Job Description

About the Trust

We're one of the UK's biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?



Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.



We are looking for a Craft Operative (Bricklayer all-rounder) to join our team.



As a Craft Operative for our waterway you will play an important role applying to help us improve, maintain, and preserve our wonderful network for our customers to enjoy today and into the future. This will involve undertaking the, refurbishment or repair of canal infrastructure including locks / bridges/ aqueducts / towpaths and associated equipment, working efficiently to defined safety /environmental and heritage standards at all times.



The post holders will be required to work an annualised hour's system which includes working a rota'd system including statutory holidays and weekends. Our Craft Operatives look after specific stretches of our regional waterways, however the team are naturally called upon to support work in other areas as required, so you need to have your own transport and valid UK driving licence.



Location & coverage

Administratively based out of Fradley Junction, this role will require regular travel across the West Midlands region and support other regions when required. The majority of the teams work is concentrated south of Fradley junction in Litchfield, Birmingham, Coventry, Leamington Spa. This will include the Birmingham Canal Navigations, Coventry Canal, Oxford Canal, Upper Trent, & others.

See working area map here:

General working area (https://canalrivertrust.icims.com/icims2/servlet/icims2?module=AppInert&action=download&id=152665&hashed=-1800135491)

See our network here:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers



About the role

This is predominantly an outdoor role. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it's so important that as a member of the Waterway Operative team you enjoy all weathers! Call outs, repairs, vegetation clearance and assisting the general public & towpath and waterway users doesn't only happen on the sunny days, so rain and cold is all part of the experience.

Key responsibilities:

Working outside, carry out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, to maximise network availability. Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside e.g. towpath improvement work. To protect the natural and historic environment associated with the waterways by ensuring their consideration during all works. Provide a first level of response for reactive works to ensure the safety of customers and the availability of the network, participating in an on-call rota as required. Work alongside and lead volunteers, to deliver high quality works, maintaining and building on our high levels of volunteer satisfaction. Support asset inspections, identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents. Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme. Assist in the planning of all work to ensure the correct equipment, materials and plant resources. Always display the Trust values and behaviours, linked to professionalism and inclusion.

About the role

As a Craft Operative for our waterway you will play an important role improving, maintaining and preserving our wonderful waterway network for our customers to enjoy by efficiently maintaining our locks and other assets along the local network in line with safety requirements and heritage standards. Responding to business needs, you will enhance the reputation of the network and support Canal & River Trust's aims to improve safety; protecting the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network.



Our Craft Operatives perform a unique role; fitting new lock gates as they are replaced, refurbishing or repairing existing lock gates and associated equipment, to ensure it is working efficiently & to defined standards. You will be working with specialist teams and experts in their field as our multi-disciplinary teams work together to improve our waterways and ensure our 200 year old assets can be enjoyed for years to come.

Key responsibilities:

Working outside, carry out maintenance and repairs works to the waterway infrastructure to ensure network availability is maximised. Repairs will often involve sensitive heritage or environment solutions which the role will be expected to be familiar with. In some instances, the operative will be expected to complete repairs to the highest standard utilising relevant skills and experience. Use Bricklayer expertise to undertake the manufacture & refurbishment within a timely manner, in accordance with defined standards and agreed programmes. Operate a variety of machinery, plant, tools and other equipment in accordance with Canal & River Trust's safety standards and where appropriate support in-house maintenance. Undertake general housekeeping of personal equipment, workshop equipment and workspace ensuring all are maintained to defined standards. Timely response to customers' queries and requirements, including responding to emergencies. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc) is appropriate for the task. Assist with the measurement of locks and lock gates in order to identify correct lock gate measurements for manufacture - you will be working alongside an experienced team of specialists to learn this heritage skill. Understand and interpret technical drawings to translate into production. Work alongside and supervise volunteers to ensure the Trust has sufficient resources to be sustainable, whilst ensuring the satisfaction of the volunteers is high. Operate regionally displaying the appropriate flexibility needed to deliver the nationally prioritised works programme. This will occasionally involve travelling further distances to undertake repair work.

About you

Operative skills are a minimum requirement. Whilst it is also important that you can turn your hand to other skills which will be taught along the way, an understanding of, and high level of competence in certain disciplines are necessary. You may have a background in the building trade, or from a generalist bricklaying background, where the process to building is all second nature to you.

Skills/Qualifications/Experience:

Apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (or experience) e.g. City & Guilds Level II, NVQ Level II. Experience handling plant/equipment in group A e.g. chainsaw, hand power tools, fork lift truck. Experience of working within relevant discipline e.g. Bricklaying, etc. Experience of reading technical drawings. Full Valid UK Driving Licence - you will need to be able to respond across the region and get to where the team need you.

If you have any questions about the role please contact CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk



We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.



What we offer

All our Craft Operatives step up their salary through a salary progression plan. Starting at 28,154.



Further to salary offered, the Canal & River Trust offers a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement (increasing with years of service) and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits, all of which can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).

Find out more about us on our website:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us



We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We strongly believe that a diverse workforce brings with it a diversity of ideas, thinking and ways of working which enhances what we do as a Trust. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.



All candidates will be treated on the basis of their merits, skills and abilities and solely by being assessed against the requirements for the job.



At the Trust, we empower our people to flow and thrive both on and off the water. Our colleagues enjoy a variety of benefits that enhance their lives while working in a place that positively impacts others. We take pride in our people, protecting heritage and preserving wildlife, and we're all about the future of our colleagues and the future generations who love and use our network. Inspired by people, we harness the different ways of working and thinking, ensuring our teams grow and reach their full potential.



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

Find out more about us on our website:

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us