Join Our Team: Craft Operative [Bricklayer generalist] opportunity Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. We’re excited to welcome a new Craft Operative (Bricklayer) to our team. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by helping maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network. You’ll work on locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths, and more - preserving these historic assets for everyone to enjoy. The Direct Services team delivers the essential, on‑the‑groundwork that keeps our waterways running - from planned maintenance and construction projects to emergency repairs and heritage restoration. They combine skilled trades, practical know‑how and a real passion for the outdoors to repair infrastructure, respond to urgent issues, and look after the places communities love. Their work makes a visible difference every single day. Working Hours & Travel This role works under an annualised hours system and typically operates 5 days out of 7, which may include weekends and statutory holidays. At times, operational demands may require working more than 5 days within a 7‑day period. You will also be part of a 24‑hour operational standby rota, providing emergency cover when needed. New starters will only join the on‑call rota once they are fully trained and confident in the role. 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. Role Overview As a Craft Operative, you’ll undertake essential construction work and help maintain and repair vital canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards and help keep canals open and alive. Key Responsibilities Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure. Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish and repair assets. Interpret and apply technical drawings and specifications to guide construction activities. Operate tools and machinery safely and responsibly, ensuring proper use of PPE and materials. Maintain equipment and workspace to high standards. Respond to customer queries and emergencies with care and professionalism. Support and guide volunteers, fostering a positive and inclusive environment. Travel regionally to support priority construction projects. About You We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn. Whether you come from a building or [specialism] background, your experience and enthusiasm will help you thrive in this role. Skills & Qualifications Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2). Practical construction experience, including safe operation of tools and equipment such as chainsaws and site plant. Possession of H&S competencies and/or valid, assessed certifications for the safe and effective use of plant, tools, and equipment. Ability to read and interpret technical drawings. Full and current UK driving license. Contact & Application If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at CRT.recruitment@canalrivertrust.org.uk. We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates. What We Offer We offer a starting salary of £28,154, 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(https://canalrivertrust.pagetiger.com/cqhhihy/1) INDLP