At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve waterways, working on locks, bridges, and towpaths.
- Company: Canal & River Trust, dedicated to preserving the UK's waterways.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154, great holidays, pension scheme, and employee perks.
- Other info: Work with experts and volunteers, with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while learning valuable skills in a unique outdoor environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bricklaying or similar trades; valid UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 28154 - 33784 £ per year.
Job Description
Our team and opportunity
\\n\\n\\n\\nWe are looking for a Craft Operative (Bricklayer and/or Stone Mason) to join our team.
\\n\\nAs a Craft Operativefor our waterway you will play an important role applying to help us improve, maintain, and preserve our wonderful network for our customers to enjoy today and into the future. This will involve undertaking the, refurbishment or repair of canal infrastructure including locks / bridges/ aqueducts / towpaths and associated equipment, working efficiently to defined safety /environmental and heritage standards at all times.
\\n\\n\\n\\nThe post holders will be required to work an annualised hour’s system which includes working a rota'd system including statutory holidays and weekends. Our Craft Operatives look after specific stretches of our regional waterways, however the team are naturally called upon to support work in other areas as required, so you need to have your own transport and valid UK driving licence.
\\n\\n\\n\\nLocation & coverage
\\n\\nReporting to the base in Lancaster, this role will be based around the Lancaster, Preston & Wigan areas and involve regular travel along the Northwest network. You will report to our Lancaster site each day before being issued instructions on location of work for the day and transport.
\\n\\nOccasionally you may also be required to work in other areas of North West Region. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/north-west
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About the role
\\n\\n\\n\\nAs a Craft Operativefor our waterway you will play an important role improving, maintaining and preserving our wonderful waterway network for our customers to enjoy by efficiently maintaining our locks and other assets along the local network in line with safety requirements and heritage standards.
\\n\\n\\n\\nResponding to business needs, you will enhance the reputation of the network and support Canal & River Trust’s aims to improve safety; protecting the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network.
\\n\\n\\n\\nOur Craft Operatives perform a unique role; fitting new lock gates as they are replaced, refurbishing or repairing existing lock gates and associated equipment, to ensure it is working efficiently & to defined standards. You will be working with specialist teams and experts in their field as our multi-disciplinary teams work together to improve our waterways and ensure our 200 year old assets can be enjoyed for years to come.
\\n\\n\\n\\nKey responsibilities:
\\n\\n- \\n\\t
- Working outside, carry out maintenance and repairs works to the waterway infrastructure to ensure network availability is maximised. Repairs will often involve sensitive heritage or environment solutions which the role will be expected to be familiar with. In some instances, the operative will be expected to complete repairs to the highest standard utilising relevant skills and experience. \\n\\t
- Use Bricklayer expertise to undertake the manufacture & refurbishment within a timely manner, in accordance with defined standards and agreed programmes. \\n\\t
- Operate a variety of machinery, plant, tools and other equipment in accordance with Canal & River Trust’s safety standards and where appropriate support in-house maintenance. \\n\\t
- Undertake general housekeeping of personal equipment, workshop equipment and workspace ensuring all are maintained to defined standards. \\n\\t
- Timely response to customers’ queries and requirements, including responding to emergencies. \\n\\t
- Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) is appropriate for the task. \\n\\t
- Assist with the measurement of locks and lock gates in order to identify correct lock gate measurements for manufacture - you will be working alongside an experienced team of specialists to learn this heritage skill. \\n\\t
- Understand and interpret technical drawings to translate into production. \\n\\t
- Work alongside and supervise volunteers to ensure the Trust has sufficient resources to be sustainable, whilst ensuring the satisfaction of the volunteers is high. \\n\\t
- Operate regionally displaying the appropriate flexibility needed to deliver the nationally prioritised works programme. This will occasionally involve travelling further distances to undertake repair work. \\n
About you
\\n\\nOperative skills are a minimum requirement. Whilst it is also important that you can turn your hand to other skills which will be taught along the way, an understanding of, and high level of competence in certain disciplines are necessary. You may have a background in the building trade, or from a specialist joinery background, where measuring, cutting and joining is all second nature to you.
\\n\\n\\n\\nSkills/Qualifications/Experience:
\\n\\n- \\n\\t
- Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (or experience) e.g. City & Guilds Level II, NVQ Level II. \\n\\t
- Experience handling plant/equipment in group A e.g. chainsaw, hand power tools, fork lift truck. \\n\\t
- Experience of working within relevant discipline e.g. Bricklaying, etc. \\n\\t
- Experience of reading technical drawings. \\n\\t
- Full Valid UK Driving Licence - you will need to be able to respond across the region and get to where the team need you. \\n
If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk
\\n\\n\\n\\nWe reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
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\\nWhat we offer
All our Craft Operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at £28,154.
\\n\\n\\n\\nFurther to salary offered, the Canal & River Trust offers a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement (increasing with years of service) and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits, all of which can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).
\\n\\n\\n\\nFind out more about us on our website: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us
\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n\\nConstruction Bricklayer - Craft Operative in Lancaster employer: Canal and River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering our Craft Operatives a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation of our historic waterways while enjoying a supportive work culture. With competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlements that increase with service, we are committed to fostering employee growth and development in a role that combines skilled craftsmanship with environmental stewardship in the beautiful Northwest region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Bricklayer - Craft Operative in Lancaster
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Canal and River Trust, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Construction Bricklayer - Craft Operative at Canal and River Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Bricklayer - Craft Operative in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
