Bridge Operator: Night/Weekend Traffic Control

Manpower UK Ltd; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Manpower UK Ltd is seeking a Bridge Keeper for a 12-month role in Shoeburyness. The position requires continuous coverage of Potton and Havengore Bridges, including nights and weekends, with a pay rate of £13.45 per hour PAYE.

Responsibilities include operating bridge controls, coordinating with vessel traffic, and ensuring safety systems are functional on every operation. The role demands vigilance, independence, and accurate shift reporting.

Qualifications

• Ability to work rotating shifts including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Strong situational awareness and focus during quiet or high-pressure periods.
• Clear and confident verbal communication (including radio use).
• Knowledge of maritime signals or VHF radio procedures.
• Basic IT skills for logs and digital reporting.
• Comfortable working alone during certain shifts.

Responsibilities

• Operate bridge controls to allow safe passage of road and marine traffic.
• Maintain continuous observation of rivers.
• Respond promptly to vessel requests and schedule bridge movements.
• Ensure barriers, alarms and warning systems function before each operation.
• Work independently for extended periods during nights or low-traffic shifts.
• Maintain vigilance and situational awareness at all times.
• Complete handover reports at shift start and end.
• Escalate issues to supervisors.

Skills

Rotating shifts

Situational awareness

Verbal communication

Maritime signals / VHF procedures

Basic IT skills

Ability to work alone

Job description

Manpower UK Ltd is seeking a Bridge Keeper for a 12-month role in Shoeburyness. The position requires continuous coverage of Potton and Havengore Bridges, including nights and weekends, with a pay rate of £13.45 per hour PAYE.

Responsibilities include operating bridge controls, coordinating with vessel traffic, and ensuring safety systems are functional on every operation. The role demands vigilance, independence, and accurate shift reporting.