Craft Operative

Canal and River Trust; Oxford; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A key organization in conservation is looking for a Craft Operative - Carpenter to maintain and enhance canal infrastructure. The role involves outdoor maintenance, refurbishing locks and bridges, and requires practical construction skills. A trade qualification and practical experience with tools are essential. The position offers a starting salary of £28,154 with opportunities for progression and employee benefits. Interested candidates should apply promptly as the vacancy may close early.

Benefits

Competitive pension scheme

Increasing holiday entitlement

Various employee benefits

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.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.

Responsibilities

• Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure.
• Use masonry work and joinery to refurbish assets.
• Operate tools and machinery safely and responsibly.

Skills

Practical construction experience

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings

Safe operation of tools and equipment

Full and current UK driving licence

Education

Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification

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