Seasonal Marine Services Officer

Seasonal Marine Services Officer (April – October)

Bristol Harbour Authority – Growth and Regeneration Directorate

Contract: April to October (Seasonal)

Bristol Harbour Authority is seeking motivated and capable Seasonal Marine Services Officers to support our busy operational period from April to October. This is a unique opportunity to work within a historic and operational harbour, contributing directly to the safe and effective running of the City Docks during our peak season.

Working as part of the Marine Services team and reporting to the Harbour Operations Manager, you will help deliver essential daily operations, including tidal activities, vessel movements, bridge operations, quayside patrols and water‑based responses.

About the Role

As a Seasonal Marine Services Officer, you will play a key role in ensuring the safety, efficiency and smooth operation of the harbour environment. Duties include:

• Supporting daily operational tasks and tidal procedures.
• Assisting with vessel movements, berthing and waterway management.
• Providing a visible operational presence throughout the docks.
• Ensuring compliance with Harbour Acts, Byelaws and safety procedures.
• Operating bridges, lock gates and associated marine infrastructure.
• Responding to emergency situations, including water‑based incidents.
• Reporting operational issues and supporting the coordination of events and recreational activities.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in a marine or nautical environment.
• RYA Level 2 Powerboat qualification (essential).
• Good level of computer literacy.
• Knowledge of the marine leisure sector.
• Ability to work from small boats and a suitable level of physical fitness.
• Ability to swim.
• Willingness to work shifts, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Why Join Us?

• Work in a unique, historic and dynamic harbour setting.
• Gain experience in marine operations and emergency response.
• Be part of a committed, supportive and professional team.
  
  

Why Bristol City Council?

At Bristol City Council, we go that extra mile for our people; we offer a work environment which is fast moving and supportive, giving you the chance to use your skills and develop new ones within a high-profile organisation. For the majority of our roles hybrid working arrangements are available, giving teams the opportunity to work in a way that suits them, balancing service need and individual choice - mixing both home and office working.

Join us and you’ll receive an excellent rewards package including flexible working and flexitime, membership of the Local Government Pension scheme, and a generous annual leave allowance. In addition, you’ll be working in a supportive environment where you’ll have the chance to make Bristol a better place and contribute to its future.

What We Offer

• A unique and dynamic working environment within a historic and operational harbour.
• Opportunities to develop specialist maritime and emergency response skills.
• The chance to play an important role in ensuring the safety, operation and reputation of the City Docks.
  
  

How do I apply?

To apply, please submit your CV along with a supporting statement that details how you meet the criteria within the Person Specification.

To be shortlisted for interview you’ll need to demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria in the Person Specification. On occasion we will receive high numbers of applications, we may then shortlist against the desirable criteria along with the essential criteria, so if you can, please demonstrate how you meet this in your covering letter. 

We're a Disability Confident employer which means we value recruiting and retaining disabled people. Any job applicants who consider themselves to be disabled and meet the essential criteria in the Person Specification are guaranteed an interview. We'll make reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process and provide continued workplace support throughout your career.

For further information, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification or alternatively, please contact maria.pearce@bristol.gov.uk 

Bristol City Council strives to have a workforce that reflects the communities it serves, we are therefore committed to ensuring diversity in our hiring process. We welcome, develop and promote people from all sections of the community. Appointments will be made on merit. 

The personal information section (including your name) you’ll complete as part of the application form will not be visible to hiring managers, but is used confidentially to make sure that everyone is treated fairly.