Craft Operative

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.

Join Our Team: Craft Operative [Carpentry 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 (Carpentry) 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)   

 #INDMP

Our values

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.

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.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions – without exception - are made by our hiring managers. 

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

Job Details

• Pay Type
• Salary

• Hiring Min Rate
• 28,154 GBP

• Hiring Max Rate
• 28,154 GBP