Avon River Keeper- A fantastic, Rare & Rather Special Opportunity

The Services Dry Fly Fishing Association (SDFFA) is searching for an exceptional, full time River Keeper to care for 6.5 miles of the historic and environmentally designated Wiltshire Avon, alongside four lakes and an on‑site rearing unit.

The role has only become available as the current River Keeper is retiring after 24 fantastic years, emphasizing the rarity of such a position. 

This is a genuinely unique opportunity to take custodianship of one of England’s most revered chalkstreams, a role for someone who lives and breathes the river, takes pride in quiet excellence, and wants to leave a fishery better than they found it.

 Hours:

39 hours per week (with occasional weekends as and when necessary with time off in lieu)

The Role

Reporting to the Management Committee, you will deliver consistently high‑quality fly fishing for a knowledgeable 150‑rod membership. Working largely unsupervised, you will shape the river day‑to‑day and season‑to‑season through:

• River, lake and habitat management & enhancement
• Stocking implementation and encouragement of wild fish populations
• Weed cutting, bank and fringe maintenance
• Water quality monitoring and reporting
• River woodland management and obstruction clearance
• Predator control and general bailiff duties
• Liaison with riparian owners, agencies and interested parties
• Providing confident, authoritative advice to members

This is a hands‑on, Lone‑Working, outdoor role in all weather, with regular weekend working. It will suit a motivated self‑starter who enjoys responsibility, autonomy and physical work in a truly stunning environment.

About You

Practical, highly competent, personable and respected for your judgement. You bring both technical skill and genuine passion for riverine habitats. It would suit someone who presents themselves well, is full of energy, enthusiasm and dynamism. 

Essential / Strongly Preferred:

• Fisheries, environmental or relevant land‑based qualification
• Proven experience in river and fishery management
• Strong working knowledge of EA, NE and relevant legislation
• Full UK driving licence
• Physically fit and safety‑conscious (essential)
• Comfortable producing and managing risk assessments (including work parties)
• Able to fulfil PUWER and LOLER inspection and recording requirements
• Excellent communicator who is polite, well-presented and approachable

Certifications (ideally most of the following):

• City & Guilds / NPTC chainsaw maintenance, cross‑cutting & felling (small to large trees)
• Powered pole pruner, windblown trees and winch operations
• Forestry clearing saw and wood chipper certification
• Land‑based machinery (mowers, brushcutters, trimmers)
• Work‑related first aid certificate (or willingness to obtain)

What is on Offer

• Salary circa £35,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
• Qualifying pension scheme
• Vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Telecoms & data package
• Protective clothing and PPE
• Ongoing training and refreshers as required
• A genuinely beautiful working environment, and a supportive, appreciative membership

Apply

To apply, please email your CV and a brief covering letter outlining your relevant experience to Rebecca – [email protected]

If you are someone who takes pride in doing things properly, and who wants a long‑term role making a real difference to a remarkable river, we would love to hear from you.

• Closing date: Friday 19th June 2026 
• Interviews: expected, week commencing 29th June 
• Start: September 2026