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- Tasks: Maintain and improve the beautiful waterways of the Northwest while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a passionate team dedicated to preserving nature.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,115, great holiday entitlement, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, connect with nature, and make a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: A valid UK driving licence and a love for outdoor work are essential.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible hours, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 25115 - 35161 £ per year.
Job Description
Advertised Salary: £25,115 with salary progression + benefits
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Location:Â Grove Road Depot, Stalybridge, SK15 3FT
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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.
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As an Operative most of your working time is spent in our unique and wonderful outdoor environment and your daily tasks will vary and will contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the Northwest region waterway network, primarily working in Greater Manchester on the Rochdale Canal (NW Section), Huddersfield Narrow Canal (Northwest section), Ashton Canal and the Manchester Bolton and Bury Canal.
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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, operatives to undertake maintenance and repair works, operate assets and providing information to customers, as directed by your Team Leader.
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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 on a rotating shift pattern, with some emergency call out expected.Â
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Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas of the Northwest.
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See our network here:Â https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network
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About you
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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.Â
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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.
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Training will be provided to sail boats, use power tools and to operate our structures such as locks, bridges, and sluices, in order to perform within the role.
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Skills, knowledge & experience:Â
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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!Â
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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.Â
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Responsibilities:
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- 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.Â
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Technical:Â
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- You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work.Â
- 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.Â
- 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 of plant/tools and equipment beneficial – training will be given to use appropriate plant/tools to maintain the canal/river environment.
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General:
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- Evidence that you can work or deliver activity to a plan/schedule (can be hourly/daily/weekly).Â
- 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)Â as you will be expected to drive company liveried vehicles.
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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 waterway operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at £25,115.
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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). These include:
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- 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.
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Waterway 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 Waterway Operative
✨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. Focus on how your skills and experiences align with the role of Waterway Operative, especially your love for outdoor work.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your practical skills! Whether it's operating tools or working in manual environments, think of examples from your past that demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions prepared about the role or the team. It shows you're engaged and keen to learn more about what it’s like to work as a Waterway Operative.
We think you need these skills to ace Waterway Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: We want to see your love for outdoor work shine through in your application. Share any experiences you have that demonstrate your appreciation for nature and how you've engaged with the environment.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, make sure to mention any practical skills or experiences that relate to manual work or customer service. We value hands-on experience, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and get straight to the point about why you’re a great fit for the Waterway Operative role. We appreciate honesty and clarity!
Apply Early Through Our Website: Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the vacancy early if we find enough suitable candidates. So, hop onto our website and submit your application as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Know Your Canals
Before the interview, take some time to research the specific waterways you'll be working on, like the Rochdale Canal and the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. Understanding their history and current projects will show your genuine interest in the role and the environment you'll be working in.
✨Show Your Love for the Outdoors
Since this job is all about working outdoors, be prepared to discuss your passion for nature and outdoor activities. Share any relevant experiences you have, whether it's volunteering, hiking, or simply enjoying the great outdoors. This will help demonstrate that you're a good fit for the team.
✨Flexibility is Key
Make sure to highlight your willingness to work on a rotating shift pattern and be on call when needed. Companies like Canal & River Trust value flexibility, so sharing examples of how you've adapted to changing schedules in the past can really set you apart.
✨Customer Service Mindset
As a Waterway Operative, you'll be the face of the organisation. Be ready to talk about your customer service skills and how you handle interactions with the public. Think of specific instances where you've gone above and beyond to help someone, as this will showcase your commitment to providing excellent service.