Annual Salary
variable
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
Swap to Engineering design or Manufacturing or go back to all job sectors
Swap to Engineering design or Manufacturing or go back to all job sectors
Lock keepers open and close lock gates on canals and rivers to allow leisure and commercial boats to pass through.
Average UK salary in 2023 was £34,963
(source Office for National Statistics)
You could work: evenings / weekends / bank holidays; on shifts
There will be
0.2% more Lock keeper jobs in 2027.
Your day-to-day duties may include:
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:
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.
There are no formal entry requirements for this job so you can apply directly. You'll need to be friendly and approachable.
The Canal & River Trust has more information about work and volunteering opportunities.
With experience, you may be able to move into coordinating volunteer training or deal with fundraising for waterway conservation projects.
You'll need: