Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Bilford / Perdiswell Locks, Worcester)

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).

More about this role Volunteer role

Volunteer Lock Keeper

Volunteer manager

Task manager

Where you will be based

Community

Why we want you

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.