Hydrometric Assistant

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 calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Join Our Team:

The Water Management Team at the Canal & River Trust is responsible for understanding, monitoring, and managing water across the canal and river network to keep it safe, sustainable, and resilient. They analyse river flows, rainfall, groundwater and water levels to support flood risk management, drought planning, asset safety (such as embankments, reservoirs, and culverts), and inform operational and strategic decisions. Their work helps ensure enough water is available for navigation, protects communities and infrastructure, supports environmental outcomes, and strengthens the Trust’s ability to adapt to climate change.

As a Hydrometric Assistant, you’ll be applying your technical knowledge and expertise, focussing on data management and production. You’ll be supporting our hydrologists and internal customers operationally, helping them to meet navigational and other water demands, whatever the weather! You’ll build great relationships, supporting our internal and external customers on a variety of projects. You’ll also help to ensure the Trust is compliant with legal, environmental and operational constraints.

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. The vacancy will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required. The concentration of works means our relevant regional hubs include Leeds, Ellesmere Port, Burnley, Birmingham, Hatton, Govilon, Newark, Gloucester, London. Applicants would ideally be accessible to Hatton for intermittent catch ups with the wider team. This role will also involve regular travel to and along the reservoirs, canals and river navigations across the canal network. Occasional overnight stays may be required to facilitate site visits across our network.

Role Overview

You’ll be exposed to diverse hydrological problems on our canals, navigable rivers, network of over 1,500 locks and 72 reservoirs, amongst other infrastructure. You’ll be able to visit our network first-hand through site investigations and surveys when required. You’ll need to enjoy working with data and a degree in a relevant subject; however we’ll train you in canal hydrology.

Key Responsibilities

• Responsible for the quality assurance of flow and canal water level data.
• Assist Hydrologists in managing water resources e.g. water resources budgets, data reporting.
• Use various data sources to support the provision of advice on water management issues to our regional and central teams.
• Be prepared to work outside undertaking site visits and field trials in all weather conditions.
• Support flow gauging operationally as and when required.
• Effectively manage small scale water management projects, ensuring delivery to agreed time and budget.
• Recruit and manage volunteers to assist in meeting key deliverables.
• Take responsibility for the storage and management of the team’s field equipment.
• Work within the Trust’s policies and procedures including health & safety and environment & heritage issues.

About You

You have strong technical experience in hydrology & water resources, with a proven ability to apply modelling, manage data and deliver practical solutions. You communicate complex information clearly, manage your work effectively, and take a positive, problem-solving approach. You are likely working towards, or have achieved, professional chartership and are keen to keep developing in a unique operational environment.

Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (e.g. Geography, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science/Management).
• Numerate, with confidence in processing and analysing data.
• Ability to demonstrate relevant technical knowledge (e.g. hydrometric principles, hydrological processes and models, relevant training or academic modules).
• Some experience of handling hydrometric and/or spatial data and information.
• Some experience of site work and field data collection.
• Computer literate, with experience using MS Office.
• Aspiration to work towards Associate or Chartered membership of a professional body (e.g. CIWEM).

• Customer-focused, with awareness of basic customer service standards and expectations.
• Able to manage own time effectively, prioritising tasks and seeking guidance where appropriate.
• Strong focus on the importance of Health & Safety in the workplace.
• Good written and spoken communication skills.
• Some basic presentation skills.
• Valid driving licence appropriate for the vehicle to be driven (expected).

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 £31,250 – £33,250, we offer a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. 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.

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. All of our jobs can be considered on a part time, flexible or job share basis. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role.

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.