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- Tasks: Maintain and improve the beautiful waterways of Yorkshire while working outdoors.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a passionate team dedicated to nature and community.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,115, great holiday entitlement, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Love the outdoors? Make a real difference while enjoying nature every day.
- Qualifications: A valid UK driving licence and a passion for outdoor work are essential.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for training and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 25115 - 35161 £ per year.
Advertised Salary: £25,115 with salary progression + benefits
Location: Swinton, Mexborough
A Valid UK driving licence (held ideally min 3 years) is essential for this role as you will be expected to drive company liveried vehicles.
As an Operative, most of your working time is spent in our unique and wonderful outdoor environment. Your daily tasks will vary and will contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the Yorkshire & North East regions waterway network, primarily focused on Sheffield South Yorkshire Navigation.
Our Operatives work an annualised hours system which includes working statutory holidays and weekends on a rota. You must be happy to work in an on-call rota. You will also be working with other staff and volunteers to undertake maintenance and repair works, operate assets, and provide information to customers, as directed by your Team Leader.
Flexibility is very important in order to respond to critical needs when they occur. Please only apply if you are happy to work on a rotating shift pattern, with some emergency call out expected. Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas of the Yorkshire & North East.
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 round, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment, and our millions of waterway visitors.
You might have practical skills and many years of working experience to offer, or you may just be starting out in your career and looking for a role which calls on your practical nature. You don’t need to be an expert in any field, but you will be able to demonstrate that you hold the values and behaviours that ensure our customers and visitors know we care.
Training will be provided to drive boats, use boat cranes & power tools, and to operate our structures such as locks, bridges, and sluices.
Skills, knowledge & experience:
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!
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, carrying out general maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure.
- 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.
- Work alongside volunteers to deliver high quality works.
- 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.
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).
- Experience working in manual/construction/outdoor environments, desirable - paid work or as a volunteer (outdoors related, environmental related, customer service etc).
- Experience using plant/tools and equipment beneficial - training will be given to use appropriate plant/tools to maintain the canal/river environment.
General:
- Evidence that you can work or deliver activity to a plan/schedule (can be hourly/daily/weekly).
- 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 ideally min 3 years) as you will be expected to drive company liveried vehicles.
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 per annum.
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. These include:
- Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
- 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
- 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 and holiday purchase scheme.
- 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum, allowing you to volunteer for a local community project etc.
- Free fishing facilities across our canal network.
Waterway Operative in Swinton 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 Swinton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Canal & River Trust's website and social media. Understanding their values and recent projects will help you connect with the team and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your love for outdoor work and customer service.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your practical skills! If you've got experience in manual or outdoor work, be ready to share specific examples. Talk about how you've tackled challenges in the past and how that relates to the role of a Waterway Operative.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions ready. This shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about the role and the team you'll be working with.
We think you need these skills to ace Waterway Operative in Swinton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: Make sure to highlight your love for outdoor work in your application. We want to see that you genuinely appreciate nature and enjoy working in all weather conditions, as this role is all about being out there maintaining our waterways.
Demonstrate Your Practical Skills: Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, let us know about any practical skills you have. Share experiences from previous jobs or volunteer work that showcase your hands-on abilities and how they relate to the role of a Waterway Operative.
Emphasise Teamwork and Customer Service: This job involves working closely with others and providing excellent service to visitors. Make sure to mention any past experiences where you've worked in a team or delivered great customer service, as these qualities are super important to us.
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don't wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Know Your Environment
Before the interview, take some time to research the waterways and the specific areas you'll be working in. Familiarise yourself with the Sheffield South Yorkshire Navigation and understand the importance of maintaining these environments. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Practical Skills
Whether you have years of experience or are just starting out, be ready to discuss any practical skills you possess. If you've worked outdoors, operated tools, or engaged in customer service, share those experiences. Highlighting your hands-on abilities will demonstrate that you're a good fit for the physical nature of the job.
✨Emphasise Flexibility
Since the role requires working on a rotating shift pattern and being on call, make sure to express your willingness to adapt. Share examples of times when you've successfully managed flexible work schedules or responded to unexpected situations. This will reassure them that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Demonstrate Customer Service Skills
As a Waterway Operative, you'll be the face of the Canal & River Trust. Be prepared to discuss how you would provide excellent customer service. Think of scenarios where you've helped others or resolved issues, and convey your commitment to ensuring visitors have a positive experience while using the waterways.