Craft Operative - Bricklayer

6w1 month ago

Canal & River Trust

GB · Full-time · £28,154 – £28,154

About this role

We are one of the UK’s biggest charities, caring for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs. We are seeking a Craft Operative (Bricklayer) to help maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network, preserving historic assets like locks, bridges, aqueducts, and towpaths for everyone to enjoy.

In this role, you will carry out essential outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure, using construction skills such as masonry and joinery. You will fit and refurbish lock gates, interpret technical drawings, and operate tools and machinery safely, ensuring high standards of workmanship and safety.

The Direct Services team delivers planned maintenance, construction projects, emergency repairs, and heritage restoration across the waterways. Your work will combine skilled trades with practical know-how, responding to urgent issues and supporting communities, all while working outdoors in the West Midlands region.

This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact and develop your craft within a supportive environment. You will be part of a dedicated team that takes pride in keeping canals open and alive, with opportunities to work on diverse and historic infrastructure projects.

Requirements

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 relevant health and safety certifications (H&S)
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Willingness to participate in a 24-hour operational standby rota after training

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 across the West Midlands

Benefits

Opportunity to work on preserving historic canal infrastructure across scenic UK waterways
Being part of a leading national charity that makes a visible difference to communities and wildlife
Annualised hours system offering flexibility in work patterns
Supportive team environment with training provided before joining the on-call rota