Volunteer Assistant Lock Keeper (VSNS)

Interests:

• Working outdoors
• The River Thames
• Leisure, Recreation & Tourism
• Water-based recreational activities.

Activities:

• To help manage and aid the leisure use of the River Thames at one or more Environment Agency lock sites.
• Assist in the operation of the lock to facilitate safe through passage for boats.
• Assist in maintaining the lock site and adjacent land in Environment Agency ownership.
• Assist in the provision of information and advice to visitors on land and afloat in a courteous manner.

Your river, your community, your opportunity to be part of a team to help deliver a reliable and friendly service on the River Thames.

Volunteer Assistant Lock Keepers are needed to help Environment Agency Lock Keepers deliver assisted passage to the many boaters transiting the locks on the iconic River Thames.

Volunteers are required to assist at least 1 fixed day per week working alongside staff from 10:00 – 16:00 during the boating season (generally from Easter through to October). Days and hours may be flexible but during peak season full coverage is required. 

No previous experience is needed although a good level of physical fitness is required. Successful applicants will be provided a full induction, including practical and water safety training before completing onsite training at a designated lock. You will always work alongside a member of staff and in some cases one of our experienced volunteers may assist in your training. Once deemed competent you will be expected to take sole charge of the lock during short periods to cover staff breaks.

New recruits start their training from mid-May. Successful candidates volunteer with us up to October and then go offline till the new year. Returning volunteers are welcomed back for Easter.

Due to a very high returnee rate places are limited. Any applications not aligned with current availability will be held for future opportunities.

What skills do I need?

We require that all volunteers are able to swim and have a good level of fitness as it is a physical role. Clear spoken communication skills are advantageous as you will be directing boaters when entering the lock.

When do I need to be available?