Job Details

• Job title: Lock Foreman
• Department: Chief Harbour Master
• Reporting to: Richmond Lock Manager
• Grade: 8
• Salary: £39,938 per annum (£49,922.50 per annum inclusive of allowances; 10% operational allowance and a 15% shift allowance)
• Base: Richmond Lock and Weir
• Closing date: 17th September 2025
• Interview date: 29th September 2025

About the Organisation

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is the statutory harbour authority for the tidal Thames, responsible for 95 miles of the River Thames from the Estuary to Teddington Lock. They ensure safety, protect the environment, and promote river use for trade and travel. The Chief Harbour Master’s department ensures compliance with the Port Marine Safety Code, safety of navigation, and emergency planning. The Harbour Master team operates Richmond Lock & Weir and the Harbour Service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate the Weirs to maintain the water level above Richmond Lock and Weir to the statutory level.
• Operate the Lock to facilitate the safe passage of vessels and collect tolls.
• Monitor and check vessel status in the Lock for safety.
• Monitor human-powered vessels using boat rollers.
• Develop effective working relationships with river users.
• Monitor water levels and tidal readouts.
• Report defects and malfunctions to Lock and Weir machinery.
• Liaise with non-tidal Thames navigation authorities for water level management.
• Control public footbridge access and maintain opening times.
• Receive monies and issue receipts for lock tolls and drying out facilities.
• Maintain records.
• Maintain internal decoration and cleanliness of accommodation and office space.
• Maintain external appearance, decoration, cleanliness of buildings and grounds.
• Operate Richmond Workboat for maintenance tasks.

Requirements

• Knowledge of River Thames regime, lock and weir operations, and basic engineering principles.
• Knowledge of Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code.
• Knowledge of PLA Regulations (Port of London Act 1968, Thames Byelaw, General Directions, Tideway Code).
• Excellent communication skills and ability to build relationships.
• Self-motivated, autonomous, initiative, and team player.
• Experience with small boat handling, VHF Radio Operators License, RYA Powerboat Level 2 Commercially Endorsed (minimum).
• Ability to create incident reports.

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave
• Health Cash Plan (Westfield Health)
• Generous pension scheme
• Access to Occupational Health, Mindfulness, Counselling, Physiotherapy
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to MyGymDiscounts

Contact and Application

For informal discussion, contact Joshua Rebbettes, Deputy Harbour Master at [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. Apply via [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal].

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] does not sponsor candidates requiring a visa or work permit to work in the UK. An offer of employment cannot be made unless you currently hold the rights to live and work in the UK.