Foxhangers Canal Holidays have been delighting customers since 1997 with our beautiful fleet of narrowboats and exciting holiday adventures.

Based directly on the stunning, historic, Kennet and Avon canal near Devizes, Wiltshire, we now seek motivated and passionate Customer Boating Assistants to work as an integral part of team on turnaround days.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Customer Boating Assistants are responsible for making sure that Foxhangers hire boat customers enjoy a perfect boating experience.  From April to October on Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays they ensure the boats are checked, maintained and presented to the best possible standards and then give a comprehensive handover/demonstration to the new customers.

A confident and articulate manner is a necessity. Attention to detail, good practical skills, and ability to communicate and liaise within a small team is also essential.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Welcoming returning vessel back from hire
  • Manoeuvring and mooring of narrowboats
  • Performing the checking procedures on vacated craft
  • Washing down boat exteriors
  • Cleaning outside brass work
  • Touch-up painting to any scrapes on the boats
  • Toilet pump out operation
  • Performing the narrowboat handover procedure with customers
  • Ground’s maintenance or any property/boat related activity

Days: Mondays, Fridays & Saturdays.

Hours: 20-30 hours per week (20 guaranteed).

Finish times will sometimes vary due to the nature of the business and its seasonal demands. You will need to provide flexibility, given some days could require you to stay until the last handover is completed, whereas other days may allow you to finish mid-afternoon. Where it can, the company will be flexible in providing hours to suit the individuals needs and skills.

Job Type: Initial fixed term to October 31st

Benefits:

Hourly Rate: £11-13 per hour.

28 days holiday per annum (pro rata).

Free onsite parking.

Pension after qualifying period.

A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet and Avon Canal.

The chance to be part of a passionate team.

Immediate start available for the right candidate.

 

REQUIRED SKILLS:

Good boat handling skills and boating experience.

Confidence to liaise with customers.

Good communication skills with fellow staff members and customers.

Understanding of boat systems.

Hard working.

Fit and relatively agile.

Good team player.

Ability to work under pressure.

Ability to prioritise jobs.

Initiative.

Flexibility in working hours.

Attention for detail.

 

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

Knowledge on the Kennet & Avon Canal.

Current Driver’s Licence.

Basic understanding of diesel engines.

Basic understanding of 12v DC electrics.

Basic DIY skills.

First Aid Certificate (training can be provided).

 

USEFUL ADDITIONAL SKILLS

Diesel engine knowledge and maintenance skills.

Plumbing knowledge and fault-finding skills.

Basic woodwork skills.

Boat master/Helmsman license.

First Aid Certificate (training can be provided).

Boating Technical Knowledge re assisting management with technical development, procedures and documentation.

 

TYPICAL TURNAROUND DAY

Participate in turnaround day running schedule meeting.

Set out turnaround gear and equipment.

Welcome back returning hire vessels and crew

Pump out the toilets on returned vessels.

Ensure all vacated vessels are manoeuvred to suitable moorings to enable turnaround work.

Fill freshwater tanks.

Complete internal & external checklists for the boats.

Assist with external cleaning down of vessels including brass cleaning.

Assess all checks are completed for each vessel.

Complete any outstanding jobs on boats.

Welcoming groups of new holiday makers before they board their booked vessel.

Show new groups onto their boat and complete the full handover procedure which includes boat and lock demonstrations.

Clear away all turnaround gear and equipment at end of day.

Tidy and organise storage areas.

Basic grounds keeping, grass cutting and watering plants.

If you think this could be the opportunity for you, please write to us telling us how your qualifications, skills, and experience make you suited to this position, be sure to mention your earliest availability and whether you would need to work any notice to any current employer. Please also enclose a full employment history CV.
We look forward to hearing from you.

Applications to: jobs@foxhangers.co.uk