Salary: £12.60 (£13.45 from 1 April 2026)
Closing Date: 06/02/2026
Department: Operations
Location: Fort Augustus
Hours per week: Various
About the Role
Join Our Team on the Caledonian Canal! Looking for a role that’s as rewarding as it is unique? Scottish Canals is hiring Seasonal Canal Associates at various locations throughout the Caledonian Canal, to help keep one of Scotland’s most stunning waterways running smoothly. This is your chance to work outdoors, enjoy spectacular scenery, and meet people from all over the world. Every day brings something different—whether you’re assisting boaters, operating locks, or simply soaking up the beauty of the Highlands. We’ll provide full training, uniform, PPE, and a company mobile phone, so you’re ready to hit the ground running. This role is based between Fort Augustus and Laggan Locks, offering an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Great Glen.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver excellent customer service to boating clients.
- Operate lock gates, bridges, and manage water levels.
- Perform vegetation management using mowers, strimmers, and other equipment.
- Carry out minor maintenance using hand tools as required.
- Complete manual and maintenance tasks in line with health and safety standards.
- Represent and promote the organisation positively.
Desirable Skills
- Experience in customer service or outdoor operational work.
- Basic DIY and maintenance ability.
- Strong communication skills for effective teamwork and public interaction.
- Basic literacy, numeracy, and computer skills (e.g., email).
- Full driving licence preferred but not essential.
Additional Information
- Hourly rate: £12.60 (£13.45 from 1 April 2026) plus 12.07% holiday pay.
- Rolling rota includes weekends and bank holidays.
- This is a seasonal role with full-time and part-time hours available.
- Contract period: 18 March – 1 November 2026.
Canal Associates - Fort Augustus employer: Scottish Canals
Scottish Canals is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Caledonian Canal in Fort Augustus. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide comprehensive training and support, ensuring that our Canal Associates thrive in a dynamic outdoor environment while delivering outstanding customer service. Join us for a rewarding seasonal role where every day is different, and enjoy the chance to connect with people from around the globe in one of Scotland's most beautiful locations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Canal Associates - Fort Augustus
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Scottish Canals. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Scottish Canals before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Scottish Canals:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Scottish Canals specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Scottish Canals!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
