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Lock keeper

Lock keepers open and close lock gates on canals and rivers to allow leisure and commercial boats to pass through.

Annual Salary

variable

Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)

Working hours

45 to 47 variable

You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts

0.2%
Future employment

There will be 0.2% more Lock keeper jobs in 2027.

Day to day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

  • managing lock bookings from waterway users approaching the locks
  • opening and closing lock gates safely by hand or using a computer
  • carrying out general maintenance on lock mechanisms
  • opening relief sluices in bad weather or flooding
  • clearing rubbish and weeds from the lock
  • giving advice to waterway users in person or by radio
  • reporting incidents like fly-tipping, poaching and damage to wildlife
  • talking to community groups and schools about your work

Working environment

You may need to wear safety clothing and use safety equipment and a uniform.

You could work on rivers and canals.

Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers and physically demanding.

You can get into this job through:

  • volunteering
  • applying directly
Volunteering and work experience

Working as a volunteer lock keeper during the busier summer months is a good way to start, and you'll be trained on the job in lock operations and safety.

Direct application

There are no formal entry requirements for this job so you can apply directly. You'll need to be friendly and approachable.

More information

Further information

The Canal & River Trust has more information about work and volunteering opportunities.

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With experience, you may be able to move into coordinating volunteer training or deal with fundraising for waterway conservation projects.

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Skills required and how your skills match up

What skills are required?

You'll need:

  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
  • knowledge of English language
  • concentration skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
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