RNLI
Senior Station Technician / Station Technician - Kirkwall
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
About Us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.
About the Role
Due to retirement, an exciting opportunity is available to join Kirkwall Lifeboat Station as a Senior Station Technician or Station Technician.
These roles suit individuals whose mechanical expertise, resilience, leadership, and management skills match their ability to keep Kirkwall Lifeboat Station in perfect operational order.
Your Role
Responsibilities
The Senior Station Technician role is intended for individuals with an NVQ L4/SVQ L5 in an engineering discipline (or equivalent through trade experience) in mechanical, electrical, or electronic engineering. If these qualifications lack, applicants might be considered for a Station Technician role.
Key areas of focus include:
- Ensuring the Severn Class All Weather Lifeboat (ALB) remains in peak condition.
- Managing day-to-day station operations, including administrative and training duties.
- Conducting shore-based crew training to guarantee readiness during emergency launches.
- Inspiring and motivating volunteer crew members, supporting their professional growth through mentoring.
- Leading Quality, Safety, Health, and Environment (QSHE) initiatives and fostering a positive work culture.
- Representing the station and RNLI to the general public, showcasing the organisation’s mission.
- Supporting operational coordination by handling emails, maintaining records, and collaborating with the Operations Team on station management.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Requirements
For Both Roles:
- Proven knowledge of marine diesel engine maintenance, operation, and repair (a mechanical/engineering background is essential).
- Strong leadership, motivational, and managerial abilities to drive team potential.
- Potential for achieving RNLI ALB Afloat Mechanic certification upon selection.
- Experience (or willingness to develop) fulfilling a Lifeboat Mechanic role.
- Maritime experience is not mandatory, but transferable skills (cars, HGV, agricultural equipment, generators, etc.) can be adapted.
Soft Skills & Mindset:
- Ability to build key relationships with volunteers, local supporters, and RNLI stakeholders while promoting the organisation.
- Personal initiative, problem-solving, and self-directed learning.
- High-quality interpersonal and communication skills with a commitment to diversity and inclusive practices.
- Proactive attitude, teamwork skills, and humility to seek/accept feedback.
Salary & Benefits
- Senior Station Technician:
- £35,853-£40,000 (degree-level pay range).
- Station Technician:
- £29,951-£31,506 (dependent on experience).
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
- 26 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Health cash plan option.
Additional Requirements
This is a 24/7 emergency response role:
- Candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of the Kirkwall Lifeboat Station to respond to a pager call.
- A valid driving licence is mandatory.
- Must meet the Institution’s medical and eyesight standards for sea-going appointments.
Diversity & Safeguarding
The RNLI commits to safeguarding, ensuring a safe, supportive environment. All employees and applicants must align with this principle. Relevant criminal record checks will be conducted (e.g., DBS (England/Scotland, PVG), Garda Vetting (Ireland), etc.).
We value diversity, fostering an inclusive environment through inclusive hiring and living our values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, dependable). Candidates must share our commitment to saving lives without prejudice.
Next Steps
- Enquire about ‘Brew with the Crew’ event [− Tuesday 5 May at Kirkwall Lifeboat Station].
- For details, email RNLI Recruitment.
Apply if you are ambitious, a leader, and passionate about saving lives at sea. Make a difference today!
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills