Dockmaster

Southwark Council; Slough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization is looking for a Dockmaster to oversee marina operations and provide excellent customer service. The role involves managing marine infrastructure, handling boat movements, conducting facility checks, and interacting with berth holders. Applicants should have experience in customer service, knowledge of boat handling, and strong communication skills. This full-time position offers a salary range of £32,907 - £38,070, working 36 hours plus overtime on a rota basis.

Qualifications

• Experience in a customer-facing role.
• Knowledge of marina operations or related fields.
• Ability to operate marine and lifting equipment safely.
• Strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Operating marine infrastructure like sea locks and cranes.
• Managing boat movements and bookings using systems.
• Daily facility checks and site maintenance.
• Providing customer service and handling inquiries.
• Responding to operational issues and safety concerns.
• Supporting maintenance tasks as needed.

Skills

Customer service experience

Knowledge of boat handling

Technical skills in maintenance

Strong communication skills

Competence in using Microsoft Office

Ability to operate marine equipment

Job description

Overview

As a Dockmaster, you will play a key operational role within South Dock Marina—supporting safe, smooth and customer-focused marina services. You will be the primary point of contact for berth holders and members of the public during your duty shift and will undertake a wide range of practical, marine and site management activities.

Responsibilities

• Operating essential marine infrastructure such as the sea lock, lifting road bridge, marina work boat, cranes and boat‑moving equipment.
• Managing safe movement of craft within the marina and maintaining accurate records of boat movements and bookings using the Havenstar marina management system.
• Undertaking daily facility checks, patrolling the site, maintaining public areas and supporting the general upkeep of the marina and boatyard.
• Providing first‑line customer service, handling enquiries and supporting a positive berth‑holder experience.
• Responding to and resolving operational issues, faults and safety concerns.
• Supporting maintenance tasks including electrics, plumbing, carpentry or general repairs where required.
• Conducting sewage pump‑out operations and ensuring safe disposal.
• Contributing to health and safety management, including preparing and reviewing risk assessments.

This is a practical role at the heart of marina life, requiring teamwork, technical proficiency and a strong customer ethos. You will work on a shift system, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, helping ensure the marina operates smoothly and safely every day.

About Southwark

Southwark is a large, ambitious and progressive council with a ‘can do’ attitude and enviable reputation. As a Council, we are successful, passionate and forward‑thinking. Extending from the river Thames into South East London, Southwark encompasses some of the capital’s cultural hotspots, vibrant communities and acclaimed greenspaces. We are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable and proactive individual with a passion for marine environments and hands‑on operational work.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience in a customer‑facing role, ideally within a marina, boating or related operational environment.
• Knowledge of boat handling, marina operations, or technical skills in trades such as electrics, plumbing, carpentry, engineering or maintenance.
• Ability to operate or learn to operate marine and lifting equipment safely, including cranes and powered craft.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work confidently with berth holders, contractors and partner agencies.
• Competence using computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A full driving licence.

With the only working boatyard in central London, an excellent team and an extensive investment programme there has never been a better time to seize the opportunity to work in this service. With its vibrant, energetic feel, Southwark is a very attractive place to work if you relish the opportunities and challenges of marine services in a fast‑paced, dynamic, inner‑city setting.

What You’ll Be Doing

This is a full‑time permanent role, working 36 hours + 4 hours contracted overtime on a rota system that includes weekends and some evenings.

Compensation and Conditions

Salary Range: £32,907 - £38,070 per annum.

Closing date: Monday 29 December 2025.

Interviews: Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Disability Confident (Guaranteed Interview) Scheme

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition.