Aquatic Plant Operator

About the Role

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Aquatic Plant Operator to join our Forth & Clyde Canal – Aquatic Weed Management Team team in Glasgow. You will play a key role in delivering Canal Navigation along the Forth & Clyde Canal and Glasgow Branch Canal, Focusing primarily on the stretch between Glasgow and Bowling.

Aquatic weed grows naturally in the canals and it is mechanically harvested by an Aquatic Weed Harvester. An aquatic weed harvester is a boat fitted with a mowing blade and conveyor to lift cut weed.

The role is offered on a Permanent basis, working 5 days working and 3 days’ rest, and averaging 35 hours per week. There is a split in summer and winter hours with longer hours worked over the 32 week summer period and shorter weeks over 20 week of winter period.

Working with Scottish Canals brings opportunities to work in a unique landscape environment, maintaining a nationally important heritage structure. You will develop transferable skills but importantly learn specific heritage skills in operating and maintaining Scotland’s oldest canal and first ship canal.

Primary responsibilities of the role:

Removal of Aquatic weed from the canal is a critical part of preparing and maintaining a safe navigation. In this role you will be responsible for:

• Operating an Aquatic Weed Harvester - https://www.berky.de/en/berky-triton-1500/, follow this link for more information
• Harvesting aquatic weed from Kirkintilloch to Glasgow and from Glasgow to Bowling Harbour, as part of an Aquatic Weed Team
• During the winter months you will work with the Vegetation Management Team to manage grass, hedges and trees on the canal sides and towpaths

About the Reward

This role offers a progressive starting salary of £32,367 to £35,218 (Band C) plus an 11.25% Variable Hours Allowance and an £850 outdoor working allowance.

Scottish Canals offer a generous annual leave entitlement of 224 hours, plus 6 public holidays, along with enhanced sick pay, discounted shopping vouchers, health cash plan and a contributory pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.

About You

Qualifications and knowledge required:

Operating an Aquatic Weed Harvester is a skilled role which requires a specific skill set. It is a mix of boating skills and agricultural plant skills. It would be beneficial if the operator held:

• A Tier 1 Boat Masters Certificate for Class IX(A) work vessels or an RYA Helmsman Certificate, however full training will be provided for the right candidate

And has

• Experience of agricultural plant e.g. Forage Harvester or Construction Plant
• Be capable of lone working
• Operate in a safe manner utilising Risk Assessment and Method Statements

Skills and experience required:

• Have experience of agricultural plant e.g. Forage Harvester or Construction Plant
• Have mechanical sympathy and basic mechanical knowledge
• Be capable of lone working
• Provide a high level of work ethic setting appropriate standards for staff
• Carry out POWRA on daily tasks
• Carry out weekly work priorities as agreed with supervisor
• Provide a record of photographic evidence of works undertaken
• Provide a high level of customer service standards

Qualities & abilities required:

• Positive attitude and setting high standards and quality of work
• Represent Scottish Canals to customers and users of the canal in a respectful and helpful way
• Good organisational skills
• Effective communicator
• Be competent with Microsoft Office Products and smart phone operation
• Problem solver
• 7-day operation which will require flexible working via an agreed working rota pattern as per the business requirements
• Participation in a Stand-by roster will also be required
• Full clean drivers licence

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