Multi-Skilled Operative (Construction & Carpentry)

Canal & River Trust; Southall; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Increasing holiday entitlement

Employee benefits brochure

Job summary

Canal & River Trust invites applications for a Craft Operative (Carpentry bias) to help maintain and repair canal infrastructure across the London & South East region. The role includes fitting and refurbishing lock gates, working with specialist teams, and contributing to safety and heritage standards.

The position operates on annualised hours with a 37-hour week, travel across the region, and a 24-hour standby rota.

Qualifications

• Practical construction experience and willingness to learn.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
• H&S competencies and/or valid certifications for plant, tools and equipment.
• Full and current UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Carry out outdoor maintenance and repairs to canal infrastructure.
• Use masonry and joinery to refurbish and repair assets.
• Read and apply technical drawings and specs for construction activities.
• Operate tools and machinery safely with PPE and proper materials usage.
• Maintain equipment and workspace to high standards.
• Respond to customer queries and emergencies with care.
• Support and guide volunteers, fostering a positive environment.
• Travel regionally to support priority construction projects.

Skills

Practical construction experience

Read technical drawings

H&S competencies

UK driving licence

Education

Trade relevant apprenticeship or equivalent qualification (e.g. City & Guilds or NVQ Level 2)

Tools

Chainsaws and site plant

Job description

Join Our Team: Craft Operative [Multi-skilled 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 (Carpentry bias) 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.

The Direct Services team delivers the essential, on‑the‑groundwork that keeps our waterways running - from planned maintenance and construction projects to emergency repairs and heritage restoration. They combine skilled trades, practical know‑how and a real passion for the outdoors to repair infrastructure, respond to urgent issues, and look after the places communities love. Their work makes a visible difference every single day.

Working Hours & Travel

This role operates on an annualised hours contract (1931.4 hours per year, averaging 37 hours per week), which includes weekends and bank holidays as required. Due to operational needs, there may be occasions where you are required to work more than five days within a seven-day period.

You will also participate in a 24-hour standby rota to provide emergency cover. New starters will join the on-call rota once fully trained and confident in the role.

You’ll be based at our Adelaide depot, Southall (UB2 5QW) and will travel across the London & South East region, with the focus of your work being around the East & West London; Lee Navigation, Regent's and Grand Union canal. Mileage and tolls associated to travel are supported through the Trust expenses policy.

See our network here: UK Canal Network Map | Canal & River Trust

Role Overview

As a Craft Operative, you’ll undertake essential construction work andhelp maintain and repairvitalcanal infrastructure, fit and refurbish lock gates, and collaborate with specialist teams. Your work will support our commitment to safety, heritage, and environmental standardsand help keep canals open and alive.

Key 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.

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 equivalentqualification(e.g.City & GuildsorNVQ Level2).
• Practical construction experience, including safe operation of tools and equipment such as chainsaws and site plant.
• Possession of H&S 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 license.

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 + an Inner London Allowance of £4,000.

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 (https://canalrivertrust.pagetiger.com/cqhhihy/1)

#INDHP