Summary
Internally you will be known as a Lengthsperson. We’ve an opportunity for you to join our team as a Lengthsperson. You’ll be living and working alongside a picturesque historic waterway in rural Surrey, looking after its wildlife, visitors and history for future generations. Accommodation is provided to the postholder for the proper or better performance of their duties in accordance with Trust criteria and HMRC rules.
What it’s like to work here
The Wey Navigations is a tranquil waterway running for nearly 20 miles through the heart of Surrey. One of the first British rivers to be made navigable, it opened to barge traffic in 1653 and joined Guildford to Weybridge on the Thames, linking into international trade routes via the London Docks. In 1764 the Godalming Navigation added a further 5 miles to the waterway. Reporting to the Head Lengthsperson, you’ll be part of a team and based at Triggs Lock near Guildford. Some days you’ll be on your own and other days you’ll be with colleagues, but either way you’ll be part of a large team working towards the same goals. We have ambitious development plans for the Wey Navigation over the next five years and this is a great opportunity to be involved in shaping our future.
What you’ll be doing
You’ll be looking after your own length of the Navigation as well as helping the team maintain and improve the conservation value, access, and presentation of this amazing place. You could be monitoring and managing weirs and water levels (day and night when you are on duty), ensuring the Navigation is looking its best, working with colleagues and volunteers, undertaking conservation projects, or just having a chat with visitors, making sure they get the most out of their time here. No two days are ever the same and it’s definitely not a 9 to 5 life here. If you’re a countryside management professional looking for a change then this role is ideal for you.
Who we’re looking for
- A working knowledge of conservation and biodiversity.
- Practical experience in relevant land, conservation and access management, supported by appropriate qualifications or equivalent level of relevant experience.
- Competence with tools and machinery such as strimmer, mower and chainsaw.
- An ability to plan and organise your own work programme.
- A passion for conservation and high standards in customer service.
- An ability to problem solve and work independently with the support of a dedicated team.
The package
- Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
- Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
- Rental deposit loan scheme
- Season ticket loan
- EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
- Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
- Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
- Flexible working whenever possible
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking at most Trust places
National Trust place
Wey & Godalming Nav, Navigations Office and Dapdune Wharf, Guildford, GU1 4RR
Documents
- Out of Hours Duty Requirements Form RWN LP Jun26.pdf
- Lengthsperson – Career Level B.pdf
- RWN Lengthsperson Additional Info Jul26.docx
Requirements
Compliance. Eligibility to Work in the UK
Additional information
Closing Date: 26 July 2026
Provisional Interview Date: 05 August 2026
To apply for this vacancy simply click the ‘apply’ button in the top right corner of the page.
If you need any help with your application due to technical difficulties, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at recruitmentenquiries@nationaltrust.org.uk
If you require an adjustment to the application process, for example due to disability or medical condition, please call us on 0370 240 0274 or email us at adjustments@nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and we will support you as best we can.
Equal Opportunities Statement
The National Trust celebrates diversity and is committed to creating a fair and equal society, free from discrimination. You can read more about our commitment to inclusion and diversity here.
Safeguarding Statement
The National Trust is committed to a safe recruitment process to help the organisation attract and appoint the right staff/volunteer for the role and responsibilities as set out in the vacancy advert. We will not accept applicants who are not suitable to work with children, young people or adults at risk. If you have any questions around your suitability for this vacancy, please contact the people service centre.
Please note we reserve the right to close this advert early and therefore we encourage you to apply for this position early.
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