Seasonal Assistant to Lock Keeper – Ref ALKNS/001055

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Assistant Lock Keeper / Collector

Temporary Summer Relief Post

WEEKLY PAY:€511.25 gross (pro rata)

REPORTS TO:Lock Keeper, Foreman

LOCATION(S):On the Shannon Navigation at the following Waterways Ireland’s Locks:

Tarmonbarry & Clondra, Roosky, Clarendon, Battlebridge, Drumleague, Drumshanbo andAlbert Lock. (Applicants may indicate a preference which will be considered but is not guaranteed)

SUMMARY OF ROLE

Waterways Ireland wishes to recruit Temporary Seasonal staff to assist with lock operations on the Shannon Navigation at various locations. The successful applicant will provide assistance with the operation of the lock and the maintenance and upkeep of the navigation locks\sluices and lifting bridges over the summer period. Seasonal staff may be required to work at one or a number of different locks.

KEY FUNCTIONS

  • Operation of lock gatesand lifting bridges to assist vessels moving on the navigation and through lock chambers
  • Taking and giving of ropes from and to boat users to assist passage of boats
  • Collection of fees and recording / maintaining boat register / log
  • Assisting members of the public
  • Recording and reporting of water levels and rainfall data
  • Maintain and keep clean lockhouse/bridgehouse
  • Actively carry out maintenance work in the area around the lock
  • Operation of sluices and lifting bridges(where appropriate)
  • Implementation of Waterways Ireland’s Health and Safety policy
  • Supporting the role of the Lock Keeper
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • To provide assistance to boats to move through the navigation locks and bridges in a safe and enjoyable manner
  • To assist in the task of preserving and protecting the integrity of Waterways Ireland in the area to which you are assigned
  • To assist in maintaining the areas to which you are assigned in a safe, clean and tidy condition.
  • To report to the Lock keeper\Foreman on all works, conditions of site, safety and security of each site.
  • To attend training courses as directed and assist in the management of Health and Safety at work.
  • To report and liaise with the Lock Keeper\Foreman
  • To assist in all other duties as may be directed by the Lock Keeper / Foreman

The above list is not exhaustive and you may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities for the effective and efficient performance of your role.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

  • Possess good communication skills
  • Possess basic numeracy / literary skills
  • Be aware of the Health and Safety issues associated withworking near water
  • Experience in maintaining internal and external work areas

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

  • Be familiar with lock / sluice / lifting bridge operations
  • Experience of working in a water-based environment
  • Experience / knowledge of operating a boat
  • Knowledge of the Shannon Navigation Bye-laws (1992)
  • Experience working under limited supervision
  • Current driving licence (Lough Allen Canal)
  • Valid Safepass

CONTACTS WITH

  • Staff of Waterways Ireland
  • Members of the public
  • Waterway users

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

  • Working on and around deep water

Seasonal LockKeepers are required to assist in the operation of locks from May to September. A staff rota is operated for June, July and August, normally Monday, Tuesday, Saturdayand Sunday (Week 1) and Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Week 2). The appointed staff must be available to work to this rota. Weekly hours vary from 28-40 depending on rota. Ad-hoc days may be offered in May and September, depending on demand.

LUNCH BREAKOne hour daily, between 12.30 and14.30, lunch rota managed locally.

WEEK DAYS (Mon-Thurs)Seasonal staff will start at 10.00am and finish at 19:30 when assisting Lockkeeper. If covering for Lock Keeper, seasonal will be required to work normal lock opening hours.

LOCK OPENING HOURS

Lock Opening Hours
4th April to 31st May / Weekdays
9.00-20.30 / Sundays
9.00-18.00
1st June to 31st August / Weekdays
9.00-20.30 / Sundays
9.00-18.00
1 September to 25th September / Weekdays
9.00-20.30 / Sundays
9.00-18.00
26th September to 1st November / Weekdays
9.00-19.30 / Sundays
10.00-16.00

Short Listing Process

A shortlist of candidates for interviews will be prepared on the basis of information contained in the application form. It is essential that all applicants demonstrate on their application form how and the extent to which they satisfy each of the Essential Criteria and the extent to which they satisfy the Desirable criteria specified. In the event of a large volume of applicants, testing may also be used to form a shortlist. Candidates will be notified should this be required.

This competition will create a merit based panel which will last 12 months. Opportunities which arise over the next 12 months will be offered to successful applicants in order of merit

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