Harbour Assistant (Torquay) - 37 Hours

Torbay Council; Torquay; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

National maritime training

RYA courses

Fleet and equipment training

Job summary

Torbay Council is seeking two Harbour Assistants to support Torquay Harbour, Paignton and Brixham. The role combines maintenance, harbour operations and customer service in a busy maritime environment.

Weekend work and some cross-harbour travel are expected, with a foundation in practical skills and problem-solving). Salary ranges £27,274–£29,071 per year; full UK driving licence and Maritime Medical eligibility are required.

Qualifications

• Customer-facing role and good communication skills.
• GCSE O Level or equivalent is required.
• Ability to travel across harbours and work weekends.

Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of Torquay Harbour.
• Carry out maintenance, inspections and improvements across harbour infrastructure.
• Assist with berth management and marine operations.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation.
• Provide excellent customer service and act as a harbour ambassador.

Skills

Customer care

Problem solving

Teamwork

Flexibility

Weekend availability

Education

GCSE O Level or equivalent

Tools

PC/IT systems

Harbour equipment

Job description

Application Deadline: 25 September 2026

Department: Pride in Place

Location: Torbay Council

Compensation: £27,274 - £29,071 / year

Work in one of the South West's premier leisure harbours, supporting a vibrant mix of commercial, leisure and visitor activities throughout the year. Do you enjoy working outdoors, solving problems on the spot and being part of a busy marina environment where no two days are the same? Torquay Harbour is a busy and diverse Harbour supporting recreational, commercial, fishing and passenger vessels. We are actively recruiting for two Harbour Assistants to join our team. This is a varied and active role that combines maintenance, harbour operations and customer service. You'll be visible in the heart of the harbour and play an important part in maintaining the high standards expected from our customers.

What we’re looking for:

• The ideal candidate is someone who can bring strong practical maintenance skills and a proactive attitude to problem solving.
• Ideally, you'll have experience in a trade or maintenance-based role and enjoy working with tools, equipment and machinery. You'll be someone who can identify issues, find practical solutions and take pride in completing work to a high standard.
• Takes pride in practical, hands-on work and is willing to turn their hand to a wide range of tasks.
• Can think quickly and remain calm under pressure.
• Has a practical approach to solving problems.
• Works well as part of a close-knit team.
• Has a genuine interest in the maritime environment.
• Is approachable, professional and safety focused.
• Brings a positive attitude, humility and willingness to learn.
• Thrives in a busy, fast-paced operational environment.

What you’ll be doing:

This role is based at our Harbour in Torquay and involves some weekend working (on average 1 in every 4 weeks). You may be required to work across our other Harbours (Paignton and Brixham) for periods of time.

As part of the operations team, you will:

• Support the safe and efficient day-to-day running of Torquay Harbour.
• Carrying out maintenance, inspections and improvements across harbour infrastructure and facilities.
• Assist with berth management, harbour activities and marine operations.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, safety and presentation throughout the harbour.
• Provide excellent customer service and act as a positive ambassador for the harbour.
• Respond to incidents, emergencies and changing operational priorities as required.

Why join the Harbour Team?

• Be part of a team managing one of the English Riviera's most iconic waterfront destinations, welcoming thousands of visitors and harbour users every year.
• Enjoy a role that combines practical maintenance work with operational harbour activities.
• Work in a unique maritime environment where every day brings different challenges.
• Develop knowledge and experience across harbour operations, maintenance and maritime services.

What we can offer you:

• Access nationally recognised maritime training and qualifications, including RYA courses.
• Receive specialist training relevant to your role, including boat handling, forklift operations, hot works and abrasive wheels qualifications.
• Structured and progressive career pathway.
• Enjoy a varied role where no two days are the same.
• See the direct impact of your work on the safety, presentation and operation of the harbour.

Experience and Qualifications:

• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Ability to travel across all three harbours as required.
• Ability to gain a Maritime Medical – Eng1 or ML5.

Skills

Essential:

• A high level of customer care with proven experience.
• Ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Flexible approach to working hours – candidate will be required to work weekends and Bank Holidays and possible extended summer working hours.
• Ability to attend the harbour within 30 minutes, outside normal working hours, in an emergency situation.
• Ability to work on own initiative without close supervision.

Knowledge

Essential:

• Understanding of small boats and basics ship requirements, including the practices of good seamanship.
• Basic knowledge of PC/IT systems.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential:

• Full Driving Licence.
• Educated to GCSE O Level standard or equivalent.
• Customer care / public relations.

Interviews are expected to be conducted during the week commencing 12th October 2026.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

At times there is a need to close our adverts earlier than the date specified, however this advert will not close before 3rd September.