Waterway Operative - Tees Barrage

Job Purpose

We are 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. As an Operative, most of your working time is spent in our unique and wonderful outdoor environment and your daily tasks will vary and will contribute to the maintenance, conservation, and improvement of the North East region's waterway network.

Our Operatives work an annualised hours system which includes working statutory holidays and weekends on a rota. You must be happy to work as part of an on-call rota. You will also be working with other staff and volunteers to undertake maintenance and repair works, operate assets, and provide information to customers, as directed by your Team Leader. Flexibility is very important in order to respond to critical needs when they occur. Please only apply if you are happy to work on a rotating shift pattern, with some emergency call-out expected.

Through your engagement with visitors and local communities, you will be promoting a safe and secure visitor and customer experience on the waterways. Your role will involve delivering the general works programme in order to enhance the reputation of the network as a valued national asset. You will also 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.

The work that you will do and the way that you do it is invaluable in ensuring the conservation and improvement of the North East's much-loved waterway network for local communities and visitors to enjoy.

• Working outside, providing outstanding levels of customer service - you will be a visible and approachable advocate for the work that the Canal & River Trust does.
• Undertake water control duties including the operation of structures e.g. 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 e.g. 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 tools and equipment, undertake vegetation management activities to ensure our outdoor spaces are well maintained.
• 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 a relevant environment e.g. customer service is essential. 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.

Skills & experience:

• You will have a good understanding of what great customer engagement and service looks and feels like.
• Experience of working within a relevant environment e.g. from a strong customer service background, outdoor visitor services/maintenance/visitor attractions.
• Good literacy and numeracy skills.
• Excellent IT skills, experience of using software and interface packages - Essential.
• Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven - Essential.
• Candidates who have used power tools, have experience in a similar environment, experience working with volunteers, vegetation management and/or some experience completing maintenance work is desirable but not essential. Full training from supportive colleagues will be given.

Come and help us to create wonderful memories on our Yorkshire & North East Waterways.

What We Offer:

• All our waterway operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at £25,115.
• Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
• 25 days paid holiday (FTE).
• Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters.
• Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts.
• Free fishing facilities across our canal network.

At the Trust, we care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job. 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 share your passion and knowledge with a team that makes a difference to millions of people every day.