Waterway Operative

The Canal & River Trust is looking for a Waterway Operative. The trust is the charity which looks after and bring to life 2,000 miles of waterways across England and Wales, because the trust believes that life is better by water. Every role across the Trust plays its part in transforming our canals and rivers into spaces where local people want to spend time and feel better, bringing well being benefits to millions.

The Waterway Operative will be based out of our Docklands site.Working in and around our canals, operating locks, boats, bridges and weirs, you will deliver a service to the customer which is on time and in accordance with CRT processes and procedures. Safety of yourself and colleagues and stakeholders will be at the forefront of your mind. Demonstrating pragmatism, your practical mind and approach will solve issues safely as and when they occur.

Your daily tasks will vary but all will contribute to the maintenance, conservation and improvement of the London region waterway network for local communities and visitors to enjoy. This role may also require the operation of power tools. The face of CRT, you are comfortable dealing with the public and you’ll have an inner mettle with a positive practicable approach to customer and stakeholders alike.

Most of your working time will be spent in our unique and wonderful outdoor environment. You are required to work an annualised hours system which includes working any 5 days out of 7 (which could include covering statutory holidays), so you must be happy to and be able to commit to working on a rota system.

You will also be part of a 24- hour operational standby team responsible for providing emergency cover for the waterway to deliver short term repairs thus ensuring the integrity of the canal and by definition customer satisfaction. This flexibility is very important in order to be certain that we can respond to critical needs when they occur.

Interested, and what to find out more?, then read on further to find out more about the responsibilities of the role and if your skills and experiences match our current requirements.

Responsibilities:

• ensure that the customer experience is maximised by providing outstanding levels of customer service in accordance with defined standards and promote Canal & River Trust by maintaining a professional approach at all times. You must be confident and happy to perform outdoors physical and varied work.
• to provide a comprehensive service in relevant area(s) of craft expertise to the waterway teams to ensure that work undertaken on designated sites is completed to defined standards
• undertake water control duties including the operation of structures eg locks and bridges in a safe manner to ensure that customers are not hindered in their visit to the waterway.
• undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside eg towpath litter removal, towpath and access repairs.
• ensure that environmental and heritage issues are taken into consideration in all work that is undertaken.
• provide a first response for any emergencies/incidents that may occur within the waterway.
• support asset inspections. Identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Area Operations Manager or Engineers.
• assist in the planning of all specific craft related tasks in terms of equipment, materials and plant resources
• attendance at waterway events
• working closely alongside volunteers

Knowledge & Experience:

• Familiar with working in a customer facing role
• Setting high standards and great care in the quality of your work
• Good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness – you will be the face of the Canal & River Trust on our waterways and will handle all communications with respect
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills
• Relevant heritage and environmental awareness  e.g. awareness of effects of invasive vegetation on heritage assets
• Countryside practice and vegetation skills are also an advantage
• (Desirable) – Experience of using plant/tools and equipment however training will be given

Qualifications:

• (Essential) – full and valid driving licence as you will be expected to drive company vehicles where necessary.

On joining the Trust, we expect all colleagues to embody the Trusts’ values (Caring, Open, Local, Involvement and Excellence) and behaviours including;

• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions, or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.
• Leading by example, ensure your team take responsibility for the safety of colleagues, volunteers, themselves and customers. Comply with Canal & River Trust’s Health & Safety policy and defined standards. Investigate and report incidents, accidents and near misses. Ensure safe use of appropriate equipment, prepare Risk Assessments and Method Statements ensuring contents are understood and acted upon.
• Being aware of your own responsibilities regarding safeguarding and to support our commitment to providing safe environments and working practises that promote and protect the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk at all times.

Interview Location:        Canal & River Trust, 420 Manchester Road, Docklands, London. E14 9ST