Craft Operative

Canal and River Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation organization is looking for a Craft Operative - Carpenter to maintain and repair canal infrastructure, ensuring safety and heritage standards are met. Applicants should have practical construction experience and relevant qualifications such as City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2. The position offers a starting salary of £28,154, alongside a competitive pension scheme and other benefits. Join us to make a meaningful impact in preserving our canal network.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Increasing holiday entitlement

Range of employee benefits

Qualifications

• Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification.
• Practical construction experience including safe operation of tools.
• Full UK driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair canal infrastructure.
• Use construction skills for asset refurbishment.
• Operate tools and machinery safely.

Skills

Practical construction experience

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Safe operation of tools and equipment

Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification

Full and current UK driving licence

Education

City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2

Tools

Chainsaws

Forklifts

Job description

Job Description

Join Our Team :

Craft Operative - Carpenter opportunity

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

We’re excited to welcome a new Craft Operative - Carpenter to our team. This role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact by helping maintain and enhance our beautiful canal network. You’ll work on locks, bridges, aqueducts, towpaths, and more - preserving these historic assets for everyone to enjoy.

Working Hours & Travel

This role follows an annualised hours system, including weekends and bank holidays. You’ll be based at our

Nell Bridge Yard

OX17 3NU) depot and travel across the London & South East region, with occasional support in other areas.

Role Overview

As a Craft Operative, you’ll help maintain and repair canal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standards.

Key Responsibilities

Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure - supporting our gate fitting.

Use construction skills including masonry work and joinery to refurbish 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 projects.

About You

We welcome individuals with practical skills and a willingness to learn. Whether you come from a building or [specialism] background, your experience and enthusiasm will help you thrive in this role.

Skills & Qualifications

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 forklifts.

Possession of CAAT competencies and / or valid, assessed certifications for the safe and effective use of plant, tools, and equipment.

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

Full and current UK driving licence.

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at

[e-mail].

We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

We offer a starting salary of £28,154, with opportunities for progression. 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