At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Canal Associate, engaging with the public and maintaining beautiful Scottish canals.
- Company: Scottish Canals manages iconic waterways and landmarks across Scotland, promoting nature and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy outdoor work, receive full training, and get a uniform and company mobile phone.
- Why this job: Experience stunning landscapes, meet diverse people, and develop new skills in a fun, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Basic customer service experience, DIY skills, and effective communication are essential; driving license required.
- Other info: Work from March to November on a flexible rota, including weekends and bank holidays.
Job Summary
Salary: £12.60 (£13.45 from 1 April 2026) Closing Date: 06/02/2026 Department: Operations Location: Fort Augustus Hours per week: Various
About the Role
Join Our Team on the Caledonian Canal! Looking for a role that’s as rewarding as it is unique? Scottish Canals is hiring Seasonal Canal Associates at various locations throughout the Caledonian Canal, to help keep one of Scotland’s most stunning waterways running smoothly. This is your chance to work outdoors, enjoy spectacular scenery, and meet people from all over the world. Every day brings something different—whether you’re assisting boaters, operating locks, or simply soaking up the beauty of the Highlands. We’ll provide full training, uniform, PPE, and a company mobile phone, so you’re ready to hit the ground running. This role is based between Fort Augustus and Laggan Locks, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Great Glen.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver excellent customer service to boating clients.
- Operate lock gates, bridges, and manage water levels.
- Perform vegetation management using mowers, strimmer’s, and other equipment.
- Carry out minor maintenance using hand tools as required.
- Complete manual and maintenance tasks in line with health and safety standards.
- Represent and promote the organisation positively.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in customer service or outdoor operational work.
- Basic DIY and maintenance ability.
- Strong communication skills for effective teamwork and public interaction.
- Basic literacy, numeracy, and computer skills (e.g., email).
- Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
Additional Information
- Hourly rate: £12.60 (£13.45 from 1 April 2026) plus 12.07% holiday pay.
- Rolling rota includes weekends and bank holidays.
- This is a seasonal role with full-time and part-time hours available.
- Contract period: 18 March – 1 November 2026.
Take a look around the company https://www.scottishcanals.co.uk/corporate/join-our-team/
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Canal Associates - Fort Augustus employer: Scottish Canals
Contact Detail:
Scottish Canals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Canal Associates - Fort Augustus
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for nature and the outdoors during your interactions. When you meet with our team or during any informal chats, express your love for the environment and outdoor activities. This will resonate well with our values at Scottish Canals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarize yourself with the Caledonian Canal and its key features. Knowing about places like The Falkirk Wheel and The Kelpies can help you engage better with visitors and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any previous customer service experience you have. Being cheerful and positive is essential, so share examples of how you've successfully interacted with customers in the past to showcase your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your basic DIY and maintenance skills. If you have any relevant experiences, even if they are informal, mention them to show that you're ready to take on the hands-on aspects of the job.
We think you need these skills to ace Canal Associates - Fort Augustus
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key duties and responsibilities of a Canal Associate. Highlight your love for nature, customer service experience, and any relevant skills in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to reflect your experience in customer service, outdoor work, and any DIY or maintenance skills. Make sure to include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to engage with the public and work as part of a team.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the outdoors. Mention why you want to work with Scottish Canals and how your background aligns with their vision and objectives.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasize your basic computer skills, literacy, and numeracy. If you have a full driving license, make sure to mention it, as it's a requirement for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Show Your Passion for Nature
Make sure to express your love for the outdoors and nature during the interview. Share any personal experiences that highlight your enthusiasm for working in beautiful landscapes, as this role is all about enjoying the environment.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
Since the role involves engaging with the public, be prepared to discuss your previous customer service experiences. Highlight specific examples where you provided excellent service or resolved issues effectively.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
This position requires working closely with others, so emphasize your ability to work as part of a team. Share stories that showcase your collaboration skills and how you contribute to a positive team dynamic.
✨Familiarize Yourself with Basic Maintenance Tasks
Brush up on basic DIY and maintenance skills, as these are important for the role. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have with tools or equipment, and show your willingness to learn more during training.