Craft Operative

Canal & River Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental charity in the United Kingdom is seeking a Craft Operative - Carpenter to maintain and enhance its canal network. This role involves outdoor maintenance, using construction skills, and operating tools safely. A relevant trade qualification and practical construction experience are required. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for progression, while supporting an inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Increasing holiday entitlement

Employee benefits

Qualifications

• Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification required.
• Practical construction experience is essential.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure.
• Use construction skills to refurbish assets.
• Operate tools and machinery safely.

Skills

Practical construction experience

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Safe operation of tools and equipment

Willingness to learn

Education

Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification

Tools

Chainsaws

Forklifts

Job description

Posted Wednesday 28 January 2026 at 01:00 | Expires Tuesday 17 February 2026 at 00:59

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: Craft Operative - Carpenter opportunity

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.

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.

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 aiming 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.