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CANAL & RIVER TRUST
31,700 per year
Doncaster
Full-time
10th February 2026

Mechanical & Electrical Technician

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.

Our team and opportunity

We’re looking for an experienced Mechanical and Electrical Technician to maintain and repair electrical systems, mechanical equipment, and hydraulic assets across our waterways. This is a hands-on role for someone skilled in fault finding, planned maintenance, and reactive repairs.

Ideally you will already be fully conversant with mechanical and electrical isolation methods for safe working and will have the ability to fault find methodically without assistance. The right candidate will be provided with the right training pursuant to their continued development in the role and will be offered a supportive environment to adapt to our unique infrastructure.

In house hydraulic training will be provided with progression onto CETOP stage 1 hydraulic training course. See how we are using technology to manage our waterways here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/specialist-teams/managing-our-water/using-technology-to-manage-our-waterways 

Location and coverage

Reporting to base in Doncaster, the area covered will be working and travelling throughout and around various assets in and around the Yorkshire & North East area.  

Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas. Residing near these areas will be essential to accommodate the regular travel along the Yorkshire & North East canal/river networks.  See our network here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/enjoy-the-waterways/canal-and-river-network

Key responsibilities:

  • Maintain and repair electrical systems (400v/230v/24v) and mechanical equipment.
  • Diagnose and fix faults on pumps, control panels, and hydraulic systems.
  • Work safely to Health & Safety standards.
  • Use Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).
  • Support contractors and collaborate with volunteers.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Electrical and mechanical maintenance experience.
  • Knowledge of hydraulics and control systems.
  • Ability to read technical drawings and schematics.
  • Welding/fabrication skills desirable.
  • Full UK driving licence required.

Ideal Background:

  • Water industry, utilities, manufacturing, production lines, traffic systems, lifts/escalators, gate automation, or similar.

Qualifications:

  • STEM, GCSEs, C&G or equivalent vocational training/time-served experience.

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

In addition to your salary of £31,250 - £34,500 (depending on experience),  you will benefit from a competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, great holiday entitlement and numerous other employee benefits, including several salary sacrifice benefits, all of which can be found here (https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/about-us/work-for-us/our-benefits).

  • Competitive contributory DC Pension scheme arrangement, where we will double your contribution to a maximum of 10%.
  • 25 days paid holiday (plus paid Bank Holidays), increasing with years of service to up to 30 days after 5 years, plus holiday purchase scheme.
  • Home working status with ‘hub’ facilities available should you need the flexibility to work outside of home.
  • Free access to specialist counselling on a range of issues, e.g. health, financial, well-being and domestic matters.
  • Access to a range of employee benefits including store discounts, boating holiday discounts and holiday purchase scheme.
  • 2 days paid volunteering leave per annum, allowing you to volunteer for a local community project etc.
  • Free fishing facilities across our canal network.

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.

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
  • 31,700 GBP
  • Hiring Max Rate
  • 33,725 GBP