Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and improve the beautiful waterways of London & South East outdoors.
- Company: Join Canal & River Trust, a leader in waterway conservation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, and a great pension scheme.
- Why this job: Work outdoors, make a difference, and connect with nature every day.
- Qualifications: Valid UK driving licence and a passion for outdoor work.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for career growth and volunteering.
The predicted salary is between 29115 - 29115 £ per year.
Overview
Waterway Operative role at Canal & River Trust. This role is based in Enfield and involves outdoor work maintaining and improving the London & South East waterway network, primarily around the River Lee and River Stort. A valid UK driving licence (held ideally minimum 3 years) is essential for driving company liveried vehicles. The role operates on an annualised hours system, with work on a rota that includes statutory holidays and weekends, and an on-call rota. Flexibility is required to respond to critical needs and occasional work in other areas of the London & South East may be needed.
Salary information is provided by Canal & River Trust and will be based on skills and experience; details will be confirmed with your recruiter. The advertised salary is £29,115 inclusive of Inner London Allowance, with salary progression plus benefits.
See our canal and river network here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network
Responsibilities
- Working outside, carrying out general maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure.
- 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 maintenance of the waterway and waterside, including towpath improvements and litter removal.
- Work alongside volunteers to deliver high quality works.
- Deliver work in a productive and efficient manner to the correct standard and agreed programme.
- Assist in planning all work to ensure correct equipment, materials and plant resources are available.
- Always display the Trust values and behaviours, linked to professionalism and inclusion.
Technical: Skills, knowledge & experience
- This is predominantly an outdoor role; you should enjoy all weathers and outdoor environments.
- Operate locks, boats, bridges and weirs while prioritising safety for yourself, colleagues and all waterway users.
- Be pragmatic with a practical approach to problem solving.
- Basic literacy and numeracy (Maths and English GCSE or equivalent).
- Experience in manual/construction/outdoor environments is desirable (paid work or volunteering).
- Experience using plant/tools and equipment is beneficial; training will be provided to operate appropriate plant/tools.
General
- Evidence of delivering activities to a plan/schedule (hourly/daily/weekly).
- Basic IT skills; comfortable with modern handheld devices for making calls and inputting information.
- Valid UK driving licence (held ideally 3 years) as you will drive company liveried vehicles.
What we offer
All waterway operatives progress their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting salary: £25,115 + £4,000 Inner London Allowance per annum.
The Canal & River Trust offers a contributory DC Pension scheme, generous holiday entitlement (increasing with years of service) and other benefits including salary sacrifice options. Details are available here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits
- Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme with employer contributions matching up to 10%.
- 25 days paid holiday (plus bank holidays), increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
- Access to counselling services for health, financial, well-being and domestic matters.
- Employee discounts, boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme.
- 2 days paid volunteering leave per year.
- Free fishing facilities across our canal network.
Seniority level
- Not Applicable
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Other
Industries
- Civic and Social Organizations
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Canal & River Trust by 2x
London, England, United Kingdom – 1 month ago
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Waterway Operative employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Waterway Operative
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Canal & River Trust! Familiarise yourself with their values and mission. When you show genuine interest in what they do, it’ll shine through in your conversations and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider tips or even a referral, which can boost your chances of landing that Waterway Operative role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for practical assessments! Since this role involves outdoor work and operating equipment, brush up on your skills. If you have experience in manual or construction environments, be ready to share those stories during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Waterway Operative
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors: When you're writing your application, let us know how much you enjoy working outside and what draws you to the Waterway Operative role. Share any experiences you've had in outdoor environments, whether through work or volunteering, to really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to mention any previous experience you have in manual, construction, or outdoor roles. If you've operated tools or equipment before, give us the details! This will show us that you're ready to hit the ground running.
Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills: We love a pragmatic approach! In your application, share examples of how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in outdoor settings. This will help us see how you think on your feet and adapt to changing situations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It's the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you'll find all the info you need about the role and our values there, which can help you tailor your application even more.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Know Your Waterways
Familiarise yourself with the London & South East waterway network, especially the River Lee and River Stort. Understanding the specific challenges and features of these waterways will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Practical Skills
Be ready to discuss any previous experience in manual or outdoor work. If you've operated tools or equipment before, mention it! Highlighting your hands-on skills will demonstrate that you're well-suited for the practical aspects of the Waterway Operative role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Teamwork
Since the role requires working on a rota, including weekends and holidays, express your willingness to be flexible. Also, share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams, especially if you've collaborated with volunteers or in community projects.
✨Prepare for Safety Questions
Safety is paramount in this role, so be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in outdoor environments. Think of specific instances where you’ve had to assess risks or follow safety protocols, as this will show your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.