Water keepers/water bailiffs

Water keepers/water bailiffs ensure that rivers and lakes are of a suitable environmental standard to be used for recreation, including fishing for sport. They keep the water stocked with fish, issue permits to anglers, monitor water pollution, check permits and enforce laws that protect water environments and wildlife.

Work activities

Water keepers/water bailiffs enforce fishing laws, manage and look after water environments, and ensure and control public access to waters for sports and recreation. They survey the water environment, noting down the types of wildlife there and, very importantly, recording any disease they find in the fish. Their duties can include:

Issuing licences to water users.
Checking permits to prevent illegal fishing.
Dealing with poachers.
Rescuing fish from polluted water.
Clearing up litter.
Giving advice on the disposal and treatment of effluent.
Moving fish between ponds or lakes for restocking.

Water keepers/water bailiffs have contact with people such as landowners and farmers, water users, the police and scientists. They need to work outside in all types of weather.

The Canal and River Trust has more information about the activities of water bailiffs, including how to take on a voluntary role.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a water keeper/water bailiff, you’ll need:

An interest in fish and other water wildlife. Some knowledge of freshwater biology is an advantage, for example, the nutrition, breeding and natural habitats of fish.
Communication skills to deal with people such as landowners, farmers and customers who are fishing.
To be firm but polite when enforcing laws to protect the environment and prevent illegal fishing; you might have to deal with poachers.
Physical fitness and willingness to work outside in all types of weather.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Water keepers/water bailiffs earn between £21,000 and £28,000, according to salaries submitted to Glassdoor. They can expect to work full-time hours.

Employers include the Environment Agency, regional water companies, angling clubs and some landowners. Opportunities for water keepers/water bailiffs occur in rural areas, towns and cities throughout the UK.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, and on the Government’s Find a Job service.

Entry routes and training

It is possible to enter this career without any qualifications. Training is usually on-the-job. Knowledge and skills developed through relevant work experience are useful. For example, some entrants have experience of fish farming, other farm work, gamekeeping or environmental conservation. Police or security work can also be relevant.

A related apprenticeship is the level 2 programme for the role water environment worker.

With skills and knowledge gained through experience, you could be promoted to a head bailiff/keeper position. Experienced keepers/bailiffs could move into supervisory or management-level posts in fish farming.

Qualifications

To become a water keeper/bailiff, you don’t usually need any qualifications. However, some GCSEs, for example, in sciences or practical subjects, or a relevant equivalent qualification, would be useful.

If you wish to enter this career through an Apprenticeship, you will need to be 16. You will usually need GCSEs (including English and maths), although you may be able to work towards these while undertaking your apprenticeship.

To do an Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First, there are no minimum academic requirements. Entry to Edexcel (BTEC) level 3 Nationals is usually with 4 GCSEs (9-4), often including science subjects, or a level 2 First.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained skills and knowledge through relevant work experience, for example, in farm work, gamekeeping or conservation.

Related careers

Environmental conservation officer
Fish farm manager
Fish farm worker
Gamekeeper