Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Sykehouse Lock)

Canal & River Trust; Sykehouse; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Sykehouse seeks volunteer lock keepers to assist visitors and maintain the canal environment. Volunteers will help boats through the locks, engage with visitors, and perform minor maintenance and litter picking. Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, enjoy working outdoors, and can commit at least one day a week. This role offers a unique opportunity to support local heritage and meet other volunteers.

Benefits

Meet other local volunteers

Learn new skills

Explore further volunteering opportunities

Qualifications

• Must be over the age of 18.
• Availability of at least one day a week.
• Willingness to learn and have enthusiasm.

Responsibilities

• Helping boats through the locks.
• Talking to customers.
• Litter picking and/or minor vegetation works.

Skills

Great communication skills

Practical skills

Teamworking skills

Job description

Lock keepers have been a familiar sight on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years, and Sykehouse Lock is no exception. As one of the most iconic features of the New Junction Canal, the lock has long relied on the dedication and local knowledge of the people who care for it. Today, our volunteer lock keepers continue that proud tradition, becoming the welcoming face of Sykehouse Lock for everyone who visits.

As a volunteer here, you’ll play an essential role in creating a positive experience for boaters and towpath users alike. From offering a friendly greeting to assisting boats safely through the lock, to helping us keep the area tidy and well looked after, you’ll be part of what makes Sykehouse Lock such a valued place on our waterways.

This opportunity is perfect for anyone who loves being outdoors, enjoys meeting people, and wants to support the Canal & River Trust in a meaningful and hands‑on way. All we ask is enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in this unique stretch of canal.

Anyone over the age of 18 can join, as long as you can offer at least one day a week. After selection, training, and induction, we expect volunteer lock keeper duties at Sykehouse Lock to begin fully around April and run through to October (with some local variations).

If you’re looking for something different, something rewarding, and something rooted in the heritage of Sykehouse Lock, we’d love to welcome you to the team.

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 a 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 needs be.

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.