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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, ensure safe lock operations, and maintain records while keeping the area tidy.
- Company: Join the National Trust, a historic organization dedicated to preserving heritage and nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, pension schemes, free entry to Trust places, and various employee discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a unique heritage site, work independently, and connect with nature and people.
- Qualifications: Basic numeracy, communication skills, and some experience in countryside management or waterways.
- Other info: Work includes weekends and bank holidays; set days vary monthly.
Job Description
Summary
As the public face of the Navigations, you’ll provide a warm, friendly welcome, give information about the waterway and provide safe, efficient, passage through the lock.
Salary: £12.24 per hour
Duration: Permanent, part-time
Hours: 1170pa. This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year.
The working pattern varies, starting at 9am and finishing at either 6.30pm or sunset, whichever is earlier. To include weekend and bank holiday working. Fewer hours will be worked in the winter. Set working days will be Thursday & Friday for 3 weeks; Friday, Saturday and Sunday on the fourth week.
Interview date: Thursday 3rd April
What it's like to work here
The Wey Navigations is one of the earliest river navigations in the country, opened in 1653. It is one of the National Trust’s more unusual properties and provides a glimpse into our industrial heritage. Today it still serves its original purpose – to convey boats from the River Thames to Guildford and Godalming.
Reporting to the Head Lengthsperson, you’ll be part of the Lengthsperson Team and work from Thames Lock in Weybridge. You’ll work mostly on your own, joined on some days by volunteers, but you’ll be part of a larger team working towards the same goals.
Click here for more information about this location What you'll be doing
You’ll ensure the safe operation of the lock, supervising all craft entering or leaving the Navigations, and maintain accurate records of craft passage, licence sales and receipts.
You’ll keep the lock area tidy and presentable and ensure that visitor needs are met.
Thames Lock is our incident coordination centre so you will need to be available 24hours a day whilst on duty to answer calls overnight and coordinate incident response. During the day you’ll be responsible for monitoring river levels and operating weir gates accordingly.
Who we're looking for
An understanding of river navigations
Basic numeracy skills
An ability to manage your own time effectively
A people person, with a friendly attitude and great communication skills.
Ability to operate locks and weir gates with an awareness of Health & Safety requirements
Relevant experience within countryside management / waterways sector
Use of small machinery (e.g. mower, strimmer) and a range of hand tools, maintaining high standards of property presentation
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places
Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.
Lock Keeper employer: National Trust
Contact Detail:
National Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lock Keeper
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the local waterways and river navigation systems. Understanding the specific challenges and features of the Thames Lock will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your people skills by engaging with local boating communities or volunteering at similar facilities. This experience will highlight your ability to communicate effectively and provide a friendly welcome to visitors.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your time management skills, especially how you can handle varying hours and responsibilities. Think of examples where you've successfully managed your time in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research health and safety regulations related to operating locks and weir gates. Being knowledgeable about these requirements will show your commitment to safety and professionalism in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Lock Keeper
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Lock Keeper position. Understand the responsibilities, working hours, and the skills required. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize any previous experience in countryside management or the waterways sector. Mention specific skills such as operating locks, managing time effectively, and using small machinery.
Show Your People Skills: Since this role requires a friendly attitude and great communication skills, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully interacted with the public or worked as part of a team in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Write a personalized cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the role and the National Trust's mission. Mention why you want to work at Thames Lock and how you can contribute to maintaining its heritage and safety.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Trust
✨Show Your People Skills
As a Lock Keeper, you'll be the friendly face of the Navigations. Make sure to highlight your communication skills and ability to engage with visitors during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of River Navigations
Familiarize yourself with the basics of river navigations and the specific responsibilities of a Lock Keeper. Showing that you understand the role will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have experience in countryside management or working with waterways, be sure to discuss it. Mention any relevant skills, such as operating machinery or maintaining high standards of property presentation.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Since you'll need to coordinate incident responses and monitor river levels, be ready to answer scenario-based questions. Think about how you would handle various situations that may arise while on duty.
