At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead deck operations and ensure safety compliance on our Marine Inspection vessels.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, a key player in Scotland's maritime operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 175 days of annual leave and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in maritime operations while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Must hold a Masters (Unlimited) Certificate and relevant STCW qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Ready to take command of challenge, responsibility and impact? Join us as First Officer (Executive) on our Marine Inspection vessels and help steer the future of Scotland’s maritime operations. We are seeking an experienced and highly capable First Officer (Executive) to lead our deck department and serve as the principal deputy to the Commanding Officer. This pivotal role carries responsibility for the management of all deck operations, maintenance programmes, safety compliance and the effective supervision of deck personnel. You will ensure vessel stability, oversee deck equipment, RIBs and harbour operations, and maintain statutory documentation while upholding all Safety Management System (SMS) procedures and driving corrective actions where required. This role will be based on board MPV Jura.
Responsibilities:
- Act as head of the deck department and deputy to the Commanding Officer.
- Oversee all deck operations, maintain lifting gear and certification, and associated safety requirements.
- Manage deck maintenance, report defects, and ensure SMS procedures are followed.
- Conduct draught readings, trim/stability calculations, and maintain statutory records.
- Lead and instruct deck and catering personnel on procedures and operational tasks.
- Carry out British Sea Fishery Officer duties and support enforcement operations.
- Maintain training records, RIBs/equipment, medical care stores.
- Investigate non-conformities, implement corrective actions, and maintain operational documentation.
- Keep navigational watches as required and perform other duties at the discretion of the Commanding Officer.
Qualifications:
- Masters (Unlimited) Certificate of competency.
- Valid ENG1 Certificate – Must declare limitations prior to taking on role.
- All relevant STCW qualifications.
You must have demonstrable experience of working as a First Officer Executive on a MPV.
How to apply:
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 17 August 2026 however this may be subject to change. Apply before 23:59 on 4 August 2026.
This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only (external candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy).
About us:
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.
Your annual leave allowance is 175 days. Leave is calculated pro-rata based on the period of time employed. Typical trip lengths are 22 days on, 22 days off or 28 days on 26 days off.
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
First Officer Executive employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land First Officer Executive
✨Connect with Local Logistic Groups
Dive into local transportation and logistics groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. Show up to their meetups if you can – it's a great way to network with industry pros who can share insights, job openings, or even refer you to their own company.
✨Get Behind the Wheel of Job Boards
Look for job boards specific to transportation and logistics, like Logistics Job Site or TransportJobs. These platforms often have listings that you won’t find on general job boards, so they’re worth checking out regularly!
✨Leverage Internships & Graduate Schemes
Many companies in transportation and logistics offer graduate schemes and internships that can pave the way to full-time positions. Don't shy away from applying; even a short stint can make a solid impact on your CV and get your foot in the door at companies like Scottish Government.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
When you find openings at great companies, make sure to apply directly through our website. It not only shows your initiative but also helps us to help you get noticed by Scottish Government. Every application gets us one step closer to landing that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace First Officer Executive
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:When you're applying for a role in the transportation and logistics sector at Scottish Government, make sure to highlight any relevant experience. Whether it's moving goods, coordinating schedules, or using transportation management software, give us the lowdown on your past gigs. It'll paint a clearer picture of what you're capable of!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers speak volumes in logistics! If you've optimised routes, reduced delivery times, or improved customer satisfaction, mention those incredible stats in your CV. This gives us concrete evidence of your impact and showcases your problem-solving skills.
Tailor That Cover Letter:Your cover letter should be more than just a formality—let it breathe your personality and passion for logistics! Explain why you're excited about the role at Scottish Government and how you can contribute to our team. Don't forget to tie in specific skills or experiences that relate to the job description.
Research and Reflect:Before you hit 'submit,' spend some time digging into Scottish Government. Understand our mission, values, and the specific challenges in the logistics industry. This will help you craft a targeted application that shows you truly want to be part of our crew, setting you apart from the rest!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Logistics Basics
Get familiar with the key principles of transportation and logistics, like supply chain management, inventory control, and route optimisation. You might get asked practical questions about how to improve efficiency, so brush up on your problem-solving skills and be prepared to discuss any relevant software tools you've used.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In logistics, employers love to gauge how you'd handle real-life situations. Expect scenario-based questions where you’ll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills, like how to manage delays or coordinate shipments during a crisis. Practise outlining your thought process clearly and logically.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Experience
Full-time roles in logistics often require collaboration with various teams, so don't forget to showcase your teamwork experience. Think of examples where you've used communication and collaboration to ensure smooth operations, and get ready to elaborate on how you can facilitate teamwork in a busy environment like at Scottish Government.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
In our world of logistics, missing a small detail can lead to big problems. Be prepared to discuss instances where your attention to detail saved the day, whether it was engaging with clients, managing documentation, or tracking shipments accurately. This will help demonstrate how you can be a reliable asset to Scottish Government.
