Waterway Operative to provide support during our busy seasonal period  April 2022 - November 2022.

1x Icknield Port - B16 0AA

The post holder will be required to work an annualised hour’s system which includes working any 5 days out of 7 including weekends & statutory holidays.  Seasonal employees will work to an annualised hour’s rota, details of which will be discussed at interview.

Knowledge, Skills/Qualifications & Experience

The role involves promoting a safe and secure customer experience on the waterways, and delivering the general works programme in order to enhance the reputation of the network as a valued national asset. You will be supporting Canal & River Trust’s aims to improve safety and increase the number of people using the waterways whilst protecting the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network.

You would contribute to the maintenance, conservation and improvement of the business unit’s waterway network for local communities and visitors to enjoy. Working efficiently to defined standards the role helps to create a safe, secure and vibrant waterway network where visitors are delighted with the quality of their experience.

Skills,knowledge & experience: 

Role/Responsibilities:

Comply with Canal & River Trust Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses. Complete point of work risk assessments and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) is appropriate for the task.

Working outside, ensure that the customer experience is maximised by providing outstanding levels of customer service in accordance with defined standards and promote Canal & River Trust by maintaining a professional approach at all times.

Undertake water control duties including the operation of structures eg locks and bridges in a safe manner to ensure that customers are not hindered in their visit to the waterway.

Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside eg towpath litter removal, towpath and access repairs.

Ensure that environmental and heritage issues are taken into consideration in all work that is undertaken.

Provide a first response for any emergencies/incidents that may occur within the waterway.

Support asset inspections. Identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Operations Supervisor or Engineers.

Using appropriate basic plant (having achieved the correct CAATs competencies), undertake vegetation management activities to ensure that customers have a positive and pleasant experience whilst using the waterways. Ensure that all basic plant is maintained and operated in a safe and effective manner.

Where a vacancy arises, participate where agreed in the standby rota in order to support delivery of customer service to defined standards and reaction to emergency situations.

Experience of working within relevant environment eg landscaping, groundworks, customer service .

Skills/Qualifications:

Experience of working within relevant environment eg working outside, customer service, landscaping, labouring.

Basic literacy and numeracy skills.

Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven is required for this role

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

What We Offer

This is a fixed term contract during our busy visitor summer season.  Full Time Equivalent salary of £19,626 will be prorated for your fixed term period.   In addition to your pro-rated annual salary, we can offer a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, and numerous other employee benefits.  Further details on our benefits can be found here. 

We aim to represent the diverse communities we are part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do.

When you join the Canal & River Trust you become a member of an engaged team working to preserve our heritage for future generations.  Come and put your skills to use on our waterways.

Find out more about the work we do on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us