Waterway Operative

Join Our Team: Waterway Operative – London & South East

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 central London canals. This is a hands‑on, outdoor role where you’ll carry out maintenance and repair works, operate locks and bridges, work with Volunteers and provide excellent customer service to visitors.

Working Hours & Location

Our teams work an annualised hours pattern, averaging 37 hours per week across a seven‑day rota, including weekends and public holidays. You'll also take part in our essential 24‑hour operational standby rota, helping provide emergency response cover across our network.

Your base location will be Docklands, London E14 9ST, although the role involves regular travel between sites using a range of transport, including public transport where required.

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.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at

What We Offer

We offer a starting salary of £26,315 + £4,000 Inner London Allowance, with opportunities for progression.

• Competitive pension scheme, increasing holiday entitlement, and a range of employee benefits.

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