Jobs

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 and services, from boating, and mooring, 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 Middle District Waterway Operative to join our Operations team in Fort Augustus. The purpose of this role is to contribute to the safe daily operation of the waterway. This role will involve close contact and interaction with customers and stakeholders on a daily basis and will aim to deliver a safe, secure and vibrant waterway where visitors are delighted with the quality of their experience. The role will contribute to the maintenance, conservation and improvement of the waterway for, customers, local communities and visitors to enjoy. Working to defined standards this role will enhance the reputation of the waterway, as a valued national asset, and support Scottish Canals (SC) in its aim to improve safety and increase the number of people using the waterways.

The role is offered on a fixed-term basis for 2 years, and with a starting salary of £27,155 (Band B) plus 11.25% Variable Hours allowance and £850 Outdoor Working allowance. Working hours 35 hours per week on average and working a variable rota pattern.

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 make adjustments to 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, including anticipation of and response to customer-related issues
Schedule the movement of boats through the district as efficiently as possible
In accordance with Scottish Canals standards promote the organisation by maintaining a professional approach at all times.
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, litter collection, fencing repairs, pontoon redecking etc.
Operate appropriate plant & tools commensurate with the task in hand (having achieved the correct competencies / training).
Provide a first response for any emergencies/incidents that may occur on the waterway.
Support asset inspections. Identify and report any structure failures, breaches, and damage or pollution incidents to Supervisor or Engineers.
Participate in the working and standby rota as directed, including out of hours water/ flood control duties
Ensure that environmental and heritage issues are taken into consideration in all work that is undertaken
Work outside in all weathers
Occasional travel to other Scottish Canals locations on the Caledonian Canal and elsewhere in Scotland

Skills and experience required:

Experience of working within relevant environment e.g. a busy customer service environment, general vegetation management and general asset management.
Experience of working as a key member of a small team
Experience of computers and smart phones including email, online training, digital diaries and task-specific software
Strong experience of maintenance skills, such as painting, woodwork, fencing, concreting, use of hand tools and small power tools, minor plumbing and preferred use of tractors or excavators
Experience of administrative tracking e.g. data recording using computerised or manual systems
Able to communicate effectively with other team members and locations to allow for the efficient operation of the waterway.
Must have a full UK driver’s licence and access to your own vehicle.
Preferred experience of working with boats or in a marine environment and VHF licence holder
Preferred cash handling experience

Qualities & abilities required:

A positive, ‘can do’ attitude
Safety awareness
Strong team-working ability
Time management skills
Problem solving capability
Ability to work under pressure

Scottish Canals reserve the right to close this vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Application Deadline: Sunday 25/01/2026