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, competitive pension, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for progression and a supportive team 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 - 28154 £ per year.
Join Our Team: Craft Operative (Carpentry) 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) 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 Hatton depot and will travel across the West Midlands region, with the focus of your work being around 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, with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Construction Craft Operative, Multi-skilled Carpenter in Hatton 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 at our Hatton depot, you'll enjoy the unique opportunity to work across the scenic West Midlands region while contributing to the preservation of our historic waterways.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Craft Operative, Multi-skilled Carpenter in Hatton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Canal & River Trust and understand their mission. When you show up for interviews, drop in some knowledge about their projects and values. It’ll impress them and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or at industry events. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. A friendly face can make all the difference when it comes to landing that job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! As a Craft Operative, you might be tested on your skills. Brush up on your carpentry techniques and safety practices. Show them you can handle tools like a champ and follow health and safety protocols.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities there. Don’t miss out on your chance to join our team and make a real impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Craft Operative, Multi-skilled Carpenter in Hatton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills:When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your practical skills and any relevant experience. We want to see how your background in carpentry or construction can help us keep our canals in top shape!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and qualifications, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the Craft Operative role. Mention specific responsibilities from the job description that excite you and how your skills align with them. We love seeing genuine interest!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Craft
Make sure you brush up on your carpentry skills and knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with tools, machinery, and any specific projects you've worked on. Highlight your ability to interpret technical drawings and how you've applied that in past roles.
✨Show Your Passion for the Outdoors
Since this role involves working outdoors and maintaining canal infrastructure, express your enthusiasm for nature and the environment. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to preserving heritage and community spaces.
✨Safety First!
Be prepared to talk about health and safety practices in construction. Discuss any certifications you have and how you ensure safe operation of tools and equipment. This shows you take safety seriously, which is crucial for this role.
✨Team Player Mindset
This job requires collaboration with specialist teams and guiding volunteers. Think of examples where you've worked well in a team or supported others. Emphasising your ability to foster a positive environment will make you stand out.
