Seasonal Waterway 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: Seasonal Waterway Operative

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. 

We are currently seeking Waterway Operatives to provide support on the Leeds & Liverpool canal at Banknewton and Gargrave locks during our busy seasonal period starting 9th March 2026 - 30th November 2026.

Working Hours & Location  

We currently have 2 vacancies. 1x vacancy following an annualised hours system, working a 2 days on, 4 days off working pattern and a second vacancy working a 4 days on, 2 days off working pattern (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You’ll be based at our Apperley Bridge, Bradford depot and travel across the Yorkshire & North East region, for occasional support in other areas.

Role Overview  

The role involves promoting a safe and secure customer experience on the waterways, and delivering the general works programme in order to enhance the reputation of the network as a valued national asset. You will be supporting Canal & River Trust’s aims to improve safety and increase the number of people using the waterways whilst protecting the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network. Full training will be provided.

You would contribute to the maintenance, conservation and improvement of the business unit’s waterway network for local communities and visitors to enjoy. Working efficiently to defined standards the role helps to create a safe, secure and vibrant waterway network where visitors are delighted with the quality of their experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Working outside, carry out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, to maximise network availability. 
  Provide customer service through operation of the Trust’s assets (e.g. locks and bridges) in a safe and timely manner.
• Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside e.g. towpath improvement work from repairs to litter removal.
• To protect the natural and historic environment associated with the waterways by ensuring their consideration during all works.
• Provide a first level of response for reactive works to ensure the safety of customers and the availability of the network, participating in an on-call rota as required.
• Work alongside and lead volunteers, to deliver high quality works, maintaining and building on our high levels of volunteer satisfaction.
• Support asset inspections, identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Area Operations Manager or Engineers.
• Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
• Assist in the planning of all work to ensure the correct equipment, materials and plant resources.
• Always display the Trust values and behaviours, linked to professionalism and inclusion.

Technical:  

• You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work.
• You will be a good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness - you will be the face of the Canal & River
• Trust on our waterways and will handle all communication with respect.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills (Maths and English GCSE or equivalent).
• Experience working in manual/construction/outdoor environments, desirable - paid work or as a volunteer (outdoors related, environmental related, customer service etc).
• Experience using of plant/tools and equipment beneficial - training will be given to use appropriate plant/tools to maintain the canal/river environment.

General: 

• Can work alone on occasions, however thrives as part of a team to deliver a common goal.
• Evidence that you can work or deliver activity to a plan/schedule (can be hourly/daily/weekly).
• Basic IT skills - comfortable with modern handheld mobile devices for making calls, inputting information, and use of mobile applications etc.
• Valid UK driving licence as you will be expected to drive company liveried vehicles from time to time.

About You 

It is essential that our new team members can settle in and enjoy the varied work we perform, so you really must love physical outdoor work all year around, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment and our millions of waterway visitors. Our waterways are not just for short visits by day users or holidaymakers, thousands of community members live on our boats all year and you will be playing a role in caring for their home, their space.

You might have practical skills and many years of working experience to offer, or you may just be starting out in your career and looking for a role which calls on your practical nature. You don't need to be an expert in any field, but you will be able to demonstrate that you hold the values and behaviours that ensure our customers and visitors know we care.

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 annual salary of £25,115. 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 

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

• Employment Indicator
• Seasonal

• Hiring Min Rate
• 25,115 GBP

• Hiring Max Rate
• 26,115 GBP