Waterway Operative

What We Offer

We offer a starting salary of £26,315 with opportunities for progression. Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits. For a full breakdown of our benefits, check out our brochure here: EVP - 1.

Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits

Join Our Team: Waterway Operative - West Midlands - Fixed term contract until September 2028

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

Join the Canal & River Trust as a Waterway Operative and play a vital role in maintaining and improving our beautiful waterways across the West Midlands regions waterway network primarily focused on the Llangollen, Montgomery and Shropshire Union canals. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you'll carry out maintenance and repair works, operate locks, work with volunteers and provide excellent customer service to visitors. This role follows an annualised hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (which could be weekends and statutory holidays). You will also be part of a 24-hour operational standby team providing emergency cover. You'll be based at our Ellesmere Yard depot in Shropshire.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair of canal infrastructure.

Monitor and maintain water levels.

Improve towpaths and waterside areas, including repairs and litter removal.

Deliver excellent customer service to visitors and boaters.

Work collaboratively with volunteers to achieve high-quality results.

Plan and prepare for tasks, ensuring correct tools and materials are available.

Operate locks safely and efficiently.

Uphold Canal & River Trust values and behaviours in all activities.

If you enjoy practical, physical work in all weathers, value nature and the environment, and want to make a real difference to local communities, this could be the perfect role for you. Full training provided, including boat handling and asset operation.

Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high-quality work.

Excellent communication and customer service skills - you'll be the face of the Trust on our waterways.