Jobs

Scottish Canals are the custodians of the nation’s canal network and surrounding estates.  Our vision is to care for and 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 with 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 looking after our heritage and ensuring our canals flourish now and in the future. 

We currently have an exciting opening for a Marine Mechanic/ Operations Manager to join our Destinations Team.  Reporting to the Visitor Experience Manager you will manage the Bankside FHB Marine Technician and FHB Operatives. ensuring continuity of customer service is maintained to highest degree.  Fundamental to this role is the ability to diagnose and resolve diesel engine, electrical and plumbing problems within the Holiday Boat hire fleet.

This is a permanent post based in Falkirk at The Falkirk Wheel.  You will work on a rota which may include weekends and bank holidays, as well as providing additional standby and call out cover.

Main responsibilities include:

• Lead and motivate a team of Bankside Operations Staff. To include recruitment and selection, performance and development reviews, training and development planning, succession management, absence management, rota management, leading toolbox talks, ensure effective communication of relevant business issues. adhere to set budgets and associated processes.  Raise purchase orders in line with organisational processes.
• Responsible for maintaining the high standards established for fleet maintenance and inspection, following handover procedures, and keeping the general safety, cleanliness, security, and customer care standards at Bankside in good order.
• The role requires to be available for “call outs” to attend the hire fleet in the event of a breakdown.
• Meeting the requirements on Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM). Manage and deliver the winter works programme for the fleet.
• Manage the use and maintenance of commercial vehicles, floating plant, and equipment to the required standards.
• Minimising disruption to customers by adhering to relevant stoppage programmes and procedures.
• Lead by example, encourage the team to take responsibility for the health and safety of colleagues, volunteers, themselves, and customers. Complying with Scottish Canals Health & Safety policy and defined standards. Undertake risk assessments, investigate, and report incidents, accidents and near misses.  Ensure safe use of appropriate equipment, prepare / review Risk Assessments and Method Statements ensuring contents are understood and acted upon through appropriate record keeping system and regular staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Deliver on franchise agreements.
• Organising winter maintenance program of works and boat safety inspections. 

Skills and experience required:

Essential

• Full UK driving licence
• Qualified engineer/technician. HNC/HND/City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, electrical or marine engineering
• Diesel engine knowledge
• Diagnose faults and repair, working unsupervised, carry out repair efficiently & effectively.
• Hydraulic system knowledge
• Self-motivated, work on own initiative
• Team player, good communication skills
• Excellent customer care skills
• Flexible working / weekend working. On call cover. Holiday cover
• Follow procedures and maintain systems
• Narrowboat or canal knowledge.
• Steering & propulsion systems
• Eberspacher hydronic heating system
• 12volt & 240volt system experience
• Welding experience
• Plumbing Knowledge and fault finding skills
• Painting experience.
• Work in a clean, tidy and organised manner

Desirable

• Narrowboat handling skills
• Boat master/Helmsman license
• Heritage awareness relevant to environment e.g. awareness of effects of invasive vegetation

Scottish Canals offers flexible working, a generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days per (inc. public holidays), enhanced company sick pay and contributory pension scheme with an up to 10% matched employer contribution.

This role attracts an incremental salary starting at £31,000 per annum with a variable hours allowance of 11.25% and outdoor working allowance £850 per annum.

Application Deadline: Wednesday 22/11/2023