Torbay Council
Harbour Assistant (Brixham) - 37 Hours
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Harbour Assistant (Brixham) - 37 Hours
Application Deadline: 25 September 2026
Department: Pride in Place
Employment Type: Permanent
Location: Torbay Council
Reporting To: Head of Service
Compensation: £27,274 - £29,071 / year
Description
Job Description & Person Specification >
Are you practical, hands-on and take pride in keeping things safe, operational and running smoothly?
Do you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems on the spot and being part of a busy operational environment where no two days are the same?
Brixham Harbour is one of the busiest fishing harbours in England and sits at the heart of a thriving maritime community. We are looking for a Harbour Assistant to join our operational team and help maintain, support and enhance the day-to-day running of this unique working harbour.
This is a varied and active role that combines maintenance, harbour operations, customer service and working alongside the commercial fishing community, harbour users, contractors and visitors. You'll be visible in the heart of the harbour and play an important part in maintaining the high standards expected of one of the South West's premier fishing ports.
What we're looking for:
- Practical experience in maintenance, construction, engineering, mechanical or trade-based work.
- Confidence using hand and power tools safely and effectively.
- The ability to identify problems and find practical solutions.
- A flexible and adaptable approach to changing priorities.
- Strong teamwork skills and a willingness to support others.
- Good communication skills and confidence engaging with a wide range of people.
- A professional, approachable manner with no ego and a willingness to muck in wherever needed.
- An enthusiasm for working in the maritime environment and supporting the fishing industry.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the safe and efficient day-to-day operation of Brixham Harbour.
- Carrying out maintenance, repairs and improvements across harbour infrastructure and facilities.
- Inspecting harbour assets and responding quickly to operational issues.
- Assisting with berth management, harbour activities and marine operations.
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation throughout the harbour.
- Working closely with the fishing community, harbour users, contractors and visiting vessels.
- Providing excellent customer service and acting as a positive ambassador for the harbour.
- Responding to incidents, emergencies and changing operational priorities as required.
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What makes this role different?
We are specifically looking for someone who can bring strong practical maintenance skills and a proactive attitude to problem solving.
Ideally, you'll have experience in a trade or maintenance-based role and enjoy working with tools, equipment and machinery. You'll be someone who can identify issues, find practical solutions and take pride in completing work to a high standard.
Most importantly, we're looking for someone who:
- Takes pride in practical, hands-on work and is willing to turn their hand to a wide range of tasks.
- Can think quickly and remain calm under pressure.
- Has a practical approach to solving problems.
- Works well as part of a close-knit team.
- Has a genuine interest in the maritime environment.
- Is approachable, professional and customer-focused.
- Brings a positive attitude, humility and willingness to learn.
- Thrives in a busy, fast-paced operational environment.
Why join the Harbour Team?
- Work in one of the UK's leading fishing harbours.
- Be part of a hardworking, supportive and highly respected team.
- Enjoy a role that combines practical maintenance work with operational harbour activities.
- Work in a unique maritime environment where every day brings different challenges.
- Play a visible role in supporting one of Brixham's most important industries.
- Develop knowledge and experience across harbour operations, maintenance and maritime services.
What we can offer you:
- Access to nationally recognised maritime training and qualifications, including RYA courses.
- Receive specialist operational training, including forklift operations, hot works and abrasive wheels qualifications.
- Benefit from continuous professional development and opportunities to expand your maritime knowledge and operational skills.
- Follow a clear, structured and progressive career pathway within Harbour Operations and the wider Maritime Service.
- Enjoy a varied role where no two days are the same, combining maintenance, operations and customer service.
- Work in a relaxed, professional and grown-up environment built on trust, teamwork and mutual respect.
- Develop experience working alongside fishermen, harbour users, visiting vessels and maritime professionals.
- Play a key role in supporting Brixham's fishing industry and maintaining one of the South West's most important working harbours.
- See the direct impact of your work on the safety, presentation and operation of the harbour.
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Experience and Qualifications:
- Full UK Driving Licence.
- Ability to travel across all three harbours as required.
- Ability to gain a Maritime Medical – Eng1 or ML5.
- Able to work weekends in the summer season.
If you're someone who enjoys practical work, thrives in a busy working harbour environment and wants to make a real difference as part of a dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you.
If you are viewing this advert on a job board, you can access the full job description by placing the below URL into your browser: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/harbour-assistant/
For an informal chat please contact Oliver Parker-Ford on 01803 208449 or oliver.parker-ford@torbay.gov.uk.
Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 12th October 2026.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 3rd September. If you are keen to submit an application, please apply as soon as possible.
Skills
Essential:
- A high level of customer care with proven experience.
- Ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- 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.
- Ability 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:
- Full Driving Licence.
- Educated to GCSE O Level standard or equivalent.
- Customer care / public relations.
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