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For Companies 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Work with experts and volunteers, with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 28154 - 33784 £ per year.
Job Description
Our team and opportunity
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We are looking for a Craft Operative (Bricklayer and/or Stone Mason) to join our team.
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As 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.Â
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The 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. Â
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Location & coverage
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Reporting 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.Â
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Occasionally 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
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As a Craft Operative for 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.Â
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Responding 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.
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Our 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.
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Key responsibilities:Â
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- 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.
- Use Bricklayer expertise to undertake the manufacture & refurbishment within a timely manner, in accordance with defined standards and agreed programmes.Â
- 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.
- Undertake general housekeeping of personal equipment, workshop equipment and workspace ensuring all are maintained to defined standards.
- Timely response to customers’ queries and requirements, including responding to emergencies.
- Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) is appropriate for the task.
- 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.Â
- Understand and interpret technical drawings to translate into production.Â
- Work alongside and supervise volunteers to ensure the Trust has sufficient resources to be sustainable, whilst ensuring the satisfaction of the volunteers is high.
- 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.
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About you
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Operative 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.
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Skills/Qualifications/Experience:
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- Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (or experience) e.g. City & Guilds Level II, NVQ Level II.Â
- Experience handling plant/equipment in group A e.g. chainsaw, hand power tools, fork lift truck.
- Experience of working within relevant discipline e.g. Bricklaying, etc.Â
- Experience of reading technical drawings.
- Full Valid UK Driving Licence – you will need to be able to respond across the region and get to where the team need you.
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If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk
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We 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
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All our Craft Operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at £28,154.
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Further 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).
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Find out more about us on our website:Â https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us
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Construction Bricklayer - Craft Operative employer: Canal and River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal and River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Bricklayer - Craft Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Canal & River Trust. Understand their mission and values, especially how they focus on preserving waterways. This will help you connect your skills as a Bricklayer to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to your craft. Think about specific examples from your past work that showcase your skills in bricklaying and teamwork. We want to see how you can contribute to our projects!
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even though it’s a practical job, showing up looking tidy and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are ready to get your hands dirty while maintaining a professional attitude.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Craft Operative position.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Bricklayer - Craft Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your skills and experience that match the Craft Operative role. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let us know why you're excited about working with the Canal & River Trust. Share your enthusiasm for maintaining and preserving our waterways, as this will help your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your experience and qualifications are easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all the necessary information and helps us process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your bricklaying and masonry skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific projects, especially those that involved heritage work or sensitive repairs. This will show your potential employer that you understand the importance of maintaining the integrity of the waterways.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to talk about how your skills align with tasks like operating machinery, interpreting technical drawings, and working with a team. Showing that you understand what the role entails will demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Safety First
Since safety is a top priority in this role, be ready to discuss your knowledge of safety standards and practices. Think of examples from your past work where you ensured safety protocols were followed, especially when working with tools and equipment. This will highlight your commitment to a safe working environment.
✨Show Flexibility
The job requires travel and adaptability, so be prepared to discuss your willingness to work in different locations and your ability to respond to changing work demands. Share any experiences where you had to adjust quickly to new situations, as this will show you can handle the dynamic nature of the role.