Stevedore - Tier 1 (temporary) in Dover

Port of Dover Cargo Ltd (POD Cargo) are looking for motivated and reliable Tier 1 Stevedores on a Seasonal contract to join our Operations Team. This is a hands-on role involving the safe and efficient loading, unloading, and storage of a wide variety of cargo, both on vessels and within our warehouse facilities. You’ll play a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day port operations, working across multiple environments including quayside, onboard vessels, and warehouse settings. We are looking for this to commence from late August/September and continue through to approximately March 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Load and unload cargo vessels safely and efficiently (vehicles, containers, pallets, grain, and more)
• Assist with container lashing operations, including fitting and removing twist locks
• Support mooring and un-mooring of vessels, including provision of gangways
• Operate a range of equipment including forklifts, pallet trucks, and reach trucks
• Work within vessel hatches during cargo operations
• Carry out warehouse duties such as put-away, picking, and dispatch
• Complete electronic and paper-based documentation, including pre-use checks and operational records
• Use tablets and other devices to record cargo handling and quality checks
• Support operations across the wider Port (e.g. Cruise Terminal, Eastern Docks)
• Assist in the training and mentoring of new team members where required

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience

• Ability to work unsupervised
• Have clear communication skills
• Be physically fit to be able to climb ladders and work on vessels
• Ability to work outside in all weathers
• Ability to work shifts to include weekends and nights

Desirable

• Previous experience in manual handling and lifting plant applications would be desirable, but not essential as full training can be provided
• Warehouse Operations experience
• Reach Truck Operator
• Hold a valid Forklift Truck Operator qualification
• Mooring trained
• Full UK driving license

Benefits

• Accrued holiday entitlement
• Auto enrolment pension (after 3 months)
• Free parking
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Benefits and reward platform
• PPE provided
• Employee volunteering scheme

Why Join Us?

At the Port of Dover, you’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive team in a fast-paced maritime environment. We pride ourselves on professionalism, teamwork, and creating a great place to work where everyone contributes to operational success.

Hours of work: 36 hrs per week. You will be required to work 12 hours day and night shifts over a 7 day operation, in line with our vessels.

Salary: £13.49p/h

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK. Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best. All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 5pm. Please note that we may close the advertisement earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.