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Lock Keeper

Do you want to become a Lock Keeper? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Lock keepers operate, or help visitors to control, the lock mechanisms on British rivers and canals that allow boats to pass from one level to another. Maintenance and safety checks are an essential part of the job. Lock keepers must make sure the waterway is passable. Routines often include:

• checking equipment and removing debris
• general maintenance, such as painting and grass cutting
• advising visitors and passing boaters
• checking and collecting payments for boat licences.

Working hours vary and can be irregular. Early starts, late finishes and weekend and bank holiday work may be required. Part-time and seasonal jobs are more common than full-time permanent positions, although some exist on the main waterway stretches. The work involves being outdoors in all weathers, and conditions may be wet and cold.

Salaries for lock keepers range from around £11,500 to £20,000 a year.

Lock keepers should:

• have a good level of fitness and stamina
• have practical skills for operating and maintaining equipment
• be good communicators and confident giving technical instructions to members of the public
• have a responsible attitude to health and safety
• enjoy working with people.

There are job opportunities throughout the country. However, there is fierce competition for posts. The main employers of lock keepers are British Waterways and the Environment Agency, although there are some smaller regional organisations. A large number of people only work in the summer months, or gain experience as volunteers.

Employers do not specify formal qualifications, although some aptitude and knowledge of boating, conservation, agriculture and DIY may be helpful. Knowledge of the local area is also advantageous.

Training is mainly practical and on the job, with new entrants learning from experienced lock keepers. Lock keepers can work towards NVQ/SVQ Level 2 in Maintaining and Conserving Rivers, Coasts and Waterways, or Levels 2 and 3 in Environmental Conservation (Rivers, Coasts and Waterways).

Promotion prospects are limited. It is possible to move into a supervisory or project leader role. It may be necessary to move to a different area to gain experience and promotion.

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