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- Tasks: Maintain and repair canal infrastructure while working outdoors on exciting projects.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving our beautiful canal network.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154, competitive pension, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on heritage and the environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Practical construction experience and a relevant qualification are essential.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for progression and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 28154 - 28154 £ per year.
Join Our Team: Craft Operative - Carpenter opportunity. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. We’re excited to welcome a new Craft Operative - Carpenter to our team. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by helping maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network. You’ll work on locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths, and more - preserving these historic assets for everyone to enjoy.
Working Hours & Travel
This role follows an annualised hours system, including weekends and bank holidays. You’ll be based at our Nell Bridge Yard (OX17 3NU) depot and travel across the London & South East region, with occasional support in other areas.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you’ll help maintain and repair canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure - supporting our gate fitting.
- Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish assets.
- Interpret and apply technical drawings and specifications to guide construction activities.
- Operate tools and machinery safely and responsibly, ensuring proper use of PPE and materials.
- Maintain equipment and workspace to high standards.
- Respond to customer queries and emergencies with care and professionalism.
- Support and guide volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
- Travel regionally to support priority projects.
About You
We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn. Whether you come from a building or specialism background, your experience and enthusiasm will help you thrive in this role.
Skills & Qualifications
- Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2).
- Practical construction experience, including safe operation of tools and equipment such as chainsaws and forklifts.
- Possession of CAAT competencies and/or valid, assessed certifications for the safe and effective use of plant, tools, and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- 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 £28,154, with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Craft Operative - Carpenter in Oxford employer: Canal and River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal and River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Operative - Carpenter in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Canal & River Trust. Understand their mission and values, especially how they maintain and enhance the canal network. This will help you connect your skills as a Craft Operative to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Brush up on your practical skills and be ready to showcase them during any hands-on assessments. Whether it’s using tools or interpreting technical drawings, being confident in your abilities will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees or join relevant groups online. Engaging with others in the industry can provide insider tips and might even lead to a referral. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on the Canal & River Trust site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Craft Operative - Carpenter in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your practical skills and any relevant qualifications in your application. We want to see how your experience aligns with the Craft Operative role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your carpentry and construction know-how!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to the job description. Mention specific responsibilities like maintaining canal infrastructure or interpreting technical drawings. This shows us you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the role.
Be Professional Yet Personal: While we love a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through! Share your enthusiasm for working outdoors and contributing to our canal network. A bit of passion can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Know Your Craft
Before the interview, brush up on your carpentry skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools, machinery, and any relevant qualifications like City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2. Showing that you understand the technical aspects of the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for Preservation
This role is all about maintaining and enhancing the canal network. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for heritage and environmental standards during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to preserving historical assets.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to interpret technical drawings. Think of examples from your past work where you successfully tackled challenges or worked collaboratively with teams. This will show that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Safety
Safety is paramount in this job, so be prepared to talk about your experience with PPE and safe tool operation. Highlight any certifications you have, such as CAAT competencies, and share how you ensure a safe working environment for yourself and others.
