Let's get down to business: Simon Shepherdson, resident lock-keeper

SIMON Shepherdson, 58, is the resident lock-keeper at Hambleden Lock. He works for the Environment Agency and has been a lock-keeper for 31 years. Simon lives with his wife Emma and the couple have two grown-up sons. His interests include playing snooker and billiards and watching Formula 1 racing and cricket.

Describe your job

I am the resident lock-keeper at Hambleden Lock. I control the boat traffic that goes through the lock, ensuring everyone is kept safe in what is a potentially hazardous environment. I also ensure that all visitors obey the bylaws covering the River Thames. However, my main job is controlling the height of the river in the Henley Reach above Hambleden Lock and weir to ensure there is enough water for boats to navigate safely but not too much that it might create a flood risk. The water level is maintained by opening or closing parts of the gates on the weir.

How many people work at the lock?

Usually there is a lock-keeper each day, some days from a neighbouring lock. We are supported by a team of 12 volunteer assistant lock-keepers. There is usually a volunteer every day in the busy season from Easter until the end of October. During Henley Royal Regatta we have four volunteers each day to cope with the extra river traffic.

What did you do before you became a lock-keeper?

I had various jobs, including a summer working as a lock assistant. I then worked for an engineering supplier as a delivery driver before working my way up to become a depot manager.

When did you first start working at locks?

I worked the summer of 1984 at Old Windsor Lock and I was hooked. It was my dream job. I returned at weekends for the next seven summers, building up experience as I waited for my opportunity.

When did you become a lock-keeper?

In 1992, when I left the engineering supplier after six years in the middle of a recession to chase my dream. I had a rolling contract but in 1993, I was offered a permanent contract as a housed relief lock-keeper in Marlow. In 2011, I moved to Hambleden Lock.

What was your objective?

I wanted a long career in my dream job and eventually a lock became available that fitted in with my family’s requirements.

Do you have a mentor or role model?

My mentor was the resident lock-keeper that I worked with at Old Windsor Lock who retired in 2000. I never forget this formative training.

What would you do differently if you could start again?

I don’t think I would change anything.

How busy is your job compared with last year?

Last year we had a new monarch and very hot period, so boat numbers were very high. There were lots of people holidaying in England which meant boat hire numbers were very high. This year, with most travel restrictions lifted and people more confident to travel abroad, boat numbers have been lower.

How do you promote your role?

I am often posting river views on social media. I have many followers on Facebook who are boating customers. I post updates on river conditions (unofficially of course), especially in periods of high flow.

What’s the best thing about your job?

I work unsupervised, planning my own work routines and organising my team of volunteers. This independence and commute to work makes my working day very satisfying.

What’s the most challenging aspect?

Having to keep an eye on so many boats, people, hands, feet and fingers as they pass through a busy lock. The list of potential hazards is quite scary. (I am the GMB’s national health and safety representative for the Environment Agency).

What’s the most valuable thing you’ve learned?

Not to take incidents at work too personally. The skill of “bouncing back” is vital.

What would you advise someone wanting to become a lock-keeper?

Dealing with demanding customers for nine hours a day while walking six miles on a hot day is exhausting, physically and mentally. You need the patience of a saint and to have your wits about you all the time.

How organised are you?

I have to plan my working day around the weather, the amount of help available and how busy the lock is. Health and safety tasks always take priority.

What three qualities are most important to running a lock?

Patience (lots of it), the ability to assess a situation calmly, taking control when necessary, and being able to give good, clear instructions.

How do you dress for work?

A white shirt with epaulettes and black trousers or dark blue shorts in the peak season.

What can’t you be without every day?

My life jacket, which must be always worn when working near the water’s edge. We also wear a lone working device, which can send an emergency signal if we get into trouble.

Lunch at your desk or going out?

Normally on the lock island as it is relatively remote and we only get an hour’s lunch break.

Do you continue to study?

In my role as health and safety representative, I am constantly keeping up to date with safety legislation and guidelines.

What do you read?

Most of my reading time is spent reviewing health and safety policies and procedures.

How are you planning for retirement?

There is no retirement age in the Environment Agency so, health allowing, I plan to be around for at least the next decade or so.

Interview by Will Hamilton, intermediary and global marketing consultant