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.
Join Our Team: Craft Operative - Carpenter
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.
Role Overview
As a Craft Operative, you’ll help maintain and repair canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure – supporting our gate fitting.
* Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish 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 projects.
About You
We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn. Whether you come from a building or related 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 forklifts.
* Possession of CAAT 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 licence.
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. An Outer London Allowance of £2,000 will also be applicable. 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).
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.
We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments—whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition—please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes.
All of our jobs can be considered on a part‑time, flexible, or job‑share basis.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme for Disabled Applicants
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability. Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.
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