Waterway Operative

Swinton Meadows Industrial Estate, Meadow Way, Swinton, Mexborough S64 8AB
, UK

Posted Wednesday 7 January 2026 at 01:00 | Expires Thursday 22 January 2026 at 00:59

We’re one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We’re looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country’s third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Advertised Salary: £25,115 with salary progression + benefits

Location: Swinton, Mexborough

A Valid UK driving licence (held ideally min 3 years), is essential for this role as you will be expected to drive company liveried vehicles
.

As an Operative most of your working time is spent in our unique and wonderful outdoor environment and your daily tasks will vary and will contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the Yorkshire & North East regions waterway network primarily focused on Sheffield South Yorkshire Navigation.

Our Operatives work an annualised hours system which includes working statutory holidays and weekends on a rota, you must be happy to work in an on call rota
. You will also be working with other staff and volunteers, Operatives to undertake maintenance and repair works, operate assets and providing information to customers, as directed by your Team Leader.

Flexibility is very important in order to be certain that we can respond to critical needs when they occur. Please only apply if you are happy to work on a rotating shift pattern, with some emergency call out expected.

Occasionally you may also be required to work in other areas of the Yorkshire & North East.

It is essential that our new team members can settle in and enjoy the varied work we perform, so you really must love physical outdoor work all year around, and have a genuine appreciation for respecting the needs of nature, environment and our millions of waterway visitors.

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 our customers and visitors know we care.

Training will be provided to drive boats, use boat cranes & power tools and to operate our structures such as locks, bridges, and sluices.

This is predominantly an outdoor role. We love the outdoors at Canal & River Trust, and it’s so important that as a member of the Waterway Operative team you enjoy all weathers!

Working in and around our 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 our waterways at the forefront of your mind. Demonstrating pragmatism, your practical mind and approach will solve issues safely as and when they occur.

• Working outside, carrying out general maintenance and repair works to the waterway infrastructure.
• 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 e.g. towpath improvement work from repairs to litter removal.
• Work alongside volunteers to deliver high quality works
• 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.

• You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work.
• You will be a good communicator and have excellent…