Waterway Operative

Responsibilities

• Carry out outdoor maintenance and repair of canal infrastructure.
• Operate locks, bridges, and other waterway assets safely and efficiently.
• Improve towpaths and waterside areas, including repairs and litter removal.
• Deliver excellent customer service to visitors and boaters.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers to achieve high-quality results.
• Plan and prepare for tasks, ensuring correct tools and materials are available.
• Uphold Canal & River Trust values and behaviours in all activities. We care passionately for our waterways, and as importantly, for those who look after and use them. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone can thrive. We are striving to represent the diverse communities that we are a part of and welcome applicants from across all sectors of the community.

We want everyone to have the opportunity to perform at their best during our recruitment process. If you require any reasonable adjustments - whether for a disability, neurodiversity, or health condition - please let us know what you need and how we can support you. We’ll work with you to make any necessary changes. All of our jobs can be considered on a part‑time, flexible or job share basis.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. You are considered disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long‑term negative effect on your ability to carry out normal day‑to‑day activities. We recognise not everyone who is classified as disabled under the Equality Act personally identifies this way, or with this definition of disability.

Please do not let this discourage you from applying under the scheme.

At Canal & River Trust, we are committed to fair, transparent, and ethical recruitment practices. As part of our hiring process, we may use AI to analyse applications and support us work more efficiently. However, all hiring decisions - without exception - are made by our hiring managers.

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive.

If you enjoy practical, physical work in all weathers, value nature and the environment, and want to make a real difference to local communities, this could be the perfect role for you. Full training is provided, including boat handling and asset operation.

• Strong attention to detail and pride in delivering high‑quality work.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills – you’ll be the face of the Trust on our waterways.
• Basic literacy and numeracy.
• Experience in manual, construction, or outdoor environments is advantageous.
• Ability to work to schedules and plans effectively.
• Basic IT skills – comfortable using mobile devices and apps.
• Full and current UK driving licence.

This role follows an annualised hours system, including 5 days out of 7 (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You will also be part of a 24‑hour operational standby team providing emergency cover. You’ll be based at Enfield Lock, Ordnance Road, Enfield EN3 6JG
depot, travelling across the London & South East region, with occasional support in other areas.

All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year and also allows us to 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.

We offer a starting salary of £25,115 + £4,000 per annum Inner London Allowance, with opportunities for progression. 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.