Job Description
RESPONSIBLITIES OF ASSISTANT RIVERKEEPER
Key Responsibilities
• To be aware and adopt an open-eye attitude towards the clean and tidy aims of the fishery.
• To assist in the day to day running of the on-site fish farm.
• To be daily aware of situations as they arise and to deal with them suitably and correctly, while reporting them to the Head River Keeper as they occur.
• To carry out weed cutting.
• To carry out path maintenance.
• To carry out bridge maintenance.
• To carry out fencing repairs.
• To adopt a positive attitude to health and safety and to report any concerns immediately to the Head River Keeper.
• To advise the public in a polite and calm way on issues such as rights of way and access, and help them to understand the consequences of causing environmental damage.
• To assist in the security of the outer grounds of the College Campus.
• To assist in the control of vermin.
• To assist in the coaching of pupils.
• To be polite and courteous to OWs and other fishermen, and to offer advice when asked.
• To carry out anti-poaching patrols and to deal appropriately with poachers.
• To keep a regular daily eye on condition of sluices running off the canal, and to ensure they are free from obstructions.
Skills and Knowledge
• Understanding of fishing and the riparian environment.
• Qualification in fishery management/countryside maintenance would be beneficial.
• Brush-cutter/chainsaw qualifications would be beneficial.
Personal Attributes
• A naturally collaborative style; a team-player.
• Positive approach; a good sense of humour.
• A good attitude towards health and safety.
• Good communication skills and ability to build relationships with personnel across all areas of the College.
• Desire to take initiative; ability to manage fluctuating workload.
• Reliable and hard-working, and driven with ambition in the industry.
• Good judgement and high levels of integrity.
• A love and understanding of the riparian environment.
• To be fit and well and have the practical ability to carry out various manual tasks.
Start date:
This appointment will commence as soon as possible.
Hours of Work:
This is a full-time role, with an average of 40.5 hours per week. Such as are necessary for the running of the fishery, the hours of work are:
• Monday – Friday 8.00am. – 4.30pm.
• Weekends and Public Holidays: On an alternate weekend basis to ensure the security of the river, fish farm and surrounding grounds. This is to ensure the canal is kept at a suitable level of water for rowing and that it is kept safe and navigable through the College grounds, and to report any findings of problems or wrongdoings to the Head River Keeper.
Salary:
The salary for this position is £24,219 (gross) per annum. Salary is paid monthly, in arrears, to a nominated bank account in 12 equal payments. Salary levels are reviewed on the 1st September annually, and this will be next reviewed in September 2025.
Induction and Continuous Training and Development:
The school is fully committed to the induction, training and development of all our staff, with staff supported to grow and reach their full potential.
We deliver a range of training, run by both our own staff and external providers, varying from highly practical First Aid courses to seminars and learning lunches on many aspects of teaching and learning.
There is an annual cycle of appraisal offering the opportunity to reflect on professional practice and development opportunities.
The school also offers a wide range of apprenticeships supporting staff development and progression.
Pension and Life Cover:
On employment, employees will be auto-enrolled into the College’s pension scheme according to legislative thresholds. Those who are not eligible for auto-enrolment may still elect to join the College’s pension scheme.
Annual Leave:
The College leave year runs from 1 September to 31 August. This position will be entitled to the statutory holiday requirements. These are presently 28 days (including Bank Holidays) per annum. Any Public Bank Holiday occurring during term time is deemed to be a normal working day. All leave must be taken by prior arrangement with the postholder’s line-manager and must be taken outside of the school’s term times.
Subject to the discretion of the school’s Bursar, a gift may also be given of extra time off during the Christmas period.
Wider Benefits:
• Free staff lunches during term time.
• Access to Staff Counsellor.
• Use of sports facilities, including gym membership, tennis courts and in 2025, a new 25m swimming pool. Exercise classes, including spinning and circuits are also available.
• Tour of the College, with discounted rates available for booking venues within the school’s grounds for hospitality events.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free access to an ongoing cycle of cultural, musical, theatrical and sporting talks and events.
• Employee Referral Scheme, with a reward of up to £250 for staff (subject to scheme conditions).
• Free Library membership with access to a range of online journals and magazines.
For full details of Job Description, please visit our college website in the employment tab:
https://www.winchestercollege.org/employment-opportunities/my-application/vacancy/5561793RCk