Job Description
Location: Port Office, Stannergate Road
Job Title: Junior Marine Operator
Location: Port of Dundee – with occasional travel to other ports
Hours: Monday-Friday 0800 - 1700
Compensation: £30,150
At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Every day, our teams support the flow of goods, materials, and services that businesses and communities rely on, helping to power economic growth across the UK and beyond. Our people are at the core of everything we do, and their expertise, commitment, and innovation drive our success.
With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we're investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies, including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. For you, this means joining a business that’s evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.
About The Role
We are looking for a Junior Marine Operator to join our Marine team at the Port of Dundee on a 12 month fixed-term contract. Working closely with the Marine Manager & Tay Pilot and wider Marine team, you will support the safe and efficient delivery of day to day marine operations. The role will involve crewing port vessels, carrying out marine husbandry and maintenance duties, and supporting general port activities across Dundee and other Scottish ports as required. This is a hands‑on opportunity to develop your marine skills and experience within a busy port environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Crew and operate pilot vessels and other port vessels for non-pilotage duties within three nautical miles of the port during daylight hours. Duties include general marine operations, counter-pollution activities and overside standby work, carried out in accordance with the relevant vessel operating manuals.
- Act as second man on the Pilot Vessel when required.
- When at sea, ensure that all relevant IMO regulations and Company by‑laws are strictly adhered to. This is particularly relevant in reduced visibility for the keeping of a proper look out at sea.
- Before the boat leaves the mooring, carry out the standard check to establish that all the necessary kit and equipment is in place.
- Carry out any regular on board inspections and maintenance and upkeep as instructed by (Engineering) as well as the Marine Manager & Tay Pilot. Responsible for the cleanliness of vessels both inside and outside. The cleanliness of the vessel must be of the highest standard.
- Report all defects and faults promptly to the Duty Coxswain or Marine Manager & Tay Pilot. Where required, record the defect or fault in the vessel’s logbook, including the date and signature.
- Carry out general marine husbandry duties, including providing water to vessels, using a forklift truck to deliver and collect skips, and overseeing the safe storage and inspection of fenders and lifebuoys.
- Participate in regular safety drills, such as person overboard drills.
- Carry out engineering maintenance tasks as instructed by the Marine Engineers. Appropriate training and support will be provided.
- Assume responsibility for ensuring that the Pilot landing station, marine office and its surrounds are kept clean and tidy and free from obstructions at all times.
- Ensure the crew room at the pilot station is kept clean and tidy.
- Any other Port or Marine duties as required.
What We're Looking For
We are looking for someone with a genuine interest in boating and marine operations, who enjoys practical, hands‑on work and is keen to develop their skills within a marine environment. Previous boating or marine experience would be beneficial, but just as important is a positive attitude, a willingness to learn and the ability to work well as part of a team.
You will be safety conscious, reliable and comfortable working outdoors and onboard vessels in varying weather conditions. Good communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to follow procedures are essential.
Skills & Qualifications
- A practical interest in marine operations and a willingness to develop vessel-handling, marine husbandry and maintenance skills through training and experience are essential.
- The ability to follow operating procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work, and to raise hazards, defects or concerns promptly.
- Good communication and teamwork skills.
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 with a Commercial Endorsement is desirable.
- Experience driving a forklift truck is necessary, ideally7 with a valid forklift truck licence.
- A valid MCA ENG1 or ML5 medical certificate will need to be obtained if successful.
- Full Driving Licence, valid in the UK
- Full UK Working Rights
What Forth Ports Can Offer You
- A competitive salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
- In‑house Occupational Health — Provides professional workplace health advice, support, and guidance for employees across all sites
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — Delivered through Health Assured, offering 24/7, 365‑day confidential wellbeing support via the Wisdom app or telephone access, covering mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and emotional wellbeing
- Physiotherapy Support — Access to physiotherapy sessions through three external providers in Scotland, plus an onsite physiotherapist once per week in Tilbury
- An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat‑free alternative for all employees
- GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms
- Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting
- On‑site free parking available for all employees
- Attractive family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover
- Employee discount platform providing savings on UK‑wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service.
We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries. Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London. A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day. The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Required Criteria
- A practical interest in marine operations and a willingness to develop vessel-handling, marine husbandry and maintenance skills through training and experience are essential
- Experience driving a forklift truck is necessary, ideally7 with a valid forklift truck licence
- Full right to work in the UK
- Full driving licence, valid in the UK
Desired Criteria
- RYA Powerboat Level 2 with a Commercial Endorsement is desirable
Closing Date
Friday 20th November, 2026
Contract Type
fulltime
Salary
£30,150.00 Yearly
Junior Marine Operator in Dundee employer: Forth Ports Limited
Forth Ports Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the Port of Dundee where safety and reliability are paramount. Employees benefit from a strong culture of teamwork and support, with opportunities for professional growth through hands-on experience with heavy equipment and ongoing training. The company values its workforce, providing competitive benefits and the chance to be part of a vital operation that contributes to the region's economy.