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- Tasks: Assist with ticket sales, customer service, and ensure smooth port operations.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at CalMac, dedicated to exceptional customer experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible hours, training opportunities, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a vibrant, ever-changing environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for customer service, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
- Other info: Seasonal role with opportunities for growth until October 2026.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.
This position is 28 hours per week and is a seasonal position available until October 2026.
Role Overview
As a valued member of the Port team, you will play a vital role in delivering an exceptional experience to everyone who uses our facilities - whether they are island residents, visitors from the UK or abroad, or commercial partners. Your responsibilities will also be essential in maintaining the safety, security, and smooth operation of our ports. This includes supporting pier maintenance, managing traffic flow, assisting with vessel movements, and ensuring the port environment remains clean, organised, and welcoming for all.
Day to Day Working
You will enjoy a varied and dynamic shift pattern that includes weekends, bank holidays, and evening work - perfect for those who thrive in a flexible and ever-changing environment. Some days will start early to welcome the first arrivals, while other shifts may see you staying on to ensure everything runs smoothly until the final vessel departs - making every day different and rewarding. There may be a requirement to work out with these hours due to operational requirements. You will also receive unsociable hours payment of 12.5 percent on top of your hourly rate for shifts which start before 08:00 and/or end after 19:00. The basic hourly rate will be paid at single time for every hour up to 40 hours per week, every hour above this will be paid at 1.75 times the basic hourly rate.
Key Responsibilities
- Ticket Sales, Printing and Distribution: Provide fast, friendly, and accurate ticket sales to ensure a smooth customer experience. Help customers choose the best travel options by offering clear, helpful guidance on our ticketing services. Confidently operate ticketing systems and equipment to issue and distribute tickets efficiently and professionally.
- Customer Interaction: Deliver outstanding customer service by responding to enquiries, resolving concerns, and offering proactive support with a friendly and professional approach. Clearly communicate ticketing details, policies, and procedures to ensure customers feel informed and confident in their travel plans.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Carry out routine maintenance and cleaning tasks to help maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming office environment. Proactively identify and report maintenance needs or safety concerns to ensure a well-functioning and secure workplace.
- Outdoor Work: Expertly marshal vehicles to ensure smooth and safe movement within the port area. Confidently direct traffic during vessel embarkation and disembarkation, maintaining safety and efficiency for all passengers and vehicles.
- Security and Safety: Actively monitor the pier area to maintain a safe and secure environment for all personnel, visitors, and property. Uphold safety standards by enforcing regulations and responding confidently to any incidents or emergencies in line with established procedures.
- Any other duties required by the Port Manager.
About you
We value many qualities in our employees, but most importantly, we seek individuals who are resilient, compassionate, proactive, supportive, and bring a positive, can-do attitude to everything they do. To excel in your role, you will need:
- A genuine passion for providing outstanding customer service and creating positive experiences.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently and clearly.
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset with the ability to think on your feet.
- High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and consistency in all tasks.
- Comfortable with basic IT systems and quick to learn new tools and technologies.
- A strong commitment to living and demonstrating our core values every day.
- A good understanding of CalMac services and a desire to represent the brand with pride.
- Reliable daily access to the terminal, with the ability to commute consistently.
- Flexible and adaptable to a shift-based schedule, including weekends and public holidays.
- A self-starter who can work independently and take initiative when needed.
- A supportive team player who thrives in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment.
Extra Benefits
Enjoy a full uniform and PPE provided to you, along with exceptional training and development opportunities designed to support your growth and career progression within our organisation. Benefit from an industry-leading pension scheme, securing your future with confidence. Take advantage of exclusive discounts onboard our CalMac vessels, making travel more enjoyable and affordable. Access a wide range of staff benefits throughout your employment, enhancing your overall experience as part of our team.
Port Assistant (Eriskay) employer: Caledonian MacBrayne
Contact Detail:
Caledonian MacBrayne Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Port Assistant (Eriskay)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research CalMac and its services so you can chat confidently about how you can contribute to their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to jump in.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills! Since this role is all about providing a top-notch experience, think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and friendly approach. Role-play with a mate if you need to!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and show it! Highlight your adaptability during interviews. Mention any past experiences where you thrived in dynamic environments or had to adjust quickly to changes—this will resonate well with the shift-based nature of the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and the perks that come with it. Don’t miss out on those exclusive staff benefits!
We think you need these skills to ace Port Assistant (Eriskay)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Customer Service: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for providing outstanding customer service shine through. Share examples of how you've created positive experiences for others, as this is key to what we value at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: Make sure your written application is easy to read and straight to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically, so we can easily see how you fit the role of Port Assistant.
Highlight Your Flexibility: Since this role involves a varied shift pattern, emphasise your adaptability in your application. Mention any previous experience working flexible hours or in dynamic environments to show us you're ready for the challenge.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caledonian MacBrayne
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Port Assistant role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like ticket sales, customer interaction, and safety protocols. This will help you demonstrate your genuine passion for providing outstanding customer service during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is all about delivering exceptional experiences, be ready to share examples of how you've provided great customer service in the past. Think of specific situations where you resolved issues or went above and beyond for a customer, as this will highlight your proactive and supportive nature.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Adaptability
With a shift-based schedule that includes weekends and evenings, it's important to show that you're flexible and adaptable. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed varying work hours in previous roles and how you thrive in dynamic environments. This will reassure them that you're ready for the challenges of the job.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or what a typical day looks like. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.