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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve the beautiful canal network.
- Company: Canal & River Trust, dedicated to preserving waterways.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, generous holiday, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working outdoors and enjoying nature.
- Qualifications: Experience in building trades or joinery; valid UK driving licence required.
- Other info: Flexible work with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 32000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Craft Operative role at Canal & River Trust.
This range is provided by Canal & River Trust. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
We are looking for a Craft Operative (Mixed trade skills) to join our Yorkshire & North East team. See our canal network here: canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network.
Role details
As a Craft Operative for our waterway, you will help us improve, maintain, and preserve our canal network. This will involve refurbishment or repair of canal infrastructure including locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths and associated equipment, working efficiently to defined safety, environmental and heritage standards at all times. The post holders will be required to work an annualised hours system which includes a rota covering statutory holidays and weekends and providing on-call cover. You will travel region-wide, and from time to time work away from home in the East Midlands region. Therefore, the successful candidate will be required to drive a fleet vehicle and have a valid full UK manual driving licence.
Location & travel
Reporting to the base at Ossett, this role will involve regular travel along the regional canal network and work in other areas of the Yorkshire & North East region.
Skills, knowledge & experience
As a Craft Operative for our waterway you will play an important role improving, maintaining and preserving our waterways. You will maintain locks and other assets along the local network in line with safety requirements and heritage standards, and support Canal & River Trust’s aims to improve safety and protect the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network. You will fit new lock gates as they are replaced and refurbish or repair existing gates and associated equipment, working with specialist teams to improve our waterways and ensure assets can be enjoyed for years to come.
Key responsibilities:
- Working outside, carry out maintenance and repairs to waterway infrastructure to maximise network availability; repairs may involve heritage or environmental considerations.
- Use joinery expertise to manufacture and refurbish within defined standards and programmes.
- Operate a variety of machinery, plant, tools and equipment in line with safety standards and support in-house maintenance where appropriate.
- Undertake general housekeeping of personal equipment, workshop equipment and workspace to defined standards.
- Respond to customers’ queries and requirements, including emergencies.
- Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials) is appropriate for the task.
- Assist with the measurement of locks and lock gates to identify correct measurements for manufacture.
- Understand and interpret technical drawings to translate into production.
- Work with and supervise volunteers to ensure sufficient resources and volunteer satisfaction.
- Operate regionally with flexibility to deliver the nationally prioritised works programme.
About you
Operative skills are a minimum requirement. You should be capable with other skills that will be taught along the way; an understanding of, and high level of competence in certain disciplines are necessary. A background in the building trade or a specialist joinery background is helpful, where measuring, cutting and joining is second nature.
Skills/Qualifications/Experience
- Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (or experience), e.g. City & Guilds Level II, NVQ Level II
- Experience handling plant/equipment in group A, e.g. chainsaw, hand power tools, forklift
- Experience in relevant discipline (e.g. Joiner)
- Experience reading technical drawings
- Full valid UK Driving Licence
What we offer
- Salary progression plan; starting salary £28,154
- Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme (employer contributions up to 10%)
- 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years
- Employee assistance and wellbeing benefits, including counselling
- Discounts and perks, including boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme
- 2 days paid volunteering leave per year
- Free fishing facilities across our canal network
Seniority level
- Not Applicable
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Civic and Social Organizations
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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
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Canal & River Trust's mission and values. This will help you connect your skills to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to craft skills and teamwork. Think about specific examples from your past work that highlight your experience with maintenance and repairs.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress for success! Even though this is a hands-on role, showing up looking tidy and professional can make a great first impression. It shows you respect the opportunity and are ready to get stuck in.
✨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 and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Craft Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your craft skills in your application. Whether it's joinery or operating machinery, we want to see what you can do! Tailor your experience to match the role and let us know how you can contribute to our canal network.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. This helps us understand your qualifications and makes it easier for us to see if you're a good fit!
Personal Touch Matters: Don’t forget to add a personal touch to your application. Share why you’re passionate about maintaining our waterways and how you align with our values. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the role!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your joinery and maintenance skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those involving locks or canal infrastructure. This will show your practical knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Safety First
Since safety is a big part of the job, be prepared to talk about your experience with safety standards and protocols. Think of examples where you’ve had to ensure safety while working with tools or machinery, as this will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining a safe work environment.
✨Understand the Heritage
Familiarise yourself with the heritage aspects of the Canal & River Trust's work. Knowing how to balance modern techniques with traditional methods can set you apart. Bring up any relevant experiences where you’ve had to consider environmental or heritage factors in your work.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
This role involves working with volunteers and other teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've collaborated with others in past roles, especially in challenging situations. This will show that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
