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Waterside Champion (Tunnel controller at Standedge Tunnel)

We are recruiting tunnel controllers to join our friendly volunteer team who ensure private boats can safely travel through Standedge Tunnel. This is the longest, highest, and deepest canal tunnel in the UK, and many sections are unlined where rock causes navigational hazards. Thorough training will be provided to ensure you know the tunnel's features (including the s-bend in the middle) and have knowledge of our operating and emergency procedures. You will look after the volunteers who are in on the day, ensuring everything runs smoothly and be the point of contact to coordinate any emergencies. You will also be responsible for the short trip operation, which runs Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and school holidays, and also passenger through trips which take place about once a month. Customers enjoy a chat, so you can also learn about the history of the tunnel and pass on this knowledge.
Passages through the tunnel for private boats are offered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays usually from the end of March until November. Once trained, you can let us know which days you are available so a monthly rota can be arranged from our pool of volunteers. When you apply, we will contact you to arrange a day to come in and meet some of the team and discuss what the role involves. Thank you for your interest.

Why we want you

As a Waterside Champion we need your support to be there for our customers. The millions of visitors to our waterways, museums and attractions are intrigued by our wonderful 200 year old network. Our Champions are there to facilitate a great experience all.

There are a number of activities which you could be involved with along our towpaths at our Welcome Stations; demonstrating in our collections teams at our museums; caring for and operating our swing and lift bridges to support passing boaters; facilitating safe passage through our tunnels where additional boater support is needed.

We have other roles which complement our Waterside Champions in more specific day to day customer focused roles: Rangers, Lock keepers, Explorers, Waterside Champions and Youth Engagement roles.

What you will be doing

  • Representing the Trust to welcome and engage visitors, customers and local people
  • Volunteering in a team to care for the day to day operation of the waterways
  • Operating key part of the waterways to ensure safe passage by boaters and talking to members of the public about them
  • When you register as a volunteer, we will ask you about any unspent convictions which you need to declare and risk assess these as needs be.

    • The skills you need

  • Friendly
  • Reliable
  • Good with people
  • Happy working with others

    • What's in it for you

  • Sense of reward
  • New experience in a unique environment
  • Opportunity to help those in need
  • A supportive network of colleagues

    • Waterside Champion (Tunnel controller at Standedge Tunnel)

    Canal & River Trust
    Huddersfield, UK
    Full-Time

    Published on 20/06/2025

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