At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair the UK's historic canal and river infrastructure while working outdoors.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust, dedicated to preserving waterways for future generations.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £26,315, competitive pension, increasing holiday entitlement, and employee perks.
- Other info: Opportunities for progression and a supportive team environment await you.
- Why this job: Make a visible difference every day while enjoying hands-on work in nature.
- Qualifications: Practical skills, basic literacy and numeracy, and a full UK driving licence required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
We're excited to welcome a new Operative to our Direct Services team.
This role helps maintain, repair, and preserve the UK's historic canal and river infrastructure.
The role is hands‑on, outdoors, and essential to keeping waterways safe, accessible, and operational.
The Direct Services team delivers the essential, on‑the‑groundwork 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 place's communities love.
Their work makes a visible difference every single day.
Working Hours & Travel This role works under an annualised hours system and typically operates 5 days out of 7, which may include weekends and statutory holidays.
At times, operational demands may require working more than 5 days within a 7-day period.
You will also be part of a 24-hour operational standby rota, providing emergency cover when needed.
New starters will only join the on‑call rota once they are fully trained and confident in the role.
You'll be based in Fenton, Stoke on Trent and will travel across the West Midlands region, with occasional work supporting neighbouring areas.
Canal networks covered include but not limited to Trent & Mersey, Shropshire union, Cauldon Canal and Llangollen Canal.
Role Overview As a 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.,
- Working outside, carry out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, to maximise network availability.
- Provide customer service through operation of the Trust's assets (e. g. locks and bridges) in a safe and timely manner.
- Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside e. g. towpath improvement work from repairs to litter removal.
- To protect the natural and historic environment associated with the waterways by ensuring their consideration during all works.
- Provide a first level of response for reactive works to ensure the safety of customers and the availability of the network, participating in an on‑call rota as required.
- Work alongside and lead volunteers, to deliver high quality works, maintaining and building on our high levels of volunteer satisfaction.
- Support asset inspections, identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Area Operations Manager or Engineers.
- Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
- Assist in the planning of all work to ensure the correct equipment, materials and plant resources.
- Always display the Trust values and behaviours, linked to professionalism and inclusion.
We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn.
Whether you come from a specialist background, your experience and enthusiasm will help you thrive in this role., A strong focus on doing high-quality work and taking pride in the standards you deliver.
- Confidence communicating with the public - you'll be a friendly, respectful representative of the Canal & River Trust.
- Basic literacy and numeracy skills (e. g., Maths and English at GCSE level or equivalent).
- Hands‑on experience in practical or construction tasks, including the safe use of tools and equipment (such as chainsaws and site plant).
- Relevant health & safety competencies or certifications for operating tools, plant, and equipment safely.
- The ability to read and understand technical drawings.
- A full, valid UK driving licence.
We offer a starting salary of £26,315 with opportunities for progression.
Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.
- For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here
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Operative in Stoke employer: Canal & River Trust
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values innovation and teamwork. Our supportive work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our commitment to flexible working arrangements ensures a healthy work-life balance. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the UK's canal network, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will help shape the future of our vital infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operative in Stoke
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Operative in Stoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch Canal & River Trust's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at Canal & River Trust. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at Canal & River Trust.
