Associated British Ports - Lowestoft - Bridge Operator

Nicholas Associates Group Limited; Lowestoft; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPE provided

Paid holiday

Worker Portal access

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Stafforce Ports in Lowestoft is seeking a Bridge Operative to control vessel traffic in a busy 24/7 port. No prior experience is required as full training will be provided, and you will work 12-hour shifts across days and nights.

The role involves operating the bridge, using a traffic light system, communicating by VHF radio, recording movements, and handling visitor access. You will join a safety-critical team and benefit from paid holiday, PPE, and access to our Worker Portal.

Qualifications

• Flexible and reliable approach to 12-hour shifts (days/nights).
• VHF Radio Qualification is essential.
• Compulsory drug and alcohol testing.
• Safety Critical Medical provided during recruitment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Control vessel traffic and operate the bridge to allow taller vessels to enter and exit the port.
• Operate a traffic light system to manage vessel movements.
• Communicate with vessels and the port via VHF Radio.
• Record vessel movements and ensure accurate documentation.
• Manage visitor access via entry phone and respond to enquiries.

Skills

Flexible working

Tools

VHF Radio Qualification

Job description

Stafforce Ports are recruiting for a Bridge Operative to control vessel traffic as it enters/exits the Port of Lowestoft in Suffolk. No experience in the specific role is required as full training will be provided. You will work 12-hour shifts across days & nights on this 24/7 operation.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing team working in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment. You will play a key role in keeping port and logistics operations moving, with opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable industry experience.

What You will Do:

Work as part of a team of Bridge Operators who control the vessel traffic that enters & exits the port.You will operate a bridge to allow taller vessels to enter exit the port. You will also be required to operate a traffic light system to control vessel traffic.

Communicate clearly with vessels & the port by VHF Radio to ensure all traffic is controlled safely & efficiently. Always keep the bridge mechanism clear of all litter & debris to ensure the bridge always remains in operational condition.

Operate safely and efficiently within port environments. Follow all health, safety, and compliance requirements.

Complete basic data entry to ensure all vessel movements in and out of the port are recorded and you will be required to record these movements accurately.

Controlling visitor access to the site via an entry phone system & dealing with visitor enquiries.

What We are Looking For

A flexible and reliable approach to work shifts will be 12 hours long 06:00 to 18:00 & 18:00 to 06:00 on a four-on-four off basis. You will rotate between days & nights, and a full monthly rota will be supplied to you in advance.Willingness to work on your own initiative but also as part of a team. The ability to always remain focused as average bridge operations are four per shift so there can be lots of down time between operations.

A valid VHF Radio Qualification is essentail.

Compulsory drug and alcohol testing all operatives must be able to pass screening prior to assignment and on a random basis.

Safety Critical Medical this will be provided as part of the recruitment process to ensure fitness for work.You will also be required to hold a VHF Radio Qualification.

A solid & dependable individual to hold this safety critical position of trust & have a commitment to always working safely.

What We Offer

£17.54 per hour (inc. shift allowances) paid via PAYE on a weekly basis.

Paid holiday based on accrued hours.

Access to our Worker Portal, providing Medical advice 24/7.Wellbeing support.Financial advice.

All PPE provided (hard hat, hi-vis, boots, gloves, etc.)

Potential for long-term, stable within the port of Lowestoft.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.