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- Tasks: Assist boaters through locks and maintain the beautiful waterways.
- Company: Join the Canal & River Trust and be part of a historic tradition.
- Benefits: Meet new people, learn skills, and enjoy the great outdoors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while enjoying a unique outdoor experience.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and great communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of at least one day a week from April to October.
The predicted salary is between 500 - 1500 £ per month.
Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years and are one of the oldest traditions of the waterways. As ‘the face of the waterway’, modern‑day volunteer lock keepers play an integral part in the visitor experience. Their role is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and helping to maintain the area. It’s a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and want to help support the Canal & River Trust.
The key qualities we’re looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Anyone can join as long as you are over the age of 18 and have at least a day a week available. Following appropriate selection, training and induction sessions we expect the role to commence fully around April and run through to October (local variations may apply).
What you will be doing:
- Helping boats through the locks
- Talking to customers
- Litter picking and/or minor vegetation works
When you register as a volunteer, we will ask you about any unspent convictions which you need to declare and risk assess these as needed.
The skills you need:
- Great communication skills. This is all about talking to people.
- Practical skills – it’s also about minor maintenance to ensure that your locks are functional.
- Teamworking skills – whilst you may spend some of your time alone, fundamentally you’re part of a team.
What’s in it for you:
It’s a great way to meet other local volunteers, learn new skills, and hear about other volunteering opportunities if you fancy getting more involved.
Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Bilford / Perdiswell Locks, Worcester) employer: Canal & River Trust
Contact Detail:
Canal & River Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Bilford / Perdiswell Locks, Worcester)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the area! Familiarise yourself with the local canals and locks. This will not only help you feel more confident but also allow you to engage with visitors in a meaningful way.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Since you'll be the friendly face of the waterway, chatting with visitors is key. Try role-playing conversations with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Join our community! Connect with other volunteers through our website. Sharing experiences and tips can really enhance your journey as a lock keeper and make the role even more enjoyable.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay enthusiastic and open to learning! Embrace every opportunity to pick up new skills, whether it’s about boat handling or maintenance. Your positive attitude will shine through and make a real difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Bilford / Perdiswell Locks, Worcester)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see your enthusiasm and willingness to learn, so don’t be shy about sharing why you’re excited about becoming a volunteer lock-keeper.
Show Your Communication Skills: Since this role is all about interacting with visitors, make sure to highlight any experience you have in customer service or teamwork. We love seeing examples of how you've communicated effectively in the past!
Keep It Relevant: Tailor your application to the role by mentioning any outdoor activities or practical skills you have. Whether it’s gardening, maintenance work, or just enjoying nature, we want to know how your experiences relate to being a lock-keeper.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey as a volunteer lock-keeper.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canal & River Trust
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
Make sure to express your passion for the outdoors and working with people. Lock-keeping is all about creating a welcoming atmosphere, so let your enthusiasm shine through in your answers.
✨Brush Up on Communication Skills
Since great communication is key for this role, think of examples where you've successfully interacted with others. Be ready to discuss how you would handle different visitor scenarios or assist boaters through the locks.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Even though you might work alone at times, being part of a team is crucial. Share experiences where you've collaborated with others, showing that you can contribute positively to a team environment.
✨Be Prepared to Learn
The role requires a willingness to learn, so come prepared with questions about the training and induction process. This shows you're eager to develop your skills and take on new challenges.
