Bridge Operative

Applefields School; Whitby; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement

Pension

Salary sacrifice

Learning & development

Health Assured

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council invites applications for a Bridge Operator in Whitby Harbour. The post involves manning the swing bridge two hours either side of high water, with a listening watch on VHF channels 11 and 16 to coordinate river traffic.

The role operates on a three‑week rota, with weekend work and additional payments for nights and weekends. Benefits include generous leave, pension, and development opportunities. Contact the Harbour Office for details.

Qualifications

• Experience of maritime operations either on a professional or leisure basis.
• Previous experience of general maintenance and cleaning duties.
• Boating handling knowledge and skills.
• A sound knowledge of Whitby harbour and of the Whitby area in general.

Responsibilities

• Open and close Whitby Harbour Swing Bridge for river traffic two hours either side of high water.
• Maintain a listening watch on VHF channels 11 and 16 during duty.
• Work on a three-week rota with weekend rotation and additional payments for night/weekend work.

Skills

Maritime operations

Maintenance basics

Boating handling

Public interaction

Job description

Grade: E

Contract: Permanent

Location: Whitby Harbour

North Yorkshire Council is recruiting a new Bridge Operator to join the team delivering their vital service in Whitby Harbour.

About the Bridge:

Whitby Harbour Swing Bridge is a central and crucial part of Whitby's transport links whether it be by river or by road. The current swing bridge was built in 1908. It links the upper and lower harbour areas and the east and west sides of the town. The bridge spans 75ft and each section can be operated independently swinging horizontally. Its iconic operation draws visitors and allows Whitby port to remain functional.

The Role:

The bridge is manned for two hours either side of high water. While on duty the bridge operatives maintain a listening watch on VHF channels 11 and 16.

The first opening will be as soon as practical two hours before high water. The final opening will be 10 minutes prior to two hours after high water.

The Harbour Authority's Bridge Operators are on hand to open and close the bridge for river traffic two hours either side of high tide, all year round.

The role has a three-week rota which allows for variety and rotation of weekend working, with additional payments for night and weekend work.

What you can bring:

This role requires some customer facing elements so experience of working with the general public and answering queries will be highly beneficial. In addition, we are ideally looking for candidates who have;

• Experience of maritime operations either on a professional or leisure basis
• Previous experience of general maintenance and cleaning duties
• Boating handling knowledge and skills
• A sound knowledge of Whitby harbour and of the Whitby area in general

What We Offer:

In addition to your salary, we offer a range of great benefits to help you financially and make life a bit easier.When you join us, you are entitled to our outstanding benefits and wellbeing plan as part of your position:

• Our holiday entitlement starts at 28 days rising to 34 days (pro-rata) per year with continued service, plus public holidays
• Pension: save for your retirement with our generous local government pension scheme
• salary sacrifice, employee cash back and discounts schemes
• Learning, development and career advancement opportunities
• Health Assured – confidential help and support for your wellbeing

For full details, please see out Total Rewards Brochure at the bottom of this advert

Contact:

For additional information, or an informal chat about the role please contact the Harbour Office in Whitby on 01947 602354, or email James Buck ([e-mail])

Key dates:

Interview Dates: w/c 28 September 2026

Venue for Interview: Whitby Harbour Office

NYC are committed to directly recruiting staff and will not accept applications nor services from agency suppliers in respect of our vacancies.

We are committed to meeting the needs of our diverse community and aim to have a workforce reflecting this diversity. We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

North Yorkshire Councils’ purpose is to deliver services and facilities to the diverse residents and visitors of North Yorkshire. To ensure we deliver inclusive services we strive to have a diverse workforce where everybody can be themselves by respecting differences and embedding equality of opportunity. We celebrate diversity and recognise each other’s contributions, we therefore welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

North Yorkshire Council are committed to the health and safety of our employees and of others including the general public. It has a responsibility to ensure employees who hold a position that is deemed to be safety critical as it requires the performance of duties which are directly related to the safe operation or security of a facility, piece of equipment or vehicle, handling of chemicals or work at height or in confined spaces and which, if not performed properly,