At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to maintain and operate lifeboat equipment, ensuring readiness for emergencies.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a dedicated organisation saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, pension scheme, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by saving lives while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ L4/SVQ L5 in engineering or relevant experience with mechanical systems.
The predicted salary is between 33750 - 41250 £ per year.
About Us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’re looking for a Senior Station Technician to join the team at Invergordon Lifeboat Station. This seagoing role would suit someone with strong mechanical skills who also enjoys leading people, sharing knowledge, and taking real pride in keeping equipment in top condition.
Some Of The Benefits
- £35,853 to £42,181 (dependent on experience)
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Competitive pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Health cash plan option
The role
Do you have what it takes to help save lives at sea? Your time will be spent ensuring that the Shannon Class All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) is kept in the best possible condition. You will also ensure that the Lifeboat Station functions on a day-to-day basis. You will be involved in training volunteer crew members - so that when an emergency shout does occur, you, your crew, and your lifeboat will be absolutely prepared.
What you’ll be doing
- Carrying out maintenance, repair and inspections in line with schedules, and recording this using RNLI systems
- Developing and maintaining your skills at sea so that you can fulfil the seagoing requirement of this role
- Inspiring and motivating your team; supporting their development, conducting shore-based training, identifying ways they can improve and imparting your valuable knowledge.
- Meeting and talking to the general public about your station’s work.
- Taking a lead on Quality, Safety, Health, and Environment issues, helping to develop a positive culture within the station.
- Spending time in the day to day running of the Lifeboat Station; this may be in the form of answering e-mails, ensuring records are maintained and working with the Operations Team.
You’ll be part of a team at the RNLI. You will work in the leadership team at the station to support the near 40-strong volunteer operational crew. You will also work alongside RNLI support staff to ensure you and your station have the resources you need.
About You
The role of Senior Station Technician is focused for those individuals with an NVQ L4/SVQ L5 in an engineering discipline or time served engineering apprenticeship or sound background and experience in mechanical, electrical or electronic engineering. You’ll be self-motivated, comfortable working independently and as part of a team, and enjoy solving practical problems. You’ll take pride in your work, be open to feedback, and support others in developing their skills. You’ll also have the technical capability and confidence to meet the engineering challenges at station. You’ll be someone who can build strong, positive relationships with volunteers, supporters and RNLI colleagues. You’ll act as an ambassador for both the station and the RNLI within the local community. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are just as important as formal qualifications.
To be considered, you’ll need
- Experience working with diesel engines and DC electrical, hydraulic or electronic control systems
- A strong engineering mindset and practical skills
- The ability, or willingness to train, to fulfil the Lifeboat Mechanic role and develop skills for seagoing duties and a commitment to the 24/7 response
- Leadership qualities and the ability to motivate and support others
- Maritime experience is desirable but not essential
If you’ve worked on cars, HGVs, agricultural machinery, plant equipment or generators, we can support you in adapting your skills to our lifeboat systems. You may already hold the required qualifications or be willing to work towards them. If you don’t meet every point in the job description, we’d still encourage you to apply — we’re keen to see how your experience could transfer into this role.
If you’re looking for a meaningful role where your enthusiasm, engineering skills and leadership can genuinely make a difference, we’d love to hear from you. This is an emergency response role so the successful candidates would need to live within a reasonable distance from the station and be prepared to respond to a pager 24/7 whilst on duty. This post requires a valid driving licence. As this is a sea-going appointment, you will need to satisfy the Institution's medical and eyesight standards.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Senior Station Technician - Invergordon in Highland employer: RNLI
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a life-saving mission while enjoying a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, RNLI provides comprehensive training and career advancement opportunities, all within a flexible hybrid working model based in the beautiful city of Perth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Station Technician - Invergordon in Highland
✨Get Your Hands Dirty
In skilled trades, practical experience is everything. Consider volunteering or doing odd jobs in your area to build up your skills and visibility. Local businesses often appreciate helping hands and it might just lead to a full-time gig!
✨Join Trade Associations
Look into joining organisations specific to your trade (like the National Federation of Builders or similar). They often have job boards, networking events, and apprenticeships that can put you in touch with employers who value skilled workers. Plus, being part of these communities adds credibility to your profiles!
✨Showcase Your Work Online
Craft a portfolio that highlights your craftsmanship—before and after photos, project descriptions, and client testimonials are all golden! Share this on platforms that cater to skilled trades, like Instagram or dedicated forums, to attract potential employers looking for your skillset.
✨Apply Directly and Follow Up
Don’t just rely on job boards—visit local businesses, introduce yourself, and drop off your CV. Building rapport face-to-face can work wonders in the skilled trades sector. And remember, following up after applying through our website shows dedication; it might just give you an edge over other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Station Technician - Invergordon in Highland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills with Certificates:In the skilled trades world, your practical skills and certifications are key! Make sure you highlight any relevant qualifications or training you've completed. If you’ve got a trade-specific certificate, like an NVQ or City & Guilds, include it in your CV to catch RNLI's eye.
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV; tailor it specifically for the skilled trades role at RNLI. Emphasise your hands-on experience, the tools and techniques you’re proficient in, and any notifiable compliance standards you've met. This shows that you’ve put thought into your application.
Highlight Your Projects or Achievements:Don’t forget to showcase any significant projects or achievements in your cover letter. Whether it’s completing a complex installation or meeting deadlines on a large project, these details make a big difference. They help paint a picture of your expertise and dedication!
Keep It Concise and Relevant:When applying for a full-time role in skilled trades, keep your writing to the point. Hiring managers appreciate clear, concise applications. Focus on relevant experiences and skills, and avoid fluff. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can get the job done—so show them you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at RNLI
✨Master the Hands-On Skills
In skilled trades, practical skills matter a ton. Be ready to showcase your hands-on abilities during the interview—whether it's through a practical test or a demonstration of your craftsmanship. Bring your best examples of past projects to discuss them in detail!
✨Know Your Tools Like the Back of Your Hand
Employers in the skilled trades often want to hear about your proficiency with specific tools and equipment. Brush up on the tools relevant to your field and be prepared to discuss your experiences using them. This shows you’re not just experienced but also safe and competent.
✨Be Ready to Talk About Safety Practices
Safety is paramount in skilled trades. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge of safety regulations and how you've implemented them in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to a safe working environment—a quality that employers highly value.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
When tackling skilled trade roles, employers want to know about your ability to think on your feet. Be ready with examples of how you've solved unexpected problems on the job. This will illustrate your adaptability and resourcefulness, key traits for a full-time position at RNLI.
