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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve beautiful waterways while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, dedicated to keeping our canals alive.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,115, competitive pension, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while enjoying outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 25115 - 35161 £ per year.
Join the Canal & River Trust as a Waterway Operative and play a vital role in maintaining and improving our beautiful waterways across the East Midlands region primarily around Northamptonshire and South Leicestershire. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll carry out maintenance and repair works, operate locks and bridges, and provide excellent customer service to visitors.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows an annualised hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You will also be part of a 24-hour operational standby team providing emergency cover. You’ll be based at our Welford depot and travel across the East Midland South region, with occasional support in other areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair of canal infrastructure
- Operate locks, bridges, and other waterway assets safely and efficiently
- Improve towpaths and waterside areas, including repairs and litter removal
- Deliver excellent customer service to visitors and boaters
- Work collaboratively with volunteers to achieve high-quality results
- Plan and prepare for tasks, ensuring correct tools and materials are available
- Uphold Canal & River Trust values and behaviours in all activities
About you
If you enjoy practical, physical work in all weathers, value nature and the environment, and want to make a real difference to local communities, this could be the perfect role for you. Full training provided, including boat handling and asset operation.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work
- Excellent communication and customer service skills – you’ll be the face of the Trust on our waterways
- Basic literacy and numeracy
- Experience in manual, construction, or outdoor environments is advantageous
- Ability to work to schedules and plans effectively
- Basic IT skills – comfortable using mobile devices and apps
- Full and current UK driving licence
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.
What We Offer
We offer a starting salary of £25,115 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Waterway Operative in Milton Keynes employer: Canal and River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal and River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waterway Operative in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Canal & River Trust! Research their values and recent projects. This will help you connect with the team during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in keeping our waterways thriving.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! As a Waterway Operative, you'll be the face of the Trust. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence in handling visitor queries and providing top-notch service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your hands-on experience! Whether it's outdoor work, maintenance, or teamwork, share specific examples from your past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive in the practical, physical environment of this job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team and ready to dive into the role of Waterway Operative.
We think you need these skills to ace Waterway Operative in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When writing your application, let us know how much you love working outdoors and being hands-on. Share any experiences you've had in similar roles or environments, as this will show us you're a great fit for the Waterway Operative position.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills: Since you'll be the face of the Trust on our waterways, it's important to showcase your excellent communication and customer service skills. Give examples of how you've interacted with customers or the public in previous jobs to demonstrate your ability to provide top-notch service.
Be Detail-Oriented: We value attention to detail, so make sure your application is clear and free from errors. Double-check your spelling and grammar, and ensure that your experience aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. This way, your application will go straight to us, and we can review it promptly. Don't forget to include all relevant information that showcases why you're the perfect fit for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Know Your Waterways
Familiarise yourself with the local waterways, especially around Northamptonshire and South Leicestershire. Understanding the specific challenges and beauty of these areas will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Prepare to discuss any hands-on experience you have in maintenance or outdoor work. Bring examples of past projects or tasks where you demonstrated attention to detail and quality, as this is crucial for a Waterway Operative.
✨Customer Service Matters
Since you'll be the face of the Trust, think of examples where you've provided excellent customer service. Be ready to explain how you would handle various visitor interactions, ensuring they feel welcomed and valued.
✨Plan for the Unexpected
Given the nature of the job, be prepared to discuss how you would handle emergency situations or unexpected challenges. Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure, which are essential for being part of the 24-hour operational standby team.
