At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair vital canal infrastructure while using your carpentry skills.
- Company: Join a passionate team dedicated to preserving the UK's beautiful canal network.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154 plus Inner London Allowance, pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for learning and growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment and community while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification and practical construction experience.
The predicted salary is between 28154 - 32154 € per year.
Join Our Team: Craft Operative (Multi-skilled Carpenter) Opportunity. Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. We’re excited to welcome a new Craft Operative (Carpentry bias) to our team. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by helping maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network. You’ll work on locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths, and more - preserving these historic assets for everyone to enjoy.
The Direct Services team delivers the essential, on-the-ground work that keeps our waterways running - from planned maintenance and construction projects to emergency repairs and heritage restoration. They combine skilled trades, practical know-how and a real passion for the outdoors to repair infrastructure, respond to urgent issues, and look after the places communities love. Their work makes a visible difference every single day.
Working Hours & Travel
This role operates on an annualised hours contract (1931.4 hours per year, averaging 37 hours per week), which includes weekends and bank holidays as required. Due to operational needs, there may be occasions where you are required to work more than five days within a seven-day period. You will also participate in a 24-hour standby rota to provide emergency cover. New starters will join the on-call rota once fully trained and confident in the role. You’ll be based at our Adelaide depot and will travel across the London & South East region, with the focus of your work being around the East & West London; Lee Navigation, Regent's and Grand Union canal. Mileage and tolls associated to travel are supported through the Trust expenses policy.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you’ll undertake essential construction work and help maintain and repair vital canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards and help keep canals open and alive.
Key responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure.
- Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish and repair assets.
- Interpret and apply technical drawings and specifications to guide construction activities.
- Operate tools and machinery safely and responsibly, ensuring proper use of PPE and materials.
- Maintain equipment and workspace to high standards.
- Respond to customer queries and emergencies with care and professionalism.
- Support and guide volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.
- Travel regionally to support priority construction projects.
About You
We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn. Whether you come from a building or specialism background, your experience and enthusiasm will help you thrive in this role.
Skills & Qualifications
- Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2).
- Practical construction experience, including safe operation of tools and equipment such as chainsaws and site plant.
- Possession of H&S competencies and/or valid, assessed certifications for the safe and effective use of plant, tools, and equipment.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- Full and current UK driving license.
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 a starting salary of £28,154 + an Inner London Allowance of £4,000. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Construction Craft Operative, Multi-skilled Carpenter employer: Canal & River Trust
Join the Canal & River Trust as a Craft Operative and become part of a dedicated team that makes a tangible difference to our historic canal network. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a supportive work culture that values your skills and passion for the outdoors. Based in London, you'll enjoy the unique opportunity to work on vital infrastructure while contributing to the preservation of our waterways for future generations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Craft Operative, Multi-skilled Carpenter
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Canal & River Trust. Understand their mission and values, especially how they maintain and enhance the canal network. This will help you connect your skills to their goals during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your practical skills! When you're in the interview, be ready to share specific examples of your past work, especially any carpentry or construction projects. We want to hear about how you've tackled challenges and what tools you’re comfortable using.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for hands-on assessments! For a role like this, you might be asked to demonstrate your skills on the spot. Brush up on your joinery and masonry techniques so you can impress us with your practical know-how.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, show your enthusiasm by asking about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how you can contribute to preserving the canal heritage. It shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Craft Operative, Multi-skilled Carpenter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your practical skills and any relevant experience in carpentry or construction. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of a Craft Operative, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application:Take a moment to customise your application for this specific role. Mention your passion for maintaining and enhancing canal infrastructure, as it shows us you’re genuinely interested in what we do.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and qualifications, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your carpentry skills and any relevant construction techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools, machinery, and safety protocols, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Role
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Craft Operative. Think about how your past experiences align with maintaining canal infrastructure and be prepared to share specific examples during the interview.
✨Show Your Passion for the Outdoors
Since this role involves outdoor work, express your enthusiasm for nature and the importance of preserving heritage sites. Share any personal experiences that highlight your commitment to environmental standards.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how they support employee development. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
