HGV Technician/Mechanic
HGV Technician/Mechanic
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: M&E Technician (HGV / Mechanic) Opportunity
Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.
The Workboat & Plant M&E team keeps the Trust’s fleet of workboats, plant, and specialist equipment safe, compliant, and operational. The team delivers planned and reactive maintenance, supporting construction, maintenance, dredging, and emergency works across the waterways network. Working closely with Operations and Civil Engineering teams, the role helps keep essential engineering activity moving and protects the UK’s historic canals and rivers.
Joining the Workboat & Plant M&E team offers the opportunity to work on unique assets, support complex engineering operations, and play a key role in protecting and improving the UK’s inland waterways. The team combines hands‑on technical work with collaboration, problem‑solving, and a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement.
Experience and technical knowledge working with the following is desirable:
- Large diesel engines including gearbox and clutch assemblies.
- Hydraulic systems.
- Less than 48V DC systems.
- Cranes.
- Excavators.
- Lorry loaders.
- Experience within the Heavy Goods Vehicle industry would be advantageous.
Working Hours & Travel
Reporting to base in Milton Keynes (Nell Bridge), the area covered will be working and travelling throughout and around various assets in and around the London & South East area.
Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas. See our network here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network
Role Overview
We’re looking for a Mechanical & Electrical Technician to join our growing and diverse teams across the UK.
This role plays a key part in maintaining and improving the plant and equipment that keeps our inland waterways operating safely and efficiently. Using technical expertise in plant repair and maintenance, the role supports the upkeep and enhancement of essential assets within a defined area, directly contributing to the maintenance and repair of the waterways network.
Key Responsibilities
- Working outside provide mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and marine support to assigned areas, assisting in the resolution of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical engineering-related situations as they arise.
- Manage defined work programmes, servicing, and repair works to meet set objectives for a defined fleet of workboats and land-based plant.
- Under supervision, produce recommendations to minor problems undertaking design where appropriate. Apply a working knowledge of statutory obligations, heritage and environmental requirements plus Canal & River Trust policies, principles & standards to the delivery of work.
- Supervise third party works when required to delegated levels. With guidance, manage accounts for costs.
- Where a vacancy arises, participate where agreed in the standby rota to support delivery of customer service defined standards and reaction to emergency situations faults and breakdowns.
- Comply with Canal & River Trust Health & Safety policy and defined standards, report incidents, accidents and near misses. Complete point of work risk assessments and adjust work methods where appropriate.
About You
A solid background in mechanics or HGV maintenance is welcomed, with opportunities to broaden skills in electrical systems through structured team training and on‑the‑job development.
Skills & Qualifications
Technical:
- Time served apprentice trained or City and guilds level 3 Mechanical / NVQ level 3 minimum (or similar level) in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related discipline, Certification required.
- An understanding of Health & Safety within site work and have a good knowledge of appropriate mechanical and/or electrical regulations.
- Hydraulic installation / maintenance experience desirable.
- Authorised Person in 1 of the following areas (preferably both): Mechanical or Electrical - Learning Event VEEN024.
- Relevant valid competency for use of plant/tools and equipment to maintain the canal/river environment.
- IPAF and confined space trained desirable but not essential.
General:
- Willing to actively participate in meetings, training, planning, initiatives etc.
- Must be able to clearly and concisely communicate in verbal and written form.
- Excellent time keeping essential and working effectively as part of a team or alone.
- Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven.
Contact & Application
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
We offer a salary of £34,500. 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.
Learn more: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits
#INDHP
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