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- Tasks: Join our team to maintain and improve Scotland's iconic canal network.
- Company: Scottish Canals, dedicated to preserving heritage and enhancing community spaces.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for cross-skill training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a scenic environment while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical or hydraulic disciplines and NVQ Level 2 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 32367 - 35218 £ per year.
Salary: £32,367 - £35,218 (£36,858 - £40,030 including allowances)
Closing Date: 06/05/2026
Department: Engineering
Location: Dochgarroch
Hours Per Week: 35
About Us
Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to care for and invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating our industrial heritage, ensuring we offer high‑quality green and blue spaces, and contributing to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change. Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team — we care, we create, and we collaborate to deliver a full range of activities, from boating, paddling, walking, and wheeling to living, playing, and enhancing what the canals offer to our visitors and communities. We also work closely with partners and stakeholders to support a wealthier, fairer, greener, and more resilient Scotland. As an employer, we offer a unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision, and contribute to protecting our heritage while ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.
About The Role
We are looking for a Multiskilled Operative to join our team based at Dochgarroch on the iconic Caledonian Canal — a key operational hub set in one of Scotland’s most scenic and diverse working environments. Applicants must have experience working within a mechanical or hydraulic discipline, along with an NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) and practical experience. Knowledge of other disciplines is desirable, and cross‑skill training is available. We actively support staff development, including opportunities to broaden technical capability across multiple disciplines. Using your technical expertise, you will undertake, and assist with, planned maintenance, breakdown response, fault investigation, repair, and improvement works on a variety of equipment, installations, and assets throughout the canal network, both land‑ and water‑based.
About The Reward
This role is offered on a permanent basis with a progressive salary range of £32,367 - £35,218 (Band C) plus an additional 11.25% Variable Hours allowance and £850 Outdoor Working allowance. Working an average of 35 hours per week on a variable rota. Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
About You
Flexibility and initiative are essential, as responding to emergency breakdowns forms part of the role. The post involves frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions, working both as part of a multi‑disciplinary team and independently without immediate supervision.
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist with delivery of planned preventative maintenance, new installation work, inspections, fault diagnosis, and repairs in line with your skills, experience, training, and ability.
- Under supervision, provide recommendations for minor issues and assist with small projects.
- Inspect, monitor, and report on the condition of Scottish Canals’ assets within your competency.
- Comply with Scottish Canals’ Health report incidents, accidents, and near misses; and support the development of risk assessments and method statements.
- Provide administrative support to ensure accurate recording of maintenance activities using Microsoft Office software.
- Assist with works planning and prioritisation of resources.
- Participate in an out‑of‑hours standby rota when required.
Multi Skilled Operative in Highland employer: Scottish Canals
Contact Detail:
Scottish Canals Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Multi Skilled Operative in Highland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Scottish Canals on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insights into the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves mechanical and hydraulic disciplines, be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you’ve tackled challenges in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the canals! Research Scottish Canals’ projects and initiatives. When we demonstrate our enthusiasm for their mission, it’ll set us apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Multi Skilled Operative in Highland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your mechanical or hydraulic experience in your application. We want to see how your skills align with the role of a Multi Skilled Operative, so don’t hold back on showcasing your qualifications and practical experience!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application specifically for us at Scottish Canals. Mention our vision and how you can contribute to it. This shows that you’re not just sending out generic applications but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do, so go ahead and get that application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Canals
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical and hydraulic knowledge. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role of a Multi Skilled Operative. Think about specific examples where you've successfully tackled maintenance or repair tasks.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since this role requires flexibility and initiative, be prepared to share instances where you've had to adapt quickly to changing situations. Highlight any experience you have with emergency breakdowns or working in various weather conditions.
✨Team Player Vibes
Scottish Canals values collaboration, so be ready to talk about your experience working in teams. Share examples of how you've contributed to group projects or supported colleagues, especially in multi-disciplinary settings.
✨Get Familiar with the Company
Do some homework on Scottish Canals and their vision for the canal network. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community engagement will help you align your answers with their values during the interview.