Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve the beautiful waterways of the North West, working outdoors.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, a passionate team dedicated to preserving nature.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,115, great holidays, pension scheme, and employee perks.
- 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.
Job Description
Advertised Salary: £25,115 with salary progression + benefits
\\n\\n
Location: Swettenham Street, Macclesfield.
\\n\\n
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.
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
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 North West regions waterway network primarily focused on the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals.
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
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 provide information to customers, as directed by your Team Leader.
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
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
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas of the North West region.
\\n\\n
\\n\\n
See our network here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network
\\n\\n
\\n\\n
\\n\\n
\\n\\n
About you
\\n\\n
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
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
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.
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
Training will be provided to helm boats, power tools and to operate our structures such as reservoirs, locks, bridges, and sluices.
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
Skills, knowledge & experience:Â
\\n\\n
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
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
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
\\n\\n
Â
\\n\\n
Responsibilities:
\\n\\n
- \\n\\t
- 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
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n
\\n\\n
Technical:Â
\\n\\n
- \\n\\t
- 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.
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n
\\n\\n
General:
\\n\\n
- \\n\\t
- 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.
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n
\\n\\n
\\n\\n
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.
\\n\\n
\\nWhat we offer:
\\n\\n
All our waterway operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at £25,115 per annum.
\\n\\n
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:
\\n\\n
- \\n\\t
- 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.
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n\\t
\\n
\\n\\n\\n\\n\\n
Â
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 a team, think of examples from your past experiences that highlight your hands-on abilities and customer service skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re keen and professional.
We think you need these skills to ace Waterway Operative
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 beautiful 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 your experiences in manual or outdoor environments, even if it's just volunteering. We value hands-on experience!
Communicate Clearly: Since you'll be the face of the Canal & River Trust, it's crucial to show off your communication skills. Make sure your application is clear and concise, and don’t forget to mention any customer service experience you have!
Apply Early!: We might close the vacancy early if we find enough suitable candidates, so don’t wait around! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal and River Trust
✨Know Your Canals
Before the interview, take some time to research the Macclesfield and Peak Forest canals. Familiarise yourself with their history, current projects, and any recent news. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Show Your Love for the Outdoors
Since this role is all about working outdoors, be prepared to discuss your passion for nature and outdoor activities. Share any relevant experiences, whether it's volunteering, hobbies, or previous jobs that involved physical work outside.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Highlight your willingness to work on a rotating shift pattern and be on call when needed. Share examples from your past where you've had to adapt to changing schedules or unexpected situations, showing that you're ready for the demands of the job.
✨Customer Service Mindset
As you'll be interacting with visitors and customers, emphasise your customer service skills. Prepare to give examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous roles, and express your commitment to ensuring a positive experience for everyone using the waterways.