Relief Weir Keeper

Working within a bustling atmosphere as part of passionate team this role as a relief weir keeper plays a core part in providing fantastic customer service.

The Hours: This role is an hourly paid, fixed term role. Wherever possible we aim to offer a consistent working pattern, but it may be necessary for us to alter this pattern from time to time to suit the needs of the business. We’d give you as much notice of this as possible. The role will involve weekends and possibly occasional bank holidays.

Duration: Fixed term contract until 31 May 2025

Opened in 1653 the Wey Navigation is one of the earliest manmade waterways in the country and passed into the care of the National Trust in 1964.  An important task for our Wey Navigations team is monitoring river levels and adjusting weir gates. Each lengthsperson is assisted by a relief weir keeper who covers their rest days, times when extensive weir operations are needed, and any occasions where there are gaps in the cover rota.

Whilst the river can be demanding and hard work, it’s always rewarding.  Our team of weir operators are on hand all day every day, making sure there is sufficient river depth for navigation and alleviating flood waters. Although you’ll mainly be working on your own, you’ll be part of a larger team performing a vital role in keeping the Navigations operational and delivering an excellent visitor experience.

This role will require regular travel around the site to remote locations that are not accessible by public transport and you’ll need to be able to meet these travel requirements. 

Reporting to the Head Lengthsperson and working in close cooperation with a team of 15 weir operators, you’ll be responsible for maintaining navigation levels by checking levels and adjusting weir gates. You’ll need to regularly monitor the river and have the flexibility to respond at short notice. This requires 24hr cover so you’ll need to live within close proximity of the Navigations.

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

• An understanding of waterways
• Flexibility to provide 24hr cover
• The ability to work safely and use initiative

The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.

•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary

•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)

•Rental deposit loan scheme

•Season ticket loan

•EV car lease scheme 

•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts

•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.

•Flexible working whenever possible

•Employee assistance programme

•Free parking at most Trust places

Click here to find out more about the benefits we offer to support you.