Waterway Maintenance & Repairs Operative

Canal & River Trust; Leeds; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Employee benefits brochure

Job summary

Canal & River Trust is seeking an Operative for our Direct Services team. Based in Calverley (Leeds area) with travel across the North West, you will perform hands-on maintenance and repairs to keep canals open and safe.

The role involves outdoor work, operating assets such as locks and bridges, and collaborating with volunteers. You’ll participate in planning, safety compliance and environmental protection, with a focus on delivering high-quality, practical solutions and excellent public

Qualifications

• Hands-on construction or repair experience is essential.
• Basic literacy and numeracy (GCSE level) required.

Responsibilities

• Carry out maintenance and repair works to waterway infrastructure to maximise network availability.
• Operate assets (locks/bridges) safely and respond to customer needs.
• Inspect and repair towpaths; participate in litter removal and environment protection.
• Support on-call/reactive works for safety and network availability.

Skills

Hands-on construction experience

Reading technical drawings

Good communication

Safety awareness

Education

GCSE Maths and English

Full UK driving licence

Tools

Chainsaws

Site plant

Job description

Canal & River Trust is seeking an Operative for our Direct Services team. Based in Calverley (Leeds area) with travel across the North West, you will perform hands-on maintenance and repairs to keep canals open and safe.

The role involves outdoor work, operating assets such as locks and bridges, and collaborating with volunteers. You’ll participate in planning, safety compliance and environmental protection, with a focus on delivering high-quality, practical solutions and excellent public