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- Tasks: Assist with daily harbour operations and ensure a safe, clean environment.
- Company: Join Torbay Council and be part of a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to work in beautiful coastal locations.
- Why this job: Perfect for maritime enthusiasts looking to make a difference in their community.
- Qualifications: Must have maritime certification and customer service experience.
- Other info: Flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, with great team support.
The predicted salary is between 26598 - 31022 £ per year.
Application Deadline:
6 October 2025
Department:
Pride in Place
Location:
Torbay Council
Compensation:
£26,598 – £31,022 / year
Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
Join Torbay Council as a Harbour Assistant and play a vital role in maintaining our beautiful harbour estates.
This role will be primarily based at Brixham Harbour, but you may be required to cover Paignton or Torquay at times.
Under the direction of the Harbour Master and their team, you\’ll assist with a variety of day-to-day operations and maintenance activities, ensuring our quays and infrastructure are well-maintained, clean, and safe.
You will provide a professional and efficient service to customers, visitors, and the public. Key duties include assisting with vessel arrivals and departures, collecting harbour charges, managing traffic and parking, maintaining communication, and enforcing Harbour Bye-laws.
If you\’re passionate about maritime activities and ready to contribute to the community, apply now to be part of our dedicated team
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**For an informal chat please contact Oliver Parker-Ford on or
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 20th October 2025.
Our adverts do sometimes close early – even where there\’s a published deadline – so if you\’re keen, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills**
Essential:
- A high level of customer care with proven experience.
- Ability to deal with conflict situations with tact and diplomacy when required.
- Flexible approach to working hours – candidate will be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays and possible extended summer working hours.
- Ability to attend the harbour within 30 minutes, outside normal working hours, in an emergency situation.
- Able to work effectively as part of a team and to work on own initiative without close supervision.
This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
Knowledge
Essential:
- Understanding of small boats and basics ship requirements, including the practices of good seamanship.
- Basic knowledge of PC/IT systems.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Maritime Certification – RYA Powerboat Level 2/ MCA Boatmaster.
- Previous maritime experience.
- Short Range VHF Radio Certificate of Competence.
- Full Driving Licence.
Harbour Assistant employer: Torbay Council
Contact Detail:
Torbay Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Harbour Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Harbour Master and their team! Building a rapport with them can really help you stand out. Don’t be shy; introduce yourself and show your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your customer service skills during the interview. Think of examples where you've dealt with tricky situations or provided excellent service. We want to see how you handle real-life scenarios!
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and ready to adapt! The job might require you to work weekends or holidays, so highlight your willingness to jump in whenever needed. It shows you're committed to the team and the community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your passion for maritime activities right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Harbour Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for maritime activities shine through. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing to our beautiful harbour and community.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer care and maritime roles. We love seeing how your skills align with what we need, so don’t be shy about showcasing your qualifications and any maritime certifications you hold.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can communicate effectively!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! Our adverts can close early, so if you’re keen on joining us as a Harbour Assistant, get your application in as soon as possible through our website. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Torbay Council
✨Know Your Maritime Stuff
Brush up on your knowledge of small boats and good seamanship practices. Be ready to discuss your maritime experience and certifications, like the RYA Powerboat Level 2 or MCA Boatmaster, as these will be key in showcasing your suitability for the Harbour Assistant role.
✨Customer Care is Key
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with the public, prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in the past. Think about times when you handled conflict with tact and diplomacy, as this will demonstrate your ability to manage challenging situations effectively.
✨Flexibility is Your Friend
Be prepared to talk about your flexible approach to working hours, especially since the job requires weekend and Bank Holiday shifts. Highlight any previous roles where you adapted to changing schedules or worked outside normal hours, showing that you're ready to step up when needed.
✨Team Player with Initiative
This position requires both teamwork and the ability to work independently. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others while also taking initiative on your own. This will help illustrate that you can thrive in both environments at the harbour.