Seasonal Waterway Operative

Posted Friday 20 February 2026 at 01:00 | Expires Saturday 28 February 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.

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

We are currently seeking

Waterway Operatives to provide support on the Leeds & Liverpool canal at Bank newton and Gargrave locks during our busy seasonal period starting 9th March 2026 - 30th November 2026.

We currently have 2 vacancies. 1x vacancy following an annualised hours system, working a 2 days on, 4 days off working pattern and a second v acancy working a 4 days on, 2 days off working pattern (could be weekends and statutory holidays). You’ll be based at our Apperley Bridge, Bradford depot and travel across the Yorkshire & North East region, for occasional support in other areas.

The role involves promoting a safe and secure customer experience on the waterways, and delivering the general works programme in order to enhance the reputation of the network as a valued national asset. You will be supporting Canal & River Trust’s aims to improve safety and increase the number of people using the waterways whilst protecting the heritage and integrity of the inland waterway network.

Full training will be provided.

You would contribute to the maintenance, conservation and improvement of the business unit’s waterway network for local communities and visitors to enjoy. Working efficiently to defined standards the role helps to create a safe, secure and vibrant waterway network where visitors are delighted with the quality of their experience.

• 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 e.g. 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, participating in an on‑call rota as required.
• 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.

• You will demonstrate great care in the quality and standard of your work.
• You will be a good communicator and have excellent customer service awareness - you will be the face of the Canal & River Trust on our waterways and will handle all communication with respect.
• Basic literacy and numeracy skills (Maths and English GCSE or equivalent).
• Experience working in manual/construction/outdoor environments, desirable - paid work or as a volunteer (outdoors related, environmental related, customer service etc).
• Experience using of plant/tools and equipment beneficial - training will be given to use appropriate plant/tools to maintain the canal/river environment.

• Can work alone on occasions, however thrives as part of…