Ranger (Volunteer Bridge Keeper)

Join our community of volunteers to help operate our historical swing bridges along the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. As the friendly face of the waterways, you will interact with the public on the towpath, maintain safety and of course, open the bridges for boats! Visit some of the most beautiful spots in the area and enjoy the bustle of activity on a busy summer’s afternoon or the tranquility of a spring morning surrounded by wildlife. Volunteers can work alone or as a pair operating a bridge, keeping things running smoothly whilst maintaining the heritage of the canal.

All you need to bring is an ability to learn and communicate and an enthusiasm for the waterways. We will provide full training in bridge operation and essential health and safety training. You’ll take responsibility for significant heritage structures, sometimes stopping traffic and responding to incidents but you are never far from a colleague and will be working within a fantastically supportive team. If you require specific support please let us know and we can seek to facilitate this.

This is a fantastic way to learn more about canals and what’s involved in keeping them alive.