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- Tasks: Assist in lifting and launching boats, perform maintenance, and ensure safety standards.
- Company: Join Cowes Harbour Commission, a key player in the Isle of Wight's maritime scene.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hands-on experience, and training provided.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team and work outdoors in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) required.
- Other info: Full-time seasonal role with flexible hours during peak times.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 35000 £ per year.
Looking for a new challenge? Join our dedicated team at Cowes Harbour Commission as a Port Operative in our bustling Boatyard at East Cowes. If you have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and a passion for delivering great service, we’d love to hear from you.
Role
This hands-on, customer-focused role involves working both independently and as part of a close-knit team. Your primary responsibilities will include assisting in the lifting and launching various types of boats, performing general boatyard tasks, and maintaining vessels.
Key Duties
- Promoting a safety-first culture, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety for all harbour users and colleagues.
- Engaging proactively with harbour and boatyard users, delivering excellent customer care and satisfaction.
- Carrying out boatyard duties and vessel maintenance as directed by the Team Leader.
- Assisting other Cowes Harbour Commission teams as needed.
About You
We’re looking for a motivated, enthusiastic individual with a commitment to safety and a proven ability to work in a health and safety-conscious environment. You’ll need to balance multiple priorities effectively and take direction from your Team Leader. Ideally, you’ll have experience in polishing and anti-fouling; however, training is provided. A resilient attitude toward working outdoors in all weather conditions is essential.
Qualifications
GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).
General Information
This is a full-time, seasonal position based at Kingston Boatyard in East Cowes, with occasional work at our other sites in Cowes. Some flexibility is required during peak times, including weekends, evenings, and Bank Holidays (with prior notice). Rate of pay: £13.21 increases to: £13.72 April 01 2026.
About Us
Cowes Harbour Commission is the Statutory Harbour Authority for Cowes on the Isle of Wight. As the Island’s major port, Cowes supports a wide variety of commercial shipping and ferry operations. It’s also a global hub for yacht racing and leisure sailing, welcoming countless resident and visiting vessels each year. As a Trust Port, Cowes Harbour Commission reinvests all its income into the harbour and its facilities for the benefit of the community. We are entirely self-funded, with revenue generated through activities such as Kingston Boatyard, Shepards Marina, moorings, and our afloat team’s commercial contract work.
Port Operative - Boatyard - Cowes Harbour Commission in East Cowes employer: Cowes Harbour Commission
Contact Detail:
Cowes Harbour Commission Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Port Operative - Boatyard - Cowes Harbour Commission in East Cowes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Cowes Harbour Commission! Research their values and recent projects. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing a role at the Boatyard.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to safety and customer service. Think of examples from your past that showcase your skills and how you handle challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cowes Harbour Commission.
We think you need these skills to ace Port Operative - Boatyard - Cowes Harbour Commission in East Cowes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: When writing your application, let your passion for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re excited about working in our bustling Boatyard and that you have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. If you've worked in a hands-on, customer-focused role before, tell us all about it! We love seeing how your background fits with what we do.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate a straightforward application. Keep your language clear and to the point, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the Port Operative role. Avoid jargon and focus on what matters!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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 position. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cowes Harbour Commission
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Port Operative. Familiarise yourself with tasks like lifting and launching boats, and general maintenance. This will help you demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness to jump in.
✨Show Off Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role is customer-focused, think of examples where you've provided excellent service. Be ready to discuss how you engage with customers and ensure their satisfaction, as this will show you’re a great fit for the team.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Safety is key in this role, so be prepared to talk about your understanding of health and safety practices. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to maintaining a safe working environment.
✨Be Ready for Outdoor Work
This job requires resilience in all weather conditions. Mention any past experiences where you’ve worked outdoors or in challenging environments, as it shows you’re up for the task and can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you.
