At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and enhance the stunning Wiltshire Avon river and lakes while ensuring high-quality fly fishing.
- Company: Join the Services Dry Fly Fishing Association, a respected organisation dedicated to river conservation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, vehicle allowance, and ongoing training in a beautiful environment.
- Other info: This unique role offers autonomy and responsibility in a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference to one of England's most revered chalkstreams and enjoy outdoor adventures.
- Qualifications: Experience in river management and a passion for environmental conservation are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 € per year.
The Services Dry Fly Fishing Association (SDFFA) is searching for an exceptional, full time River Keeper to care for 6.5 miles of the historic and environmentally designated Wiltshire Avon, alongside four lakes and an on-site rearing unit. The role has only become available as the current River Keeper is retiring after 24 fantastic years, emphasizing the rarity of such a position. This is a genuinely unique opportunity to take custodianship of one of England's most revered chalkstreams, a role for someone who lives and breathes the river, takes pride in quiet excellence, and wants to leave a fishery better than they found it.
Hours: 39 hours per week (with occasional weekends as and when necessary with time off in lieu)
The Role
- Reporting to the Management Committee, you will deliver consistently high-quality fly fishing for a knowledgeable 150-rod membership.
- Working largely unsupervised, you will shape the river day-to-day and season-to-season through:
- River, lake and habitat management & enhancement
- Stocking implementation and encouragement of wild fish populations
- Weed cutting, bank and fringe maintenance
- Water quality monitoring and reporting
- River woodland management and obstruction clearance
- Predator control and general bailiff duties
- Liaison with riparian owners, agencies and interested parties
- Providing confident, authoritative advice to members
This is a hands-on, Lone-Working, outdoor role in all weather, with regular weekend working. It will suit a motivated self-starter who enjoys responsibility, autonomy and physical work in a truly stunning environment.
About You
- Practical, highly competent, personable and respected for your judgement.
- You bring both technical skill and genuine passion for riverine habitats.
- It would suit someone who presents themselves well, is full of energy, enthusiasm and dynamism.
Essential / Strongly Preferred:
- Fisheries, environmental or relevant land-based qualification
- Proven experience in river and fishery management
- Strong working knowledge of EA, NE and relevant legislation
- Full UK driving licence
- Physically fit and safety-conscious (essential)
- Comfortable producing and managing risk assessments (including work parties)
- Able to fulfil PUWER and LOLER inspection and recording requirements
- Excellent communicator who is polite, well-presented and approachable
Certifications (ideally most of the following):
- City & Guilds / NPTC chainsaw maintenance, cross-cutting & felling (small to large trees)
- Powered pole pruner, windblown trees and winch operations
- Forestry clearing saw and wood chipper certification
- Land-based machinery (mowers, brushcutters, trimmers)
- Work-related first aid certificate (or willingness to obtain)
What is on Offer
- Salary circa £35,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
- Qualifying pension scheme
- Vehicle or vehicle allowance
- Telecoms & data package
- Protective clothing and PPE
- Ongoing training and refreshers as required
- A genuinely beautiful working environment, and a supportive, appreciative membership
If you are someone who takes pride in doing things properly, and who wants a long-term role making a real difference to a remarkable river, we would love to hear from you.
Closing date: Friday 19th June 2026
Interviews: expected, week commencing 29th June
Start: September 2026
River Keeper in Swindon employer: Larstone Recruitment
The Services Dry Fly Fishing Association (SDFFA) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work as a River Keeper on the historic Wiltshire Avon. With a strong focus on environmental stewardship, employee growth, and a supportive community of passionate members, SDFFA provides a beautiful working environment where you can truly make a difference. Enjoy competitive benefits, ongoing training, and the autonomy to manage one of England's most revered chalkstreams in a role that combines responsibility with a love for nature.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land River Keeper in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the river and its community! Spend some time on-site, chat with current members, and understand their needs. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your approach when you apply.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have any relevant experience or certifications, make sure to highlight them in conversations. Bring along any evidence of your work, like photos or reports, to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend local fishing events or conservation meetings to meet people in the industry. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights and recommendations that might just give you the edge in landing the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for the role, so make sure to submit your application directly. It shows initiative and gives us a chance to see how you present yourself online.
We think you need these skills to ace River Keeper in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the River:When writing your application, let your love for riverine habitats shine through. We want to see that you live and breathe the river, so share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your connection to nature and conservation.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to detail your experience in river and fishery management. We’re looking for someone with a strong background, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and qualifications that align with the role.
Be Personable and Approachable:Since this role involves liaising with members and other stakeholders, it’s important to convey your excellent communication skills. Use a friendly tone in your application to show us that you’re not just competent but also someone who can connect with others easily.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this unique opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a real difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Larstone Recruitment
✨Know Your River
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the Wiltshire Avon and its unique ecosystem. Familiarise yourself with its history, current challenges, and conservation efforts. This will not only show your passion but also demonstrate your commitment to preserving this beautiful environment.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your relevant qualifications and experiences in river and fishery management. Be ready to provide specific examples of past projects or roles where you successfully managed habitats or improved water quality. This will help the interviewers see how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Communicate Confidently
As a River Keeper, you'll need to liaise with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use role-play scenarios to simulate conversations with riparian owners or members, showcasing your ability to provide authoritative advice while being approachable.
✨Embrace the Outdoors
Since this role involves working outdoors in all weather conditions, express your enthusiasm for physical work and the natural environment. Share personal stories about your experiences in similar settings, highlighting your adaptability and love for nature. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who truly lives and breathes the river.
