At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage riverbanks, fish farming, and engage with customers in a beautiful outdoor setting.
- Company: Join Waitrose, a brand committed to sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, personal development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Perfect for nature lovers looking to grow in a dynamic role.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying the great outdoors.
- Qualifications: Good work ethic, fitness, and customer service skills; outdoor experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
About the role
The purpose of this role is to enhance the Waitrose brand through the Fishing Department. You will be part of a small team that manages 16 Beats of the River Test and 2 Lake Fisheries. We also farm trout for the restocking market as well as supplying our own fisheries. Your work will include riverbank maintenance, mowing, strimming and weed cutting, fish farming and instructing on corporate days on the lake fisheries. You will have the opportunity to develop and stretch personally and professionally to achieve your potential.
Responsibilities
- Set clear intent, direction and guardrails to achieve outcomes, aligned to the partnership strategy.
- Support Profession Leads to build capability and establish ways.
- Empower and support partners through a team of managers to make decisions and resolve challenges.
- Enable partners to have a voice in our business.
- Invest in your personal and professional development, acting as a role model for all partners.
- Leverage insight and internal and external networks to keep abreast of key customer requirements, market conditions and trends, including technological advancements.
- Own business processes, frameworks and tools within your area, continuously improving them to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
- Health and safety: follow safe working practices and be aware of the risk assessments for the work we undertake.
- Contribute to enhancing our culture of H&S.
- Work to a high standard. We strive to manage the fishery in a way that provides the chalkstream experience but not to the detriment of the environment.
- Be aware that the job is customer‑facing; you will be interacting with anglers and fish customers on a daily basis.
- It is your responsibility to look after tools and PPE and to report any breakages or failures.
- The fish farms must be operated to the best animal welfare standards; biosecurity and stockmanship are paramount in achieving this.
- Comply with legislation regarding fish farming and the movement of fish.
What you’ll have
- Good work ethic, punctual, well turned out and polite.
- Clean driving licence.
- A good level of fitness; some of the work is physically demanding.
- Good customer service prepared to spend time with advice and gather feedback.
- Able to work unsupervised and to a high standard.
- Diligent when working on fish farms, able to spot early signs of potential problems.
- Evidence of basic numeracy and English literacy skills.
- Trout farming and estate maintenance skills an advantage (carpentry, chainsaw, fencing etc.)
- Good general knowledge of fly fishing preferable but not essential.
- A keen interest in the countryside and willing to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
Important points to note
We occasionally close vacancies early in the event we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore, we recommend you apply early. As a business we encourage flexible working; there are no guarantees, however, examples of how our partners already work flexibly include part‑time, job share, home working and compressed hours.
Riverkeeper in Stockbridge employer: John Lewis Partnership
At Waitrose, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Riverkeepers to thrive in a supportive and environmentally conscious work culture. Our commitment to personal and professional development ensures that you can grow your skills while enjoying the beautiful outdoors along the River Test and our lake fisheries. With a focus on teamwork, flexibility, and a strong emphasis on health and safety, you'll find a rewarding career that aligns with your passion for nature and customer service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Riverkeeper in Stockbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Waitrose and their Fishing Department. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Riverkeeper role. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves physical work, be ready to demonstrate your skills in riverbank maintenance or fish farming. Practise these tasks if you can, so you can impress during practical evaluations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Don’t wait too long; apply early to increase your chances!
We think you need these skills to ace Riverkeeper in Stockbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Outdoors:When writing your application, let us know about your love for the countryside and outdoor work. Share any experiences you have with fishing or maintaining natural environments, as this will resonate with our values.
Highlight Relevant Skills:Make sure to mention any skills that relate to trout farming, estate maintenance, or customer service. If you've got experience with tools or machinery, don’t forget to include that too – it shows you're ready for the hands-on work!
Be Professional Yet Personable:While we want to see your professional side, don’t shy away from showing a bit of your personality. We’re looking for someone who can connect with customers and be part of our team, so a friendly tone can go a long way.
Apply Early Through Our Website:We sometimes close vacancies early if we get a lot of applications, so don’t wait! Head over to our website and submit your application as soon as you can to ensure you don’t miss out on this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your River
Familiarise yourself with the River Test and its ecosystem. Understand the challenges and opportunities in managing riverbanks and fisheries. This knowledge will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss any relevant skills you have, especially in fish farming, estate maintenance, or customer service. If you have experience with tools like chainsaws or fencing, mention it! Highlighting these skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Your Work Ethic
The role requires a good work ethic and punctuality. Be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in previous jobs. This could be through meeting deadlines, maintaining high standards, or going the extra mile for customers.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Since this is a customer-facing role, showing your ability to interact positively with others is key. Practice active listening and ask thoughtful questions about the team and their goals. This will demonstrate your interest in being part of their culture and your commitment to customer service.
