Waterway Inspection Operative

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change. Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team – we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland. As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Waterway Inspection Operative to join our Assets team in Ardrishaig . You will undertake mandatory inspections of the canal network and its assets, recording defects and reporting change to existing defects. The WIO is vital to Scottish Canals complying with its statutory obligation to provide a duty of care to its customers, both internal and external. The inspector is an expert on their section of canal; must possess a detailed knowledge of the geographical area for which they are responsible, a history of the area and the assets located within the designated area, the asset condition and any associated defects. The role is offered on a p ermanent basis, and with a starting salary of £30,069 ( Band C ). Working hours 35 hours per week, Monday – Friday with flexibility required . Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays , along with enhanced sick pay , discounted shopping vouchers , health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution . Primary responsibilities of the role : Undertake statutory & mandatory inspections of the canal network and its infrastructure assets to ensure Scottish Canals are fulfilling their statutory obligations. Provide reasoned, technical feedback and informed judgement on defects and asset health, to initiate and influence works planning and prioritisation. Ensure the quality and relevance of asset data held within the asset database within geographical area of responsibility, to inform prioritisation of work. Manage or mitigate significant health and safety defects immediately to ensure safety of canal and towpath users. Interact and communicate with canal users and SC departments, ensuring customer, heritage and environmental compliance and integration to approved strategies and codes of practice; to ensure and enhance the reputation of Scottish Canals. Qualifications and knowledge required: HNC or equivalent. Previous certification in asset inspection is desirable. Skills and experience required: Proficient in use of MS Office packages. Previous experience of Asset Management Software. Understanding of civil assets. Understanding of heritage and environmental principles including Buildings at Risk, Dangerous Trees, Invasive Species. Good knowledge and understanding of local history and geography – how the canal interacts with its communities and surroundings. Effective reporting and exchange of technical information. Experienced in use of light tools and equipment including drills, strimmers etc. Qualities & abilities required: Self-starter. Self-motivator. Excellent interpersonal/communication skills. Ability to prioritise workloads and keep to deadlines. Attention to detail. Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.