The Environment Agency are fully committed to having an inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We don't just talk about diversity; we seek it, embrace it, and live it, for the benefit of our staff, our communities, and our environment.

We are advertising two positions for the key role of lock keeper based at Hermitage Lock, Earith Bridge. After training you will have the key responsibilities of  

• Working with customers to provide assisted passage through the lock(s)
• Recording passage and compliance for analysis by others.
• Assisting with the management of Health Safety and Wellbeing at our sites including the building and local environment.
• Maintaining an incident role and being able to respond out of hours
• Provide support and information to the wider boating community via phone, email and other appropriate communication tools
• Provide support for other tidal locks as necessary

You’ll join our Waterways Operation Service Team. We aim to provide a first-class service to our customers. We operate within the Anglian Waterways region (River Ancholme to Cattawade (River Stour) combined river length of 568km). Our lock keepers are public facing, professional and courteous.

You’ll work alongside river inspectors, technical specialists and others in your daily operations, reporting to the team leader.

We are part of the Operations Directive within the Environment Agency.

In your capability-based answers please demonstrate your:

Essentials

• Ability to work effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures and actively encourage others to consider diversity issues in their work.
• Customer Service skills - Good Face to Face communication skills
• Physically able to operate our locks and maintain the grounds around the site
• Full clean driving licence and confident to drive distances if required.
• Be computer literate and confident to utilise the Microsoft Office suite including word, excel and outlook
• Must be able to always get to Hermitage Lock Office (PE28 3PS) in all weathers
• Ability to work alone and self-manage after training

Nice to have

• An interest in the river environment
• Personal boating or navigation experience
• Previous customer service experience

You’ll have a range of development opportunities and appropriate training will be provided.

You’ll have an inclusive incident management objective in your development plan. We’ll help you find a role to suit your needs. Appropriate training will be given.

You’ll have an EA Office base location, Hermitage Lock Office. Hybrid / home working is not available for this role.

We use smart tools to stay connected and reduce travel; some travel may be required.

Please read the Candidate / Additional Information Pack for information. Any queries, contact [email protected]

Applications are “blind” assessed using your answers to the competency questions.

Interviews will be held face to face within two weeks of the closing date.

If you consent to being held on a reserve list, we’ll hold your details for 6 months and may offer you an alternative post.