Craft Operative - Carpenter

6d6 days ago

Canal & River Trust

GB · Full-time · £32,154 – £32,154

About this role

As a Craft Operative with a carpentry bias at Canal & River Trust, you’ll help maintain and enhance the UK’s 2,000-mile canal network. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to preserve historic locks, bridges, aqueducts, and towpaths for future generations. We believe life is better by water, and your work keeps these waterways open and alive.

Your daily work involves outdoor maintenance and repairs using construction skills such as masonry and joinery. You’ll interpret technical drawings, operate tools and machinery safely, and respond to emergencies with professionalism, all while supporting the Trust’s commitment to safety and heritage.

You’ll join the Direct Services team, a group of skilled tradespeople who combine practical know-how with a real passion for the outdoors. Together, they deliver planned maintenance, construction projects, emergency repairs, and heritage restoration across the London & South East region.

You’ll also support and guide volunteers and collaborate with specialist teams on heritage restoration. This role provides the chance to make a visible difference every day while preserving the nation’s historic waterways and the wildlife that calls them home.

Requirements

Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g., City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2 in carpentry or construction).
Practical construction experience, including safe operation of tools and equipment such as chainsaws and site plant.
Possession of a recognised Health & Safety qualification (e.g., CSCS card).
Experience in joinery and masonry work for refurbishment and repair of infrastructure.
Ability to interpret and apply technical drawings and specifications.
Willingness to work on an annualised hours contract including weekends, bank holidays, and 24-hour standby rota.

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.

Benefits

Mileage and tolls associated with regional travel are supported through the Trust's expenses policy.
Opportunity to work on and preserve the UK’s third largest collection of historic buildings and structures.
Be part of a team that makes a visible difference every day for communities and wildlife.
Chance to work outdoors along 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, and reservoirs.