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- Tasks: Maintain and inspect lighthouses, ensuring safety for mariners.
- Company: Join the Northern Lighthouse Board, a historic authority safeguarding maritime navigation since 1786.
- Benefits: Earn up to £28,911 pro rata, with protective gear provided and generous leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on maritime safety while enjoying a unique outdoor role.
- Qualifications: Must be fit, computer literate, and hold a full UK driving licence.
- Other info: Ideal for locals in Caithness; training opportunities included.
The predicted salary is between 27270 - 28911 £ per year.
Job Description
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 NORTHERN LIGHTHOUSE BOARD
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require a
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RETAINED LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER (RLK) – CAITHNESS
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About Us
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The Northern Lighthouse Board is the General Lighthouse Authority for Scotland and the Isle of Man, responsible for the superintendence and management of all lighthouses, buoys and beacons within those waters. We have provided this vital safety service to mariners since 1786.
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The Role – Overview
As Retained Lighthouse Keeper you will help maintain 3 Lighthouses around Caithness. This will involve carrying out routine inspections and maintenance of the stations and reporting on these activities. You will respond to malfunctions to keep the Aids to Navigation operational and accompany both internal and external visitors at the station as required. You may also be required to make observations on additional local Aids to Navigation. There will be a periodic requirement to attend Health and Safety training and to complete various online training courses.
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Each Caithness station will require one 8-hour visit per month to carry out the routine inspection. Total hours per annum: 266
Qualifications/ Experience Required
You should be computer literate, be physically fit (regular medical assessments will be required to be attended), and in possession of a current, full UK driving licence, with regular access to a suitable vehicle. You will ideally live in the Caithness area.
Salary and Benefits
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·       Salary range is £27,270 per year rising to £28,911 per year pro rata depending on performance.
·       Starting salary, pro-rated will be £3,776 per annum
·       Annual allowance of £603 for annual leave entitlement of 43 hours
·       Personal protective safety equipment and NLB corporate attire will be supplied.
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There is also the opportunity to add real value to a professional organisation dedicated to the safety of those at sea, and to the protection of our maritime environment.
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For further details and an application pack please download an application from our website
CLOSING DATE: Thursday 2nd October 2025
The NLB is an Equal Opportunities employer
Retained Lighthouse Keeper - Caithness employer: Northern Lighthouse Board
Contact Detail:
Northern Lighthouse Board Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Retained Lighthouse Keeper - Caithness
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific lighthouses in Caithness. Understanding their history, maintenance needs, and any recent developments will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former lighthouse keepers or maritime professionals. They can provide insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the role, which can help you prepare for potential interview questions.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your physical fitness and any relevant experience in maintenance or inspections. Be ready to discuss how you manage health and safety in practical situations, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing training and development. Mention any previous training you've undertaken, especially related to health and safety, as well as your willingness to complete the required online courses.
We think you need these skills to ace Retained Lighthouse Keeper - Caithness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and qualifications required for the Retained Lighthouse Keeper position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience related to maintenance, inspections, or safety training. Mention your computer literacy and physical fitness, as these are key requirements for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that explains why you are interested in the position and how your background makes you a suitable candidate. Be sure to mention your familiarity with the Caithness area and your ability to respond to malfunctions effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern Lighthouse Board
✨Know Your Lighthouses
Familiarise yourself with the specific lighthouses you'll be maintaining. Understand their history, functionality, and any recent changes or upgrades. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you answer questions more effectively.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Be prepared to discuss any previous experience related to maintenance, inspections, or safety protocols. If you've worked in similar roles or environments, share those experiences to demonstrate your capability for the job.
✨Emphasise Safety Awareness
Since health and safety training is a key part of the role, be ready to talk about your understanding of safety protocols. Mention any relevant training you've completed and how you prioritise safety in your work.
✨Show Your Local Knowledge
Living in the Caithness area is ideal for this position. Use this to your advantage by discussing your familiarity with the local maritime environment and any community connections that could benefit the role.