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 Waterway Operative to join our Operations team in Crinan. You will be responsible for the safe delivery of navigation, customer service, water management and maintaining the highest level of safety and defect management.
The role is offered on a permanent basis, and with a starting salary of £26,110 (Band B). Working hours 35 hours per week, working a variable rota pattern in summer and fixed rota pattern in winter.
Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 28 days, plus 10 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
Primary responsibilities of the role:
* Comply with SC’s Health & Safety policies and defined standards. Report incidents, accidents and near misses. Support and contribute to ‘Behavioural Safety’.
* Maintain accurate records as required such as timesheet, HAVs records etc.
* Complete point of work risk assessments and adjust work methods where appropriate. Ensure all equipment (PPE, plant, materials etc.) are appropriate for the task in hand.
* Ensure that the customer experience is maximised by providing outstanding levels of customer service.
* In accordance with Scottish Canals standards promote the organisation by always maintaining a professional approach.
* Undertake the operation of structures e.g., locks, bridges and sluices in a safe and efficient manner.
* Undertake key duties associated with the daily operation and maintenance of the waterway and waterside e.g. towpath vegetation management, painting etc.
* Operate appropriate plant & tools commensurate with the task in hand (having achieved the correct competencies).
* Provide a first response for any emergencies/incidents that may occur within the waterway.
* Support asset inspections. Identify and report any structure failures, breaches, and damage or pollution incidents to Supervisor or Engineers.
* Deliver one week in 4 for management of Water Control or Duty Support on the Out of Hours standby rota.
* Ensure that environmental and heritage issues are taken into consideration in all work that is undertaken.
* When working at Sea Locks, cash handling, completion of SIPS forms, licence documentation and cash transfer documents.
* Work outside in all weathers.
Qualifications and knowledge required:
* Relevant valid competency for use of plant/tools and equipment to maintain the SC estate.
* Accident/Incident & Near Miss Reporting.
* Valid driving licence appropriate for vehicle to be driven.
Skills and experience required:
* Experience of working within relevant environment e.g. customer service, general vegetation management and general asset management.
* Basic DIY and maintenance skills.
* Able to communicate effectively with other team members and locations to allow for the efficient operation of the waterway.
* Basic IT Skills, email, Microsoft word, apps.
Qualities & abilities required:
* A high level of awareness in respect of customer service levels.
* Judgement regarding safety and appropriateness of equipment and resources in line with SC defined standards and procedures.
* Use of initiative in applying and maintaining high levels of customer service in accordance with SC defined standards. Judgement regarding upward referral of issues to line management for further guidance.
* Recognising when immediate judgements need to be made to alter required approach where safety or customer service may be affected.
* Co-operate with, support, and mentor team members e.g. operatives within same functional team.
* Co-operate with and support team members from other teams outside of main function e.g. Engineers, business support team.
* Deal with enquires from first line customers in a professional manner providing appropriate information and guidance.
* Liaise and work alongside third parties such as contractors and user groups such as volunteers.
Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if enough applications are received.