Foxhangers Canal Holidays have been delighting customers since 1997 with our beautiful fleet of narrowboats and exciting holiday adventures.
Based on the stunning, historic, Kennet and Avon canal near Devizes, Wiltshire, we now seek a motivated and passionate Boatyard Maintenance Technician to work as an integral part of our boat operations team.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Working within our Operations Department, the Boat Technician plays a vital hands‑on role in the day‑to‑day running of a thriving canal boat business. This is a practical, varied, and customer‑facing position that requires strong technical ability, a positive attitude, and a willingness to get involved in all aspects of our engineering and maintenance work.
The role centres on diagnosing and resolving diesel engine, electrical and plumbing issues across our holiday hire fleet, as well as supporting repairs and FMS fault‑finding for privately owned boats. You will also assist our boat‑building team and contribute to general site maintenance.
A strong work ethic, good problem‑solving skills, and a calm, customer‑focused approach are essential — particularly when conducting boat handovers, welcoming customers, or dealing with occasional sensitive issues or minor disputes.
With an experienced and supportive team around you, this is an excellent opportunity for someone with solid engineering skills to develop further within a friendly and passionate business.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE JOB
- Hire fleet – engineering & electrical checking and maintenance
- Hire fleet – member of breakdown and call‑out assistance team
- Diagnosing and resolving diesel, electrical and plumbing faults
- Repairs and maintenance to privately owned vessels
- Hull maintenance slipway/docking works to take vessels out of the water
- Assisting the boat‑building team with practical tasks
- Supporting general site and property maintenance
- Customer interaction during handovers, servicing visits and technical support
HOURS
This is a part‑time role with hours shaped around the skills and availability of the successful candidate. A core requirement is availability on our hire fleet turnaround days — currently Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays — along with the ability to cover evening and weekend call‑outs on a rota basis.
REQUIRED TRAITS AND VALUES
- Resilient, meticulous & consistent
- Hard working
- Fit and relatively agile
- Good team player
- Attention to detail
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to prioritise jobs
- Initiative
- Some flexibility in working hours
PREFERRED SKILLS / EXPERIENCE (or willingness to learn)
- Diesel engine knowledge and maintenance skills
- AC & DC electrical knowledge with fault‑finding ability
- Plumbing knowledge and fault‑finding skills
- Narrowboat handling skills
- Tractor & Trailer driving
- Welding skills (training can be provided)
- Digger driving
- All Terrain Forklift driving
- Grounds and property maintenance
- Boat Master/Helmsman licence (training can be provided)
- Current driver’s licence
- First Aid Certificate (training can be provided)
BENEFITS
- 28 days holiday per annum (pro‑rata)
- Company pension scheme
- A beautiful working environment right on the Kennet & Avon Canal
- The chance to be part of a small, dedicated and passionate team
- Salary: £18-£20k PA
