Lock and Weir Keepers

18 Month Fixed Term, Full Time/Part Time, Roster system, weekend working required, 6 days working, 2 days off, in rotation
Staff Grade: 3

About Us:

The Environment Agency has a broad and varied remit regulating everything from waste management sites to farms and other land management activities across a range of urban and rural sites, all of which may impact on the local environment. We are constantly evolving the way we work. We have seen an increase in organised criminals operating within the waste industry and we are continually improving how we work to tackle this. Our goal is to create a cleaner, safer and healthier environment, drive better performance and use our resources more effectively to protect our environment. And critically to prosecute those that stray beyond the law.

We have an exciting opportunity for a team member to contribute to the management of recreational activities on the River Thames. The team provides a front facing service to customers at our locks and regulates river levels through weir operation. You and your team will also be supporting wider objectives such as safety of operations and asset management. We are in a period of change to make our operations financially sustainable, so a key part of this role is being part of that journey, seeking efficiency and better ways of delivering work. The ideal person will have a diverse range of experience particularly within in front facing customer service and managing risk in an operational environment. We are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve.

Your role:

The Environment Agency has a responsibility to manage some of the busiest recreational waterways in the country. Our River Thames operations include 45 lock and weir complexes. Your team will consist of other lock and weir team members and technical staff all reporting directly to your Team Leader.

You will be part of a roster that includes weekends and will have the opportunity to travel and work at various locations along the river. Transport will be provided in line with our travel hierarchy, but you must hold a full UK driver's licence.

The role will require out-of-hours work to respond to and manage environmental incidents as they arise.

What will you do:

• Assisting with the management of Health Safety and Wellbeing at our sites.
• Operating weirs to maintain water levels in the river for Navigation, Water Resources and Flood Risk.
• Maintaining an incident role being able to respond to out of hours.
• Provide support to our Asset Management teams utilising technology to help.
• Working with customers to provide assisted passage through the locks.
• Being part of a solution-based approach change and effective delivery.

What you’ll need:

• You must hold a full UK driving licence. (Please note, should you be invited to an interview we will contact you to conduct a DVLA driving licence check. More information on this process will be provided to you should you reach this stage of the recruitment process)
• As the work takes place beside the river or out on boats, you should be a confident swimmer and will be required to undertake “Working in and Near Water” qualification

In addition, we will require you to:

• Take responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of yourself and your team.
• Help to develop effective ways of working.
• Work in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Able to communicate clearly and manage expectations with customers or colleagues.
• Follow agreed policies, procedures, and ways of working.

What’s in it for you:

You’ll benefit from a culture that embraces difference and is inclusive where you’ll feel supported and trusted to do the right thing. We’ll invest in you and allow you to grow and shape your career. What’s more, you’ll have access to our great benefits package including:

• A salary up to £28,607 + outer London Weighting where applicable.
• A generous pension scheme.
• Overtime opportunities through standby and incident pay.
• 25 days holiday + 8 bank holidays for full-time employees.
• Two additional days for paid environmental outcomes giving you the opportunity to take part in community activities.
• Great career opportunities.
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave scheme.

Options for flexible and / or part-time working may be considered on a case-by-case basis.

As an organisation, we strive to reflect the communities we serve, to achieve this we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, sexual orientation, and religion.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of the UK's biggest environmental organisation. Join us, and together, let's tackle the challenges of a changing climate and build a more sustainable future. Apply now and embark on a rewarding and fulfilling career journey with the Environment Agency.

Please note that a reserve list will be held, and you may be offered other roles in other locations including temporary roles, which may be similarly aligned to this role.

Closing date for applications: Monday 23rd June 2025
Interview Dates: Week commencing 14th July & 21st July