Canal Associates - Falkirk Wheel

Scottish Canals is looking for Canal Associates to join our friendly team at The Falkirk Wheel! Scottish Canals are responsible for the management and development of five Scottish canals; we care for bridges, buildings, locks, The Falkirk Wheel, The Kelpies and 19 water supply reservoirs in locations across Scotland. We are currently seeking cheerful, positive, and outgoing people to join our seasonal team. This is a great role for people who love nature and the outdoors, enjoy meeting new people, being out and about in the fresh air, and who want to learn new skills!

You’ll meet an incredible variety of people, have the chance to experience something truly unique, work as a team, and spend time in some of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. You’ll be provided with a uniform and can expect to start out by being based within busier areas of our canal network. You’ll be meeting and engaging with members of the public, sharing information and answering questions, walking the canal routes keeping them safe and tidy.

Key Duties Include:

• To demonstrate a commitment to support the delivery of the SC vision and Operations Business objectives.
• Working with boating customers, to deliver excellent customer service & care.
• Operating lock gates, bridges and managing water resource.
• Ensuring excellent H&S recording using digital Apps on company devices.
• Operating mowers, strimmers, and other ground care equipment to carry out routine vegetation management.
• Utilising a variety of hand and power tools; to carry out minor maintenance works as directed.
• Assist in routine maintenance and care of small plant equipment.
• Maintain accurate and timely records as required.
• Perform manual labour in line with H&S Safe system of work business manual.
• Assist and support water management and water conservation.

To be successful you will have:

• Experience of working within relevant operational environment e.g., customer service, general vegetation management and general asset management.
• Basic DIY and maintenance skills.
• The ability to communicate effectively with other team members and locations to allow for the efficient operation of the waterway.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Basic element of computer skills, email, Microsoft Word.
• Driving licence.

This role attracts a salary of £12.60 per hour changing to £13.45 from 1 April 2026. You will work on a rota which may include weekends and bank holidays. We are looking for team members to join us until October 2026, working on various stretches of the Lowlands Canal network. Weekly hours may vary according to business requirements. Midweek and weekend work available. Various hours and shift patterns available. Full induction and training, uniform, company phone and training will be provided.