At a Glance
- Tasks: Maintain and repair our historic waterways, ensuring they remain safe and accessible.
- Company: Join one of the UK's largest charities dedicated to preserving canals and rivers.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £28,154, competitive pension, and increasing holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working outdoors and learning valuable trade skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in bricklaying or stonemasonry and a relevant qualification are essential.
The predicted salary is between 28154 - 28154 £ 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 Bricklaying Opportunity
As a Craft Operative in our Operations team, you will play a vital role in caring for our network, responding to incidents as they happen and ensuring our waterways remain safe and accessible for everyone. This is a mixed skills role suited to someone with experience in one or more trades (e.g., carpentry, metal fabrication, bricklaying, or stonemasonry). You'll work flexibly, responding to emergencies as they occur across our network. This role follows an annualized hours system, including weekends and bank holidays. You'll be based at our Devizes depot and travel across the Wales and South West region, with occasional support in other areas. Flexibility is essential, as emergency call outs and rapidly changing priorities are a core part of the team's work.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you will help improve, maintain and preserve our historic network. This includes refurbishing and repairing canal infrastructure such as locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths and associated equipment, always working to high safety, environmental and heritage standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair works to maximize network availability, often involving heritage sensitive solutions.
- Use bricklaying or other trade skills to support manufacture and refurbishment work to agreed standards and timescales.
- Safely operate machinery, plant, tools and equipment, and support in house maintenance where required.
- Maintain personal equipment, workshop tools and workspace to required standards.
- Respond promptly to customer queries and urgent situations.
- Ensure equipment, materials and PPE are appropriate for each task.
- Assist with measuring locks and lock gates, learning heritage craft skills alongside specialist teams.
- Read and interpret technical drawings to inform work.
- Work with and supervise volunteers to support sustainable maintenance delivery.
- Travel regionally and flexibly to meet nationally prioritized work demands.
About You
You must bring strong operative skills and be confident applying your trade knowledge in unique environments. While additional skills can be learned on the job, competence in at least one relevant discipline is essential to aid your colleagues. Whether you come from a building or bricklaying 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).
- Experience operating plant/equipment (e.g., chainsaws, power tools, forklift trucks).
- Experience in a relevant discipline in bricklaying or stonemasonry.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
- Full UK driving license (essential for regional response travel).
Contact & Application
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us. 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.
Our Values
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 striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
Craft Operative in Devizes employer: Job Search Place Limited
At Canal & River Trust, we pride ourselves on being one of the UK's largest charities dedicated to preserving our waterways and enhancing community wellbeing. As a Craft Operative based in Devizes, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values flexibility and diversity, alongside competitive benefits such as a starting salary of £28,154, a robust pension scheme, and ample opportunities for professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact while working in beautiful outdoor settings across the Wales and South West region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Craft Operative 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 Craft Operative 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 Job Search Place Limited'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 Job Search Place Limited. 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 Job Search Place Limited
✨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 Job Search Place Limited.
