Torbay Council
Harbour Assistant (Torquay) - 37 Hours
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Harbour Assistant (Torquay) - 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 >
Work in one of the South West's premier leisure harbours, supporting a vibrant mix of commercial, leisure and visitor activities throughout the year.
Do you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems on the spot and being part of a busy marina environment where no two days are the same?
Torquay Harbour is a busy and diverse Harbour supporting recreational, commercial, fishing and passenger vessels. We are actively recruiting for two Harbour Assistants to join our team.
This is a varied and active role that combines maintenance, harbour operations and customer service. You'll be visible in the heart of the harbour and play an important part in maintaining the high standards expected from our customers.
What we’re looking for:
The ideal candidate is 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.
- 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 safety focused.
- Brings a positive attitude, humility and willingness to learn.
- Thrives in a busy, fast-paced operational environment.
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What you'll be doing:
This role is based at our Harbour in Torquay and involves some weekend working (on average 1 in every 4 weeks). You may be required to work across our other Harbours (Paignton and Brixham) for periods of time.
As part of the operations team, you will:
- Support the safe and efficient day-to-day running of Torquay Harbour.
- Carrying out maintenance, inspections and improvements across harbour infrastructure and facilities.
- Assist with berth management, harbour activities and marine operations.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation throughout the harbour.
- Provide excellent customer service and act as a positive ambassador for the harbour.
- Respond to incidents, emergencies and changing operational priorities as required.
Why join the Harbour Team?
- Be part of a team managing one of the English Riviera's most iconic waterfront destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors and harbour users every year.
- Enjoy a role that combines practical maintenance work with operational harbour activities.
- Work in a unique maritime environment where every day brings different challenges.
- Develop knowledge and experience across harbour operations, maintenance and maritime services.
What we can offer you:
- Access nationally recognised maritime training and qualifications, including RYA courses.
- Receive specialist training relevant to your role, including boat handling, forklift operations, hot works and abrasive wheels qualifications.
- Structured and progressive career pathway.
- Enjoy a varied role where no two days are the same.
- See the direct impact of your work on the safety, presentation and operation of the harbour.
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.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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 George O'Rourke on 01803 208282 or georgeorourke@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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