Bosun/Deckhand - Scottish Highlands

HIJOBS; Fort William; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A company offering unique cruising holidays is seeking a Bosun/Deckhand for the Summer 2026 season in the Scottish Highlands. The role requires maintaining the vessel and coordinating deck operations. This full-time, live-aboard position offers a balanced work-life with a rotation of 4 weeks on and 2 weeks off. Ideal candidates should be sociable, enjoy outdoor activities, and be willing to engage with guests in a vibrant team environment.

Benefits

Food and accommodation provided

Work-life balance with weeks off

Opportunity to develop marine skills

Qualifications

• Experience in maintenance and operation of vessels is preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Sociable and enjoys engaging with guests.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the vessel and onboard equipment safely.
• Lead deck operations during locking and anchoring.
• Pilot the powerboat for guest transfers.
• Assist with driving the barge in open waters.

Skills

Maintenance skills

Teamwork

Powerboating

Job description

We are looking for a Bosun/Deckhand to join our team for the Summer 2026 season on our cruising holidays with outdoor activities along the Great Glen in the Scottish Highlands, aboard our two converted Dutch barges, Fingal and Ros Crana.

Caledonian Discovery offers cruising holidays with outdoor activities along the Great Glen in the Scottish Highlands, aboard our two converted Dutch barges, Fingal and Ros Crana.

We are looking for a Bosun/Deckhand to join our team for the Summer 2026 season, from early April to late October. The job is full-time and live-aboard during the working weeks.

This is an interesting life with a variety of people of all ages coming on the boats. We look for sociable crew who will enjoy the boat lifestyle, the inspirational surroundings and being part of a fun and enthusiastic team in a unique, wonderful environment. We enjoy a quality of life envied by many who come across us.

The Job

As Bosun, you will be responsible for the maintenance and smooth day-to-day running of the vessel, machinery, and onboard equipment. You will act as the main deckhand, organising deck operations during locking, berthing, and anchoring, and will pilot our 5m powerboat to transfer guests. The role is hands-on, varied, and offers the opportunity to develop practical and marine skills while working in a unique and beautiful environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain the vessel, machinery, and onboard equipment to a safe and reliable standard.
• Act as the lead deckhand during locking, berthing, and anchoring operations.
• Pilot the 5m powerboat to collect and drop off guests as required.
• Assist with driving the barge on open water and general deck work.
• Carry out routine maintenance, cleaning, and minor repairs onboard.
• Support daily operations including shopping, mealtime assistance, and guest interaction.
• Work collaboratively with the skipper and crew to deliver a safe, welcoming guest experience.
• Participate in training to develop deck, maintenance, and powerboating skills.

The Season

All of our seasonal crew work on a general rotation of 4 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off or 3 weeks on followed by a week off. The exact rotation may vary and might include additional weeks off or shorter stints on the barge, subject to the requirements of crewing the barges, but each stint of 4 weeks will always be followed by at least 2 weeks off, and each stint of 3 weeks will be followed by at least 1 week off. This allows for plenty of time for the crew to recuperate and hopefully gives enough time for them to follow their other summer-time passions and interests.

During the working weeks aboard the barges, crew are required to live aboard with food and accommodation provided. With no live-in deductions there are no further outgoings necessary except for personal spending.

Working hours while on board are typical for a charter boat. The crew work from 11am on Saturday to about 2pm on Friday. This makes the working weeks quite full-on, but we think that the number of weeks off makes for a good work-life balance.