Assistant Engineer (Civil Engineering Technician)

Assistant Engineer (Civil Engineering Technician)

Job Description

About the Trust 

We're one of the UK’s biggest charities and we care for 2,000 miles of canals, rivers, docks and reservoirs because we believe life is better by water. We're looking for people who support our cause and want to make a difference for future generations. Could this be you?  

Along with our waterways we also manage museums, archives and the country's third largest collection of historic buildings, as well as the nature and wildlife that calls our canals home. All of this enables us to provide wellbeing opportunities for millions of people each year.

Join Our Team: Engineering Technician opportunity 

Navigate your future and lock in your career as we keep our canals open and alive. 

We are currently recruiting for a Civil Engineering Technician. Working within our Operations division, you will be part of a small team of engineers and technicians who play an important role in inspecting, maintaining, conserving, renewing and protecting engineering infrastructure and assets across the West Midlands.

The job holder will be directly responsible for assisting with the prioritisation of defects, identified as part of the asset management process, and provide technical support to both the engineering team and the wider business.

The Engineering Technician will also, under the supervision of a member of the Asset Management Team, undertake monitoring of asset related defects, investigate arising issues, develop small works packages for delivery, and compose briefs for larger schemes.

Working Hours & Location 

This role follows a 37 hours, Monday to Friday working pattern. This role will be offered on a remote working basis, with a requirement to attend our main hub spaces as and when required.

Significant travel throughout the regional waterway network, and the West Midlands in particular, will also be expected to enable site visits and to conduct improvements. Occasional overnight stays may also be required. Therefore, a valid UK driving license and access to a vehicle are essential. 

See here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/canals-and-rivers  

Safety & Lone working

This role is highly field based, with approximately 50% of your time spent on site. You'll carry out inspections and physical surveys, regularly walking to and along canal assets, often across uneven terrain. While not essential, experience of working in or around water, including the use of a dry suit, would be advantageous.

Role Overview 

For those newly qualified, we will endeavour to support you in developing your expertise, knowledge and experience to give you opportunities to enhance your career and work towards accreditation / incorporation and/or chartership. You will benefit from the well-recognised ICE training programme, as well as peer and mentor support. Wherever possible, we will also aim to involve you with other engineering departments in order for you to learn about the various aspects of work we deliver at the Trust.

Key Responsibilities 

• Undertake a wide variety of asset inspections including service and safety, general inspections and principal inspections.
• Collect data to inform asset degradation models.
• Identification of defects and prioritisation of repairs.
• Undertake investigations and monitoring of assets and asset related defects.
• Provide support to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Engage with the Trust‘s customers and external stakeholders to promote a positive image of the Trust and the work it does.
• Contribute technical advice during the feasibility, design, construction and commissioning phases of repair work and projects, delivered by internal, volunteer & contracting teams.
• Support the definition of the maintenance, repair and renewal works for delivery by Trust teams and contractors, taking account of all statutory, technical, operational and customer requirements.
• Support internal and external enquiries associated with the assets. Respond as appropriate by reference to relevant information sources and offer efficient and cost-effective recommendations.
• Building relationships with local representatives of partnerships, regulators and stakeholders to protect, maintain, and continually improve levels of service and improve data held by the Trust.
• Displaying the Trust values and behaviours at all times.
• Ensuring that diversity and inclusion are integrated into all aspects of Trust life and promoting inclusion by challenging behaviour, practices, actions or decisions that are counter to the objectives of the Trust’s policies and values.

About You 

This role is based within our Asset Management team, and we are looking for someone with engineering experience, has good knowledge and confidence in identifying engineering problems and identifying solutions to those problems. The successful applicant may have previously worked in roles including asset inspection for similar organisations/consultants and have knowledge of engineering design principles.

Technical Requirements

• Education qualification in a relevant technical discipline, i.e. HNC/HND and/or Degree in Civil Engineering or associated discipline.
• Experience of civil engineering inspection and maintenance; preferably assessing infrastructure risk, is beneficial.
• Knowledge and understanding of historic infrastructure.
• Proficient with Microsoft applications including MS Word and MS Excel. Experience with tablet-based inspection apps is beneficial.

General Requirements

• Confirmation of right to work in the UK (without sponsorship).
• Experience of working within a diverse and multi-disciplined project team.
• Able to effectively communicate with internal and external contacts.
• Has a good standard of written and verbal communication and proven ability to present technical data to non-technical audiences.
• Proficient in the use of a personal computer and business applications software e.g. MS Office. Experience of GIS or mapping systems.
• Valid driving licence as your work wi