At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve beautiful waterways while providing excellent customer service.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, dedicated to keeping our canals alive.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,115, competitive pension, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Full training provided, with opportunities for progression and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in local communities while enjoying outdoor work.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 25115 - 25115 € per year.
Join the Canal & River Trust as a Waterway Operative and play a vital role in maintaining and improving our beautiful waterways across the North West regions waterway network primarily focused on The Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll carry out maintenance and repair works, operate locks and bridges, and provide excellent customer service to visitors.
Working Hours & Location
This is a fixed term contract until May 2027. This role follows an annualised hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You will also be part of a 24-hour operational standby team providing emergency cover. You’ll be based at Swettenham Street, Macclesfield SK117BT with travel across the North West region, with occasional support in other areas.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair of canal infrastructure.
- Operate locks, bridges, and other waterway assets safely and efficiently.
- Improve towpaths and waterside areas, including repairs and litter removal.
- Deliver excellent customer service to visitors and boaters.
- Work collaboratively with volunteers to achieve high-quality results.
- Plan and prepare for tasks, ensuring correct tools and materials are available.
- Uphold Canal & River Trust values and behaviours in all activities.
About you
If you enjoy practical, physical work in all weathers, value nature and the environment, and want to make a real difference to local communities, this could be the perfect role for you. Full training provided, including boat handling and asset operation.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills – you’ll be the face of the Trust on our waterways.
- Basic literacy and numeracy.
- Experience in manual, construction, or outdoor environments is advantageous.
- Ability to work to schedules and plans effectively.
- Basic IT skills – comfortable using mobile devices and apps.
- Full and current manual UK driving licence.
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 £25,115 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
Waterway Operative in Macclesfield employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to preserving the beauty of our waterways while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Waterway Operative, you'll enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, all while working in the stunning North West region. Join us in making a meaningful impact on local communities and the environment, with the added benefit of a generous pension scheme and increasing holiday entitlement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Waterway Operative in Macclesfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Canal & River Trust! Research our values and recent projects. This will help you connect your passion for waterways with what we do, making you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former Waterway Operatives on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. It’s a great way to get insider info and show your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role is all about practical work, brush up on your skills related to maintenance and repair. Practise operating locks and bridges if you can – it’ll give you a leg up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Waterway Operative in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When you're writing your application, let us know how much you love working outdoors and being hands-on. Share any experiences you've had in similar roles or activities that show your commitment to nature and the environment.
Highlight Your Customer Service Skills:As a Waterway Operative, you'll be the face of the Trust. Make sure to mention any previous customer service experience you have. We want to see how you can engage with visitors and boaters to create a positive experience on our waterways.
Be Detail-Oriented:We value high-quality work, so don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail in your application. Whether it’s through past projects or specific tasks, demonstrate how you take pride in delivering excellent results.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll find all the information you need to complete your application smoothly. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Waterways
Familiarise yourself with the specific waterways you'll be working on, like The Macclesfield and Peak Forest Canals. Understanding their history, current projects, and challenges will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Since this role is hands-on, be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have in manual or outdoor work. Share specific examples of tasks you've completed, tools you've used, and how you’ve tackled challenges in similar environments.
✨Emphasise Customer Service
As you'll be the face of the Trust, highlight your communication skills and any previous customer service experience. Prepare to share a story where you went above and beyond for a customer or visitor, demonstrating your commitment to excellent service.
✨Prepare for Teamwork Questions
Collaboration is key in this role, especially when working with volunteers. Think of examples where you've successfully worked as part of a team, focusing on how you contributed to achieving a common goal and how you handled any conflicts that arose.
