Volunteer Lock-Keeper (Mexborough Low Lock (Friday - Sunday))

Volunteer Lock Keeper – Mexborough Low Lock (Fri–Sun)

Become part of a living waterways tradition with the Canal & River Trust and help care for one of the most beautiful locks on the Sheffield & South Yorkshire Navigations.

Mexborough Low Lock is something special. Set in a well-loved stretch of the navigation, it’s a place where history, people, and the waterway all meet. We’re looking for volunteer lock keepers to help us keep it that way — particularly on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

About the role Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years. Today, our volunteers continue that tradition — welcoming visitors, helping boaters safely through the lock, and making sure the site remains a place people enjoy spending time.

You’ll be the friendly face of the waterway, offering a warm welcome and lending a hand where it’s needed.

What you might be doing:

Assisting boaters through the lock. Meeting and greeting visitors. Litter picking and keeping the area tidy. Helping care for the infrastructure — painting, basic maintenance, and small upkeep tasks. Cutting grass and keeping the site looking its best. Keeping an eye on the lock and reporting any issues.

No two days are quite the same — there’s always something to get involved in.

What we’re looking for:

Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Someone who enjoys being outdoors and active. Friendly and approachable — happy to talk to visitors and boaters. Reliable, with a bit of initiative.

What you’ll get out of it:

Be part of a long-standing waterways tradition. Spend time outdoors in a genuinely beautiful setting. Learn practical skills and how locks operate. Make a visible difference to the place and the people who visit it.

You’ll receive full training and support before getting started.

The role is open to anyone over 18 who can offer at least a day a week.