At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the On The Water project, engaging young people in boating activities.
- Company: Join the Marine Society & Sea Cadets, a charity transforming lives through nautical adventures.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, 25 days leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 23635 - 23635 £ per year.
Location: Midlands Boat Station (Edgbaston, Birmingham)
Contract: Full time, 11 week fixed term contract, starting on 22 June 2026
Salary: £23,635 gross pro rata
Closing Date: Tuesday 9 June 2026
Interview: Interviews to be held virtually on Wednesday 17 June 2026
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society.
We are currently looking for an OTW Project Assistant who will support the delivery of the On The Water project at one of the boat stations, specifically at Midlands (Birmingham); whilst being engaged remotely to the other 2 sites at the Port Edgar Boat Station and Royal Docks Boat Station. The project provides young people from outside Sea Cadets, age 9-14, the opportunity to get on the water, learn new skills and build confidence through boating activity. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, inspiring, organised, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people with an attention to detail and real enthusiasm for the project.
Key Responsibilities
- The welcoming and registration of participants for the On The Water project
- Collecting and uploading daily statistics and figures that show how the project is progressing
- Making new and repeat bookings
- Talking to participants and their parents/carers about the opportunities within Sea Cadets
- Managing a waiting list and reducing dropouts
- Responsible for the safety and wellbeing of participants alongside the Boat Station staff
- Ensure that participants complete surveys to share their experience of the project and encourage adults to feedback on their young people’s experience
- Attend any meetings as required by the project
- Assist with the evaluation of the On The Water project
Previous experience of:
- Working with volunteers
- A customer facing role
- Working with young people
- Working with diverse community groups or working in outreach
- Tracking targets and managing data
Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively. Flexible and enthusiastic. Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK.
Satisfactory DBS.
For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack.
Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture. Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays. Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension. Private medical insurance. Pension (employer contribution up to 10%). Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling. Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
If you are interested in this Project Assistant (OTW) vacancy, please apply now!
Additional Information
MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.
We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire. All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.
On The Water Project Assistant (Birmingham) employer: MS Sc
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises personal and professional development while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people. Located at the Midlands Boat Station in Birmingham, employees benefit from flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for all staff. With a focus on employee growth and well-being, MSSC provides unique opportunities to engage with diverse communities and contribute to life-changing nautical adventures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land On The Water Project Assistant (Birmingham)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, dive into the Marine Society & Sea Cadets' mission and values. This will help you connect your passion for working with young people to their goals, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experiences with young people and community outreach, as these are key for the OTW Project Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! During the interview, let your passion for boating and youth development shine through. Share personal stories that highlight your creativity and ability to inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace On The Water Project Assistant (Birmingham)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the On The Water Project Assistant role. We want to see your passion for working with young people and your enthusiasm for boating activities!
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t forget to mention any relevant experience you have, especially in customer-facing roles or working with diverse community groups. We love seeing how you've made a difference in previous positions!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate a well-organised application!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MS Sc
✨Know the Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the On The Water project thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its goals, the age group it serves, and how it impacts young people's lives. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As the role involves working with young people and their families, be prepared to discuss your experience in customer-facing roles or outreach work. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with diverse community groups and made a positive impact.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Highlight your ability to manage time and workload effectively. You might be asked about how you would handle participant registrations or manage a waiting list, so think of examples where you've successfully organised events or projects in the past.
✨Emphasise Your Team Spirit
The role requires collaboration with volunteers and staff, so be ready to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share instances where you've empowered others or contributed creatively to a team project, showcasing your enthusiasm for making a difference.
