Waterway Operative

Waterway operative - This is a temporary on going role that could lead to a permanent position.
Overview:
As an Operative most of your working time is spent in the wonderful outdoor environment and your daily tasks will vary and will contribute to the maintenance, conservation, and improvement of the regions waterway network.

You will work days on a rota basis which could include statutory holidays and some weekend working, you must also be happy to work an on-call rota as required.

Working in and around canals, operating locks, boats, bridges and weirs, your role will be to provide excellent service to a variety of customers and visitors with the Safety of yourself and colleagues and all who use the waterways at the forefront of your mind. Demonstrating pragmatism, your practical mind and approach will solve issues safely as and when they occur.

Responsibilities

• Working outside, carry out maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure, to maximise network availability.
• Provide customer service through operation of the Trust's assets (e.g. locks and bridges) in a safe and timely manner.
• Undertake key duties associated with the maintenance of the waterway and waterside eg towpath improvement work from repairs to litter removal.
• To protect the natural and historic environment associated with the waterways by ensuring their consideration during all works.
• Provide a first level of response for reactive works to ensure the safety of customers and the availability of the network.
• Work alongside and lead volunteers, to deliver high quality works, maintaining and building on our high levels of volunteer satisfaction.
• Support asset inspections, identify and report any structure failures, breaches, damage or pollution incidents to Area Operations Manager or Engineers.
• Undertake work in a productive and efficient manner delivering the work to the correct standard and agreed programme.
• Assist in the planning of all work to ensure the correct equipment, materials and plant resources.
• Always display the Trust values and behaviours, linked to professionalism and inclusion.

About You

It is essential that the new team members can settle in and enjoy the varied work, you really must love physical outdoor work all year around, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment and the millions of waterway visitors. The waterways are not just for short visits by day users or holidaymakers, thousands of community members live on boats all year round and you will be playing a role in caring for their home and their space.

It is also essential that you are comfortable dealing with the public, and can respond to the unexpected with thought, care, respect and a positive practical approach.

You might have practical skills and many years of working experience to offer, or you may just be starting out in your career and looking for a role which calls on your practical nature. You don't need to be an expert in any field, but you will be able to demonstrate that you hold the values and behaviours that ensure customers and visitors know we care.