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 (Joiner/Carpentry) 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-groundwork 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 works under an annualised hours system and typically operates 5 days out of 7, which may include weekends and statutory holidays. At times, operational demands may require working more than 5 days within a 7-day period. You will also be part of a 24 hour operational standby rota, providing emergency cover when needed. New starters will only join the on-call rota once they are fully trained and confident in the role. You'll be based at our Crickhowell (NP8 1DF) and will travel across the Wales & South West region, with occasional work supporting neighbouring areas.
- 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. 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.
- 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. We offer a starting salary of £29,354, with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: ( )
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Craft Operative in Crickhowell 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 beautiful canal network. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer competitive salaries, a robust pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement, all within a supportive work culture that values practical skills and a passion for the outdoors. Based in Crickhowell, you'll enjoy the unique advantage of working in a picturesque location while contributing to the preservation of our heritage and environment.
