At a Glance
- Tasks: Diagnosing diesel, electrical, and plumbing issues across our hire fleet and assisting with general maintenance.
- Company: Foxhangers Canal Holidays has been delighting customers since 1997 with a beautiful fleet of narrowboats.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company pension scheme and work in a stunning environment on the Kennet & Avon Canal.
- Other info: Part-time hours shaped around candidate availability, with core days on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and develop your engineering skills in a customer-facing role.
- Qualifications: Diesel engine knowledge and AC/DC electrical fault-finding skills are preferred.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 40000 £ per year.
Foxhangers Canal Holidays have been delighting customers since 1997 with our beautiful fleet of narrowboats and exciting holiday adventures. Based on the stunning, historic, Kennet and Avon canal near Devizes, Wiltshire, we now seek a motivated and passionate Boatyard Maintenance Technician to work as an integral part of our boat operations team.
Working within our Operations Department, the Boat Technician plays a vital hands-on role in the day-to-day running of a thriving canal boat business. This is a practical, varied, and customer-facing position that requires strong technical ability, a positive attitude, and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of our engineering and maintenance work.
The role centres on diagnosing and resolving diesel engine, electrical and plumbing issues across our holiday hire fleet, as well as supporting repairs and FMS fault-finding for privately owned boats. You will also assist our boat-building team and contribute to general site maintenance.
A strong work ethic, good problem-solving skills, and a calm, customer-focused approach are essential — particularly when conducting boat handovers, welcoming customers, or dealing with occasional sensitive issues or minor disputes. With an experienced and supportive team around you, this is an excellent opportunity for someone with solid engineering skills to develop further within a friendly and passionate business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB
- Hire fleet – engineering & electrical checking and maintenance
- Hire fleet – member of breakdown and call-out assistance team
- Diagnosing and resolving diesel, electrical and plumbing faults
- Repairs and maintenance to privately owned vessels
- Hull maintenance slipway/docking works to take vessels out of the water
- Assisting the boat-building team with practical tasks
- Supporting general site and property maintenance
- Customer interaction during handovers, servicing visits and technical support
HOURS
This is a part-time role with hours shaped around the skills and availability of the successful candidate. A core requirement is availability on our hire fleet turnaround days — currently Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays — along with the ability to cover evening and weekend call-outs on a rota basis.
REQUIRED TRAITS AND VALUES
- Resilient, meticulous & consistent
- Fit and relatively agile
- Good team player
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise jobs
- Initiative
- Some flexibility in working hours
PREFERRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE (or willingness to learn)
- Diesel engine knowledge and maintenance skills
- AC & DC electrical knowledge with fault-finding ability
- Plumbing knowledge and fault-finding skills
- Welding skills (training can be provided)
- All Terrain Forklift driving
- Grounds and property maintenance
- Boat Master/Helmsman licence (training can be provided)
- First Aid Certificate (training can be provided)
BENEFITS
Company pension scheme. A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet & Avon Canal. The chance to be part of a small, dedicated and passionate team.
P/T Boatyard Maintenance Technician in Devizes employer: Foxhangers Ltd
Foxhangers Canal Holidays is located near Devizes, Wiltshire, offering a beautiful working environment on the historic Kennet and Avon Canal. Join a small, dedicated team that values passion and commitment to customer service while enjoying a company pension scheme.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land P/T Boatyard Maintenance Technician in Devizes
✨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 P/T Boatyard Maintenance Technician in Devizes
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 Foxhangers Ltd'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 Foxhangers Ltd. 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 Foxhangers Ltd
✨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 Foxhangers Ltd.
