Waterway Operative

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute 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 continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future. 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Waterway Operative to join our Operations Team on the Crinan Canal. You will role will contribute towards ensuring the safe navigation of all boats, providing excellent customer service, managing water resource and delivery of the company objectives while remaining safe, compliant and legal.

As part of a larger team, the Waterway Operative will contribute to the safe daily operation and maintenance of the waterway. This role will involve close contact and interaction with customers and stakeholders daily and will aim to deliver a safe, secure and vibrant waterway where visitors are delighted with the quality of their experience. The role will contribute to the maintenance, conservation and improvement of the waterway for, customers, local communities and visitors to enjoy. Working to defined standards the Waterway Operative will enhance the reputation of the waterway, as a valued national asset, and support Scottish Canals in its aim to improve safety and increase the number of people using the waterways.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, and with a starting salary of £26,110 (plus 11.25% variable hours allowance and £850 outdoor working allowance). Working hours are average 35 hours per week, on a variable rota with longer hours during our busy summer season and less hours in the winter.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

Primary responsibilities of the role:

• Comply with SC’s Health & Safety policies and defined standards. Report incidents, accidents and near misses. Support and contribute to ‘Behavioural Safety’.
• Maintain accurate records as required such as timesheet, HAVs records etc.
• Complete point of work risk assessments and make adjustments to work methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc.) are appropriate for the task in hand.
• Ensure that the customer experience is maximised by providing outstanding levels of customer service.
• In accordance with Scottish Canals standards promote the organisation by always maintaining a professional approach.
• Undertake the operation of structures e.g., locks, bridges and sluices in a safe and efficient manner.
• Undertake key duties associated with the daily operation and maintenance of the waterway and waterside e.g. towpath vegetation management, painting etc.
• Operate appropriate plant & tools commensurate with the task in hand (having achieved the correct competencies).
• Provide a first response for any emergencies/incidents that may occur within the waterway.
• Support asset inspections. Identify and report any structure failures, breaches, and damage or pollution incidents to Supervisor or Engineers.
• Participate in the Management of Water Control and the working and standby rota as directed.
• Ensure that environmental and heritage issues are taken into consideration in all work that is undertaken
• Work outside in all weathers.

Qualifications and knowledge required:

• Relevant valid competency for use of plant/tools and equipment to maintain the SC estate.
• Accident/Incident & Near Miss Reporting.
• Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven.
• IT skills Microsoft Office, Outlook, App use.

Skills and experience required:

• Experience of working within relevant environment e.g. customer service, general vegetation management and general asset management.
• Basic DIY and maintenance skills.
• A basic knowledge of Health and safety using risk assessments and method statements with job cards.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Must be a good Team player.
• Basic IT Skills, email, Apps.

Qualities & abilities required:

• A high level of awareness in respect of customer service levels.
• Judgement regarding safety and appropriateness of equipment and resources in line with SC defined standards and procedures.
• Use of initiative in applying and maintaining high levels of customer service in accordance with SC defined standards. Judgement regarding upward referral of issues to line management for further guidance.
• Recognising when immediate judgements need to be made to alter required approach where safety or customer service may be affected.
• Co-operate with, support, and mentor team members e.g. operatives within same functional team.
• Co-operate with and support team members from other teams outside of main function e.g. Engineers, business support team.
• Deal with enquires from first line customers in a professional manner providing appropriate information and guidance.
• Liaise and work alongside third parties such as contractors and user groups such as volunteers.

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.