Seasonal Waterway Operative

Job Description

Join Our Team:
Seasonal Waterway Operative – Wales & South West (April - October 2026)

Have you got what it takes to succeed The following information should be read carefully by all candidates.

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

Join the Canal & River Trust as a Waterway Operative and play a vital role in maintaining and improving our beautiful waterways across the Wales & South West region primarily around Gloucester & Diglis. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll carry out maintenance and repair works, operate locks and bridges, and provide excellent customer service to visitors.

Working Hours & Location

This role follows an annualised hours system, including 5 days out of 7, 50 hours per week (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 either our Diglis/Gloucester depot and travel across the South West region, with occasional support in other areas.

Key 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

About you

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 provided, including boat handling and asset operation.

Skills & Qualifications

• 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

Contact & Application

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at We encourage early applications as we may close the vacancy once we receive enough suitable candidates.

What We Offer

We offer a starting salary of £25,115 with opportunities for progression. xekaoyc 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: EVP - 1.

Learn more: LP