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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and repair canal infrastructure across the London & Southeast region.
- Company: Be part of a vibrant organisation dedicated to preserving our waterways for future generations.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension scheme, discounts, and two days paid volunteering leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working outdoors and developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Apprenticeship or equivalent experience in building trades; valid UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexibility is key, with travel across the region and an annualised hours system.
The predicted salary is between 32154 - 32154 £ per year.
Job Title: Craft Operative, multi-skilled generalist (Joiner/Brickwork)
Base Location: Adelaide Yard
Salary – £32,154 Inclusive of Inner London Allowance
Working hours – 1931.4 annualised hours
Our waterways are exciting, vibrant places to work. We are seeking a Craft Operative (Multi-skilled) to join our London & Southeast team.
As a Craft Operative for the LSE Region, you will play an important role in helping us improve, maintain, and preserve our network for our customers. This involves undertaking refurbishment or repair of canal infrastructure, including locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths, and associated equipment, while working efficiently within safety, environmental, and heritage standards.
The role requires working an annualised hours system, including any 5 days out of 7 rota, statutory holidays, weekends, and being part of the out-of-hours on-call rota. Our Craft Operatives cover the entire LSE Region, so you need your own transport and a valid UK driving licence. The contract is based at Adelaide Docks, with regular travel across the region.
Key responsibilities include:
- Performing outside maintenance and repairs to waterway infrastructure, ensuring network availability and compliance with heritage and environmental standards.
- Using bricklaying expertise to manufacture and refurbish in a timely manner according to standards and schedules.
- Operating machinery, plant, tools, and equipment safely, supporting in-house maintenance.
- Maintaining personal and workshop equipment and workspace to standards.
- Responding promptly to customer queries and emergencies.
- Ensuring all equipment and materials are appropriate for tasks.
- Displaying flexibility to deliver the national works programme, including regional travel for repair work.
About you:
Minimum operative skills are required, with additional skills in building trades or joinery highly desirable. You should have a background in measuring, cutting, and joining.
Skills/Qualifications/Experience:
- Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g., City & Guilds Level II, NVQ Level II) or relevant experience.
- Experience with plant/equipment such as lifting gear, chainsaws, power tools.
- Experience in relevant disciplines like Bricklaying or Carpentry.
- Full UK driving licence.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received. Early application is encouraged.
What we offer:
- Starting salary of £28,154 plus £4,000 Inner London Allowance, with salary progression over time.
- Contributory DC Pension scheme, with employer matching contributions up to 10%.
- Annual £200 learning & growth award.
- Access to specialist counselling services.
- Employee benefits including store discounts, holiday schemes, and boating holiday discounts.
- Two days paid volunteering leave annually.
- Free fishing facilities across the canal network.
We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. Join us in preserving our waterways for future generations.
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Craft Operative employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific tools and machinery mentioned in the job description, such as chainsaws and power tools. Being able to demonstrate your hands-on experience with these will set you apart during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any previous experience you have with bricklaying or carpentry. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully applied these skills, as practical examples can make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Since the role involves working across the LSE Region, ensure you have reliable transport and a valid UK driving licence. Mentioning your readiness to travel can show your commitment and flexibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent projects related to waterway preservation. Being knowledgeable about their work can help you connect your skills to their mission during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Craft Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant skills and experiences related to the Craft Operative role. Emphasise any experience in bricklaying, carpentry, or operating machinery, as these are key aspects of the job.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for maintaining and preserving waterways. Mention specific examples of your previous work that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as any apprenticeships or certifications like City & Guilds Level II or NVQ Level II. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role and your commitment to the craft.
Showcase Flexibility and Teamwork: In your application, mention your ability to work flexible hours and as part of a team. Highlight any past experiences where you successfully collaborated with others or adapted to changing work conditions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Showcase Your Skills
Make sure to highlight your multi-skilled abilities, especially in joinery and brickwork. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully used these skills, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and suitability for the role.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Craft Operative. Be ready to discuss how you would approach maintenance and repairs to waterway infrastructure, and show that you understand the importance of safety and environmental standards.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility
Since the role requires working varied hours and regional travel, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different schedules. Highlight any previous experiences where you've had to be flexible in your work.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about the team you'll be working with or the types of projects you might be involved in. It shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
