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- Tasks: Lead and manage Coastguard Rescue Teams, ensuring safety and operational readiness.
- Company: Join the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, a vital public service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, flexible working, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in coastal safety while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience managing teams in high-pressure situations.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 41663 - 41663 £ per year.
Location: Kirkwall, Lerwick
Salary: £41,663 - A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Advertised salary is inclusive of a base salary of £35,663 and £6,000 of additional allowances which includes:
- On-call Allowance - £3,000 per annum
- Public Holiday, Evening and Weekend allowance - £1,000 per annum
- Enhanced Public Holiday, Evening and Weekend allowance - £2,000 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent – Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
As Senior Coastal Operations Officer, you have the responsibility of the management, administration, readiness, and safety of Coastguard Rescue Officers (CRO’s) within Coastguard Rescue Teams. This will be under the supervision of the Coastal Operations Area Commander to ensure that the Operational Area is at a state of constant readiness.
You will also be responsible for the supervision, management and administration of operational equipment, vehicles and estate belonging to a number of Coastguard Rescue Teams.
Top Responsibilities
- Leading and managing a number of teams allocated by the Coastal Operations Area Commander. You will act as mentor and coach to Station Officers, ensuring that there is a consistent standard of leadership and compliance with policy across the teams they are allocated.
- Recruitment, induction, and technical training of volunteer Coastguard Rescue Officers including the monitoring of their probation progress.
- Ensuring Coastguard Rescue Officers are developed appropriately, are motivated and understand the commitment required within the volunteer Coastguard Rescue Service. This includes ensuring that Coastguard Rescue Officers are trained and assessed in all disciplines required in line with national policy, and Area priorities.
- Ensuring adequate levels of supervision and governance are maintained and compliance with ISO 9001:2015. This includes ensuring all associated records and databases are updated and maintained.
- Ensuring teams under your control maintain a high level of operational readiness. This includes: complying with Equipment Management processes; adhering to equipment inspection regimes; ensuring vehicles are compliant with legal requirements and ensuring that HMCG properties are kept in good order and all requirements of the Health and Safety policy are followed.
- Representing HM Coastguard at operational level in local liaison and multi-agency partnership working.
- Ensuring that the MCA safety culture and safe systems of work are implemented within the teams they are responsible for.
Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
Access to the staff discount portal.
Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
Joining a diverse and inclusive workforce with a range of staff communities to support all our colleagues.
24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About you
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Demonstrated good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Managed individuals either full-time or in the voluntary sector.
- Demonstrated command, control and management of operational teams in a pressured environment/situation.
- Worked independently or remotely (from your manager), managing your time against conflicting demands.
Additional Information
Candidates must not have been dismissed by the MCA within the past 24 months for failure to pass the required training for operational posts within HM Coastguard.
Please note that this is a uniformed role and uniform will be required to be worn at all times when on duty.
Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical medical and mental health questionnaire for this role.
Licences: UK Full Driving Licence
How to Apply
Read the full job description and apply here https://bit.ly/4qwtMg2
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 16th February 2026.
Senior Coastal Operations Officer in Kirkwall employer: Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Contact Detail:
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Coastal Operations Officer in Kirkwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. A friendly chat can give us insider info on what they’re really looking for in a Senior Coastal Operations Officer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your leadership and management skills. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase how you’ve successfully led teams under pressure. We want to see that you can handle the heat!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to speak, let them know why you’re excited about working with Coastguard Rescue Teams. We love candidates who are genuinely enthusiastic about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Coastal Operations Officer in Kirkwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Coastal Operations Officer role. We want to see how you can lead and manage teams effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and coaching, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams or individuals in the past. We love a good story that shows your impact!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still being engaging.
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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maritime and Coastguard Agency
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Senior Coastal Operations Officer. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks like managing Coastguard Rescue Officers and ensuring operational readiness. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading teams, be prepared to discuss your previous leadership experiences. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed teams or mentored individuals. Highlight how you maintained high standards and compliance with policies, as this is crucial for the position.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making and problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Practice articulating how you would handle various operational challenges, ensuring you emphasise your ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.
✨Understand the Safety Culture
Familiarise yourself with the MCA's safety culture and the importance of safe systems of work. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these practices within your teams. Showing that you prioritise safety will resonate well with the interviewers and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
