At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspect and assess earth structures to ensure safety and integrity of waterways.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, dedicated to maintaining vital waterway infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension scheme, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Remote work with travel opportunities across the regional waterway network.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the safety of our canals while enjoying a flexible work environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil Engineering or related field, with experience in infrastructure inspection.
The predicted salary is between 37500 - 41500 € per year.
Join Our Team: Earth Structures Inspector (Geotechnical Engineer) Opportunity
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. The geotechnical team at the Canal & River Trust are responsible for managing and maintaining the safety and integrity of earth structures across the network, such as embankments, cuttings, dams, and reservoirs. They assess ground conditions, monitor risks like landslides and erosion, and plan inspections, maintenance, and repairs to ensure the long-term stability of waterways infrastructure.
Supporting this, Earth Structures Inspectors carry out regular site inspections, identify defects or early signs of failure, record asset condition, and recommend remedial actions; playing a key role in risk management and ensuring assets remain safe and operational.
Working Hours & Location
This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This role will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. Significant travel throughout the regional waterway network and the South, Midlands & Northwest in particular will also be expected to enable site visits and to conduct improvements. Occasional overnight stays may also be required. Therefore, a valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential.
Role Overview
In this role, you will carry out scheduled and reactive inspections of the Trust’s earth structures to ensure safety, accuracy, and quality of records. You will assess inspection data to support risk-based decisions and help prioritise maintenance and repair work, considering safety, cost, environmental, and operational factors. You will also provide technical support across engineering teams, respond to enquiries, and build strong stakeholder relationships while representing the Trust professionally and promoting inclusive working practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake scheduled Earth Structure inspections, ensuring completion in line with programme requirements, with data reviewed, approved, and recorded to the required standards and quality.
- Carry out reactive inspections in response to defects or environmental issues, ensuring outputs are delivered in the prescribed format and within appropriate timescales.
- Support the assessment of inspection outputs, contributing to informed recommendations and prioritisation of works, considering risk, cost, time, resources, heritage, environmental, and safety factors.
- Engage with customers while working on the network, promoting a positive image of the Trust, and escalating feedback, comments, and complaints to relevant teams.
- Support the development of maintenance, repair, and renewal programmes, ensuring alignment with statutory, technical, operational, and customer requirements.
- Provide technical support to wider engineering teams, third-party works, and externally funded projects as required.
- Respond to internal and external enquiries relating to assets, using appropriate information sources to provide efficient and cost-effective guidance.
- Build effective relationships with partners, regulators, and stakeholders to protect, maintain, and enhance service delivery and asset data quality.
- Promote diversity and inclusion across all aspects of work, challenging behaviours or practices that do not align with the Trust’s values.
About You
We are looking for a qualified engineering professional with experience in inspecting and assessing infrastructure, particularly earth structures and waterways. You will bring strong technical knowledge alongside practical experience to support safe, risk-based decision-making. You will also be a collaborative and effective communicator, able to engage a range of stakeholders and present technical information clearly while consistently delivering high standards of work.
Technical Requirements
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. ICE, GSL, IOMMM) at an appropriate level (e.g. TMICE) is desirable.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
- A professional qualification in a relevant discipline, such as a Degree or HNC/D in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, or similar.
- Experience and knowledge of waterway infrastructure and earth structures.
- Proven experience in inspecting and/or delivering engineering activities.
- Practical experience in infrastructure risk assessment, desirable.
- Knowledge of historic infrastructure, desirable.
- Experience of engineering within a water environment, advantageous.
- Working knowledge of CAD for producing and editing 2D drawings, desirable.
General Requirements
- Experience of working collaboratively across teams, delivering consistent performance.
- A strong track record of delivering high standards of customer service.
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Ability to support wider business activities, balancing priorities and effectively coordinating resources where required.
- Strong written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to non-technical audiences.
- A valid UK driving licence appropriate for the role.
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
In addition to your annual base salary of £37,500 - £41,500, we also offer Car Cash Allowance (£390 per month), a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Earth Structures Inspector employer: Canal & River Trust
At the Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values the safety and integrity of our waterways. Our Earth Structures Inspectors enjoy a supportive work culture that promotes collaboration and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for professional growth within a vital sector. With competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme and flexible remote working arrangements, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact on the environment while enjoying a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Earth Structures Inspector
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Canal & River Trust on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Earth Structures Inspector role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical knowledge related to earth structures and waterways. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, make sure to clearly explain your thought process when assessing risks and making decisions. This will demonstrate your ability to engage with stakeholders effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Canal & River Trust team.
We think you need these skills to ace Earth Structures Inspector
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with earth structures and waterways. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant qualifications!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of technical work, be sure to mention any specific tools or methodologies you’ve used in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their technical prowess clearly and confidently.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon unless it’s necessary. Remember, we want to understand your experience without having to decode it!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Earth Structures
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of earth structures and waterways. Understand the key responsibilities of an Earth Structures Inspector, like assessing ground conditions and identifying defects. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your technical qualifications and experience in inspecting infrastructure. Highlight any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving risk assessment or maintenance of earth structures. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves building relationships with various stakeholders, think about how you can showcase your communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively engaged with customers or colleagues in the past, and be ready to discuss how you would promote a positive image of the Trust.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how the Trust promotes diversity and inclusion. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you determine if the company culture aligns with your values.
