Boatman

As Boatman you will have some responsibility to maintain and transport, under the direction of the Senior Boatman, the boats and equipment of the Eton College Boat Club (ECBC) fleet, to assist in the maintenance, cleaning and safe administration of ECBC boathouses, to assist with the smooth running of events both at Eton and elsewhere at busier periods throughout the year.

Ideally, it is desirable that the successful applicant will also have the ability to coach a crew. Willingness to work in a team and share good practice and ideas is essential, as is an open and approachable personality.

Working Pattern

This is a permanent full-time position working 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year (inclusive of holiday). Due to the nature of the post it might be that this pattern is exceeded during term time, however time off in lieu during the school holidays will be given. There is also a requirement to work some early mornings, late evenings and weekends. Exact working patterns would be by agreement with your line manager.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Main Duties

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Boat/Fleet responsibilities

• Carry out routine maintenance and refurbishment of ECBC rowing, safety and coaching equipment, after initial “triage” by the Senior Boatman.
• Road or river transport of boats or personnel as instructed by Senior Boatman or Head of Rowing, where such transport relates to boats, coaches or boys of the external racing fleet.
• To rig boats as requested by Senior Boatman or coaches of external racing crews.

General responsibilities

• Accompanying the ECBC on away fixtures as directed by the Senior Boatman or Head of Rowing. Typically, this would involve:
• five sculling and small boat Head Races or Great Britain assessment weekends in the Michaelmas term;
• six Head races or Great Britain assessment weekends in the Lent term;
• most weekends during the Summer term, including Friday and Saturday of the National Schools’ Regatta and, at the discretion of the Master in Charge of Rowing, parts of GB Junior Final Trials and British Rowing Junior Championships.
• To assist at ECBC bumping races and ECBC Internal events.
• To assist with transport of ECBC equipment to and from training camps abroad.
• Commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion.
• All positions at Eton are classed as ‘regulated activity’ as per the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024 guidance, therefore a good understanding of safeguarding procedures is essential.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including by not limited to, completing safeguarding training as required, and ensuring any safeguarding updates issued by the College are read and understood.
• Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

Coaching responsibilities

• Coach members of Eton College Boat Club to improve their skills in rowing and sculling.
• Assist with land training.
• To promote and adhere to all safety procedures at all times.
• To register who is present at each session, making sure to keep an accurate record.

The Ideal Candidate

Skills and Competencies Required

To be successful in this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate the following qualities:

• Experience of boat building, repairs maintenance and general carpentry skills would also be desirable.
• A minibus and trailer driving licence is desirable.
• RYA level 2 Powerboating certificate is desirable.
• An extensive knowledge of rowing.
• A strong understanding of issues of safety on the water and an ability to instil the importance of this in young people.
• A British Rowing coaching qualification, Instructor’s Award level or higher/or equivalent or a background in high performance rowing is desirable.
• An ability to enthuse and encourage those they coach.
• An ability to build good individual relationships.
• Experience of working with children between the ages of 13 and 18 would be advantageous.

You may enjoy this role if you;

• Are a self-starter, able to take the initiative and be proactive;
• You are reliable and have a responsible attitude.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College’s sport and leisure facilities and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

About the College

We are an equal opportunities employer and are seeking applications from suitable candidates from all backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating and sustaining an environment that values individuality and difference and celebrates the diversity of both staff and pupils by fostering perseverance, tolerance and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background.

If you have any queries about the application process or any problem with submitting your application online, the Recruitment Team will be happy to help. Should you require any reasonable adjustments to be made or facilities provided to enable you to apply online, please do not hesitate to contact us on recruitment@etoncollege.org.uk so we can make adjustments accordingly. 

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including, but not limited to, reference checks with past employers, an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (including Barred List information), an online search and, where applicable, Prohibition checks. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Disclosure Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with any guidance and/or Code of Practice published by the DBS. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings (including those which would normally be considered as “spent” under the Act) must be declared, subject to the DBS filtering rules. It is a criminal offence for any person who is barred from working with children to attempt to apply for a position at the College.