At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the On The Water project, engaging young people in boating activities.
- Company: Join a vibrant charity dedicated to transforming young lives through nautical adventures.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a rewarding and varied role.
- Qualifications: Experience with volunteers, customer service, and working with young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 23635 - 23635 € per year.
Location: Port Edgar Boat Station (South Queensferry, Edinburgh)
Contract: Full time, 11 week fixed term contract, starting on 22 June 2026
Salary: £23,635 gross pro rata
Closing Date: Friday 5 June 2026
Interview: Interviews to be held virtually on Thursday 11 June 2026
Are you looking for a new opportunity? 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 Port Edgar (Edinburgh); whilst being engaged remotely to the other 2 sites at the Midlands 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
Requirements
- Previous experience of working with volunteers
- Experience in a customer facing role
- Experience working with young people
- Experience working with diverse community groups or working in outreach
- Experience of 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
Benefits
- 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 (Edinburgh) employer: MSSC
The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is an exceptional employer located at Port Edgar Boat Station in Edinburgh, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises personal and professional development. With flexible working hours, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, MSSC fosters an inclusive environment where staff can thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people through nautical adventures. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and empowers individuals to reach their full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land On The Water Project Assistant (Edinburgh)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research the Marine Society & Sea Cadets and their On The Water project. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨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 your application. This can give you insider knowledge and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those virtual interviews! Make sure you have a quiet space, test your tech beforehand, and dress appropriately. Practise common interview questions related to working with young people and community outreach to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role. Don’t forget to highlight your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the project!
We think you need these skills to ace On The Water Project Assistant (Edinburgh)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the On The Water project shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in young people's lives and how your skills can contribute to our mission.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially working with young people and volunteers. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you’re the perfect fit for the OTW Project Assistant role.
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 this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at MSSC
✨Know the Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the On The Water project thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its goals, target audience, and how it impacts young people. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Young People
Highlight any previous experience you have working with young people or in community outreach. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've engaged with diverse groups and made a positive impact. This is crucial for the role!
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As the role requires strong organisational abilities, prepare to discuss how you manage your time and workload effectively. Share examples of how you've tracked targets or managed data in past roles to illustrate your skills.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Creativity
The MSSC values teamwork and creative solutions. Be prepared to talk about how you've collaborated with others in previous roles and any innovative ideas you might bring to the On The Water project. Show them you're a team player who can inspire volunteers!
