At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair our beautiful waterways while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, one of the UK's largest charities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, great holiday entitlement, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career progression and personal development.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, connect with nature, and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Enjoy physical outdoor work and have basic communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 25115 - 35161 £ per year.
Job Description
The Canal & River Trust is one of the UK’s largest charities, we maintain 2,000 miles of historic canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs, along with museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of protected historic buildings – preserving them for future generations. Our waterways are exciting, vibrant places to work. Every year we carry out extensive works to the Waterways over winter in our Winter Programme and as a result have a number of exciting vacancies to join the team.
We currently have an excellent opportunity to join the Trust as an Operative, carrying out more of the general (and more technical) maintenance/construction work needed to maintain our networks safety, heritage, and integrity. All our Operatives help with vital maintenance, as well as being faces of the Trust as key (and often first) points of customer contact on the tow path.
Our Operatives work an annualised hours system which includes working an rota system including statutory holidays, so you must be happy to work in an on call rota, which will include some weekend working. You will also be working with other staff and volunteers, Operatives to undertake maintenance and repair works, operate assets and providing information to customers, as directed by your Construction site supervisor..
This flexibility is very important in order to be certain that we can respond to critical needs when they occur. Please only apply if you are happy to work an average of 37 hours a week on a rotating shift pattern, with some emergency call out expected.
Location & coverage
Reporting to the base at Burnley depot,this role will involve regular travel along the regional canal network. Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas of northwest region.
See our network here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers
Learn more about the canal you will be covering here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers/trent-and-mersey-canal
About the role & you
This is predominantly an outdoor role. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it's so important that as a member of the Waterway Operative team you enjoy all weathers! Call outs, repairs, vegetation clearance and assisting the general public & towpath and waterway users doesn't only happen on the sunny days, so rain and cold is all part of the experience.
Working in and around our canals, operating locks, boats, bridges and weirs, your role will be to provide excellent service to a variety of customers and visitors with the Safety of yourself and colleagues and all who use our waterways at the forefront of your mind. Demonstrating pragmatism, your practical mind and approach will solve issues safely as and when they occur.
Responsibilities
- Working outside, carry out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, to maximise network availability.
- Provide customer service through operation of the Trust’s assets (e.g. locks and bridges) in a safe and timely manner.
- Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside e.g. towpath improvement work from repairs to litter removal.
- To protect the natural and historic environment associated with the waterways by ensuring their consideration during all works.
- Provide a first level of response for reactive works to ensure the safety of customers and the availability of the network, participating in an on-call rota as required.
- Work alongside and lead volunteers, to deliver high quality works, maintaining and building on our high levels of volunteer satisfaction.
- Support asset inspections, identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Area Operations Manager or Engineers.
- Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
- Assist in the planning of all work to ensure the correct equipment, materials and plant resources.
- Always display the Trust values and behaviours, linked to professionalism and inclusion.
About you
It is essential that our new team members can settle in and enjoy the varied work we perform, so you really must love physical outdoor work all year around, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment and our millions of waterway visitors. Our waterways are not just for short visits by day users or holidaymakers, thousands of community members live on our boats all year and you will be playing a role in caring for their home, their space. It is also essential that you are comfortable dealing with the public, and can respond to the unexpected with thought, care, respect and a positive practical approach.
Technical:
- You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work.
- You will be a good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness - you will be the face of the Canal & River Trust on our waterways and will handle all communication with respect.
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills (Maths and English GCSE or equivalent).
- Some experience of manual/construction/outdoor work.
- Some experience of working with plant and or equipment.
- Experience working in a relevant environment - paid work or as a volunteer (outdoors related, environmental related, customer service etc), desirable.
- Some knowledge heritage-based construction skills e.g. lime mortar or NVQ 2 Heritage Repairs, desirable.
- Experience using of plant/tools and equipment - training will be given to use appropriate plant/tools to maintain the canal/river environment, desirable.
General:
- Basic IT skills - comfortable with modern handheld mobile devices for making calls, inputting information, and use of mobile applications etc.
- Valid UK driving licence (held min 3 years) as you will be expected to drive company liveried vehicles from time to time.
If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk
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.
What we offer
All our waterway operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at £25,115.
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). These include:
- Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
- 25 days paid holiday (FTE)
- Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters.
- Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts.
- Free fishing facilities across our canal network.
All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.
Operative in Burnley employer: Canal and River Trust
The Canal & River Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work outdoors while preserving the UK's rich waterways and heritage. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a supportive work culture that values teamwork and community engagement, our Operatives play a vital role in maintaining the beauty and safety of our canals. Join us at our Burnley depot and be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative in Burnley
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative in Burnley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Canal and River Trust's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Canal and River Trust. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Canal and River Trust.
