Bridge Operative

North Yorkshire Council; Whitby; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Holiday entitlement 28–34 days

Local government pension scheme

Salary sacrifice

Employee discounts

Learning and development

Health Assured

Job summary

North Yorkshire Council is recruiting a Bridge Operator to join the team delivering vital Whitby Harbour services. The role involves manning the Whitby Swing Bridge, opening for river traffic two hours before high water and closing two hours after, with a three-week rota including weekends and nights.

We value candidates with experience in maritime operations, general maintenance, boating handling, and strong knowledge of Whitby harbour.

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 Swing Bridge for river traffic two hours either side of high tide.
• Maintain a listening watch on VHF channels 11 and 16 while on duty.
• Work on a three-week rota with weekend, night shifts and additional payments for non-standard hours.

Skills

Maritime operations

Maintenance & cleaning

Boating handling

Whitby harbour knowledge

Job description

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, Key documents: 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, could result in a serious safety risk or environmental hazard to employees, a facility or the general public , do not attend work whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Individuals offered employment with North Yorkshire Council will be subject to the Workplace Substance Misuse policy. For safety critical roles as detailed above, random alcohol and drug testing may take place during the course of employment. Using AI? Please follow our guidance to ensure your application reflects your own knowledge and experience.

• 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

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

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