Volunteering Leader in Burnley

About the Trust

We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that call our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity which offers a great variety of activities and tasks from day to day. You will be the public face of the Trust, working extremely closely with volunteers and with members of the public who visit and use our waterways. Your work will be a combination of day‑to‑day routine tasks and more exciting and involved project work. You will lead volunteers and the team to enable them to work safely and efficiently and help to foster a safe, secure and vibrant waterway network, where visitors are delighted with their experience. The role includes leading and attending events to publicise the work of the trust, promote our activities and recruit new volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Working outside, undertake on-the-job organisation, control and leadership of volunteer groups, volunteer task days, volunteer lock keepers and our in-house team.
• Leading and attending events to publicise the work of the trust, promote our activities and recruit new volunteers.
• Delivering works planned to be conducted by our volunteer teams and our local team.
• Develop volunteering opportunities on our locks.
• Deliver training to volunteers in accordance with set standards.
• Identify opportunities for volunteers and update records of work and time delivered.
• Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc.) are appropriate for the task, in good condition and are used correctly.
• Prepare appropriate safe systems of work, induct volunteers onsite and manage safe delivery.
• Support communication within the team including sharing relevant corporate messages and provide feedback from the volunteers to the Area Operations Manager in order to enhance the planning of works.
• Active involvement in the day-to-day tasks of the team and volunteers e.g. lock keeping, water control, vegetation management, small projects, planned maintenance and also actively assist the Area Operations Manager in the planning of tasks.
• Ensure that environmental and heritage issues are taken into consideration in all work that is undertaken.
• Delivering pre‑planned maintenance of structures and undertaking minor repairs as part of a small team.
• Recording works completed and celebrating volunteer contributions.

About You

We are looking for an organized, proactive, engaging volunteering leader to support the Area Operations Manager. You will provide guidance to a growing number of active volunteers and our in‑house team that helps maintain, conserve and improve the environment and heritage of the waterway network for local communities and visitors to enjoy.

Skills & Qualifications

• Experience of working within relevant environment e.g. volunteering, environmental works, customer service operations or maintenance.
• Experience of leading a small team.
• Great organisation and prioritising skills.
• Effective and engaging communication skills.
• Computer literate – with good knowledge of Microsoft Office package.
• Full UK driving licence essential.
• You will need to be self‑motivated, able to work flexible hours to meet volunteering and business needs and communicate well with customers, volunteers and staff at all levels.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

We offer an annual salary of £29,395. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

Reasonable Adjustments

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments – whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition – please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.

Employment Types

All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

Recruitment Process

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception – are made by our hiring managers.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.