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- Tasks: Maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network through carpentry and construction skills.
- Company: Join one of the UK’s biggest charities dedicated to preserving waterways.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154, competitive pension, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on heritage and the environment while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification and practical construction experience.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 20000 - 30000 £ per year.
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: Craft Operative - Carpenter opportunity
We’re excited to welcome a new Craft Operative - Carpenter 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. This role follows an annualised hours system, including weekends and bank holidays. You’ll be based at our Nell Bridge Yard (OX17 3NU) depot and travel across the London & South East region, with occasional support in other areas.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you’ll help maintain and repair canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure - supporting our gate fitting.
- Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish 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 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 forklifts.
- Possession of CAAT 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 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 £28,154, with opportunities for progression. Enjoy 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 aiming 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.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
Craft Operative - Carpenter in Oxford employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Operative - Carpenter in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research the Canal & River Trust and understand their mission. When you show genuine interest in their work, it’ll shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to carpentry and maintenance. Think about how your skills can directly benefit the canal network and be ready to share examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Craft Operative - Carpenter in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for working with our waterways! In your application, mention why you care about preserving our canal network and how you can contribute to our mission.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Make sure to showcase your practical skills and any relevant qualifications. Whether it's your experience with tools or your ability to read technical drawings, we want to know what makes you a great fit for the Craft Operative role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need right there!
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 prepared to discuss your experience with tools, machinery, and any relevant qualifications like City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2. Showing that you understand the technical aspects of the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Passion for Preservation
Since this role is all about maintaining and enhancing the canal network, express your enthusiasm for heritage and environmental conservation. Share any personal experiences or projects that demonstrate your commitment to preserving historical assets and supporting community wellbeing.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to interpret technical drawings. Think of examples from your past work where you've successfully tackled challenges or collaborated with teams. This will show that you're not just skilled but also a team player.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Safety Practices
Safety is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about how you ensure safe operation of tools and equipment. Familiarise yourself with PPE requirements and any safety protocols you've followed in previous jobs. This will demonstrate your responsibility and commitment to a safe working environment.
