Volunteer Lock Keeper - Long Buckby

What's involved?

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 can aim to be available for at a least a day a week. 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's in it for you?

Whether it’s helping a boat through the lock, talking to customers, litter picking or undertaking vegetation works, it can really make a great difference to a visitor’s appreciation of the waterways.

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.

What skills are we looking for?

To carry out this role, you’ll ideally have an interest in the waterway and/or the local area, but this is not essential. The most important attributes are an ability to interact with and help others; a friendly manner and the ability to make a good first impression; a hands-on approach and can-do attitude, and flexibility to work on your own or with others. Ideally we are looking for someone who is locally based; and be available to work as part of a team.

We are particularly looking for individuals to volunteer on weekends here at Long Buckby.