At a Glance
- Tasks: Support seafarers and fishers with practical, pastoral, and spiritual care across West Coast Scotland.
- Company: Join Stella Maris, the largest ship-visiting network, making a real difference for maritime workers.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 28 days leave, and a pension scheme with matching contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and making a meaningful impact.
- Why this job: Be a vital advocate for seafarers, ensuring their welfare and dignity while working in diverse communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral care, community outreach, and managing volunteers is essential.
Hours of work: Between 24 to 40 hours (with paid 1 hour lunch break).
This post is offered on a part-time to full-time basis, equivalent to 3–5 days per week.
Location: Ports and harbours throughout West Coast of Scotland, including, but not limited to Argyll & the Isles, Mallaig, Oban, Fort William, as well as some working from home.
Leave arrangements: 28 days per annum FTE plus bank and statutory holidays.
Pension: Stella Maris operates a pension scheme (up to 6% matching contributions).
Full details, and terms and conditions of employment will be issued if an offer of employment is made.
Right to Work in the UK: Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom at the time of application.
The organisation is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Pre-employment
Checks: Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, and/ or Scottish equivalent.
Closing date for applications: 25 October 2026 About Stella Maris Stella Maris is the largest ship-visiting network in the world, supporting seafarers, fishers, and their families.
For more than 100 years, our network of chaplains and volunteers has been a trusted presence in ports, offering practical, pastoral and spiritual support to those who work at sea.
About the Job Reporting to the Senior Area Port Chaplain for Scotland and Northern Ireland, the Regional Port Chaplain for West Coast of Scotland you will promote the vision, mission and values of Stella Maris in caring for all seafarers and fishers by providing them practical, pastoral and spiritual support.
You will recruit, train and support Stella Maris staff and volunteers for the port and will maintain good relations with local parishes and the local diocese.
You will work ecumenically with members of other Christian maritime societies with whom Stella Maris works.
We are looking for a confident candidate with experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, community outreach, welfare services, or mission work and experience in managing volunteers and building relationships with multiple stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities You will be expected
- To meet the welfare and pastoral needs of all seafarers and fishers equally according to their needs and wishes.
To be an advocate on their behalf, upholding the dignity of each.
Through regular and frequent ship visiting, to understand the working and living conditions of the seafarer and fishers and be able to work for justice and for the well-being of all crew members without distinction.
- To address the communication needs of seafarers, providing transport, news, and access to telephone and internet facilities.
- To address the welfare needs of seafarers and fishers, including support with money transfers, hospitality, and crisis support, e. g. abandonment, injury and death, detainment, bereavement, advice and access to medical care.
- To meet the ecclesial, spiritual, and sacramental needs of Catholic seafarers and fishers; to facilitate the religious and spiritual needs of others and to be a pastor to all, sharing one’s faith as appropriate.
- To participate in SM conferences, ongoing formation and other professional courses as required.
- To support seafarer centre functioning.
- To recruit, train, develop and retain a SM ship visiting volunteering team.
- To represent SM on the local Port Welfare Committee(s), to include attending such meetings and submitting reports.
- To liaise and maintain good working relationships with all port stakeholders, including the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the International Transport Workers’ Federation, port health, harbour masters, dockers, security, and shipping agents.
- To work in an ecumenical and multi-faith context by respecting the differing religious and spiritual needs of seafarers drawn from diverse regions throughout the world.
- To encourage and support the development of an ecumenical service to seafarers through engagement with our ecumenical colleagues, including Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest (QVSR), Mission to Seafarers, Fishermen’s Mission, Sailors’ Society (to name a few).
- To engage with local maritime colleges.
- To engage with the local press, in particular the local Catholic diocesan press.
- To represent and be a proactive advocate for SM at Deanery meetings, in local parishes, in schools, with diocesan Justice and Peace networks, with migrant communities, in the local Catholic community and in the local community as a whole.
- To support the Fundraising and Communications team with the development of local fundraising initiatives.
- To promote SM internally and externally so as to ensure a highly motivated workforce and a positive external image.
About You Required Elements Roman Catholic Full UK Driving Licence.
Minimum 3 years’ experience in pastoral care, chaplaincy, community outreach, welfare services, or mission work.
Experience managing volunteers and building relationships with multiple stakeholders.
Able to work independently and without supervision.
Be able to use own initiative.
Happy to manage and be responsible for a small team of volunteers.
Good interpersonal/social skills.
Able to interact and be comfortable around a diverse range of people.
Willing to work ecumenically (with other of other faiths and those of no faith).
Be competent in basic IT and using Word, Excel, Teams and databases.
Knowledge of the geographical area.
Flexible.
Good time management.
Resilient.
Desired Elements 5 O Levels/ GCSEs (or Scottish equivalent) and 2 A Levels.
Strong commitment to team working and an ability to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships with colleagues across whole organisation.
Resilient, determined and robust with a positive outlook.
Dynamic and energetic personality with a high degree of personal drive and self- motivation.
Desire to succeed, achieve results and make a difference.
Knowledge of the wider UK charity sector.
Knowledge of the wider maritime sector.
Understanding of the Catholic Church.
How to Apply If you would like to apply for this position, please send the following: An up-to-date CV outlining your employment history, academic and professional qualifications, and contact details.
A supporting statement (no more than 2 x A4 pages) demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the job description and person specification and why you are interested in becoming the Head of International Programmes at Stella Maris.
Key dates Closing date for applications 23:59 hrs on 25 October 2026 Short listing 27 October 2026 Candidates notified of shortlisting results 28 October 2026 1st Round of Interviews 2 November 2026 2nd Round of Interviews (if required) 3 November 2026 Candidates notified of outcome 5 November 2026
Regional Port Chaplain (West Coast Scotland) employer: Stella Maris
Stella Maris is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of seafarers and fishers along the stunning West Coast of Scotland. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including a pension scheme and ample leave, you will thrive in a role that values your pastoral care experience while working within a diverse and ecumenical community. Join us in our mission to provide vital support and advocacy for those who work at sea, all while enjoying the beautiful coastal environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Port Chaplain (West Coast Scotland)
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
✨Join Social Impact Networks
Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Stella Maris. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re still in uni, tap into career services that may have exclusive listings for part-time roles in nonprofits. They often host job fairs or info sessions where you can meet representatives from organisations like Stella Maris directly. It’s a great way to make an impression beyond your CV!
✨Check Out Online Opportunities
Websites like Idealist or CharityJob specifically showcase part-time positions in the nonprofit sector. Make sure to check these regularly while keeping an eye on Stella Maris’s own job listings on our website. Being proactive here can put you ahead of the curve!
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Port Chaplain (West Coast Scotland)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Regional Port Chaplain (West Coast Scotland) at Stella Maris, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Regional Port Chaplain (West Coast Scotland), customise your documents to fit the vibe of Stella Maris. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stella Maris
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Stella Maris. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Stella Maris's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
