Boatmaster

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates. Our vision is to invest in the canal network to generate lasting benefit for people and communities; celebrating their industrial heritage, ensuring they offer quality green and blue spaces for people and communities and contribute to Scotland’s resilience in tackling climate change.

Our success is rooted in valuing the contributions of our entire team – we care, we create, and we collaborate to continue to deliver a whole range of activities from boating, paddling, walking and wheeling to living and playing and improving what the canals have to offer to our visitors and communities. We also work collaboratively with our partners and stakeholders to contribute to a wealthier, fairer, greener and more resilient Scotland.

As an employer we offer a truly unique opportunity to be part of our team, help us realise our vision and contribute to safeguarding our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Boat master to join our Destinations team at The Falkirk Wheel. You will deliver an excellent overall boat experience to customers, which is available seven days a week. Working efficiently and to well defined standards, you will promote a safe, secure, and enjoyable customer experience which actively contributes to the generation of revenue. Promote Scottish Canals products and services and have a clear focus on commercial opportunities that will add to the excellent customer experience while bringing enhanced commercial benefit to Scottish Canals.

The Boat Operation has a key role in presenting The Falkirk Wheel and Scottish Canals to the public and you should be comfortable in dealing with an audience of visitors and ensuring that they receive a memorable experience on The Falkirk Wheel.

The role is offered on a permanent basis, and with a starting salary of £31,272 (£32,367 from April 2026)(Band

C) plus 11.25% Variable Hours allowance and £850 Outdoor Working allowance. Working hours are annualised over a flexible rostering pattern.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 32 days, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

• Retain valid BML, ML5 and associated certificates.
• Be aware of, and adhere to, the contents of the Domestic Passenger Ships Safety Management Code.
• Report to the Duty Manager TFW for the safety of passengers, crew, and vessel.
• Ensure the safe conduct of the vessel.
• Exercise authority to make decisions regarding the safety of the vessel and all persons aboard, especially in the event of an emergency developing.
• Maintain communication with the Duty Manager TFW and TFW Control Room.
• Deliver a safety announcement either electronically or personally, before, or shortly after departure/sailing.
• Carry out training and vessel familiarisation of new and seasonal crew.
• Oversee, and take responsibility for, pre‑start, operational and shut‑down procedures, defect, accident and incident reporting, and the completion and forwarding of all relevant documentation including vessel daily log sheet. (See Annexes 1‑5 – copies in Boat onboard DSM folder).
• Maintain the vessel to high standards of cleanliness and appearance whilst in your charge.
• Carry out fuelling procedures and monitor fuel levels on each vessel.

• Boat Masters Licence and associated MCA certificates (essential).
• Inland Waterway Helmsman (desirable).
• Accident/Incident & Near Miss Reporting experience.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills.
• Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven.

• Proven experience in a customer‑facing role within leisure or customer service environment.
• Strong teamwork ethic.
• Ability to manage time efficiently.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Cross‑functional working experience.

• Judgement regarding safety in using and operating equipment in line with Scottish Canals defined standards and…