Stevedore - Tier 1 (temporary)

Port of Dover; Dover; On-site; GBP 16,531 - 20,664; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Auto enrolment pension

Free parking

Employee assistance programme

3rd party discounts

Cycle to work scheme

Benefits and reward platform

PPE provided

Job summary

Port of Dover Cargo Ltd (POD Cargo) seeks motivated Tier 1 stevedores for a seasonal contract to join our Operations Team at Dover. The role involves loading, unloading and storage of diverse cargo on vessels and in warehouses, across quayside, onboard ships, and dock facilities.

We aim to commence from late August/September through March 2027. The job includes training, a 36-hour week with 12-hour shifts, and security/background checks. UK Right to Work required and dock pass process.

Qualifications

• Unsupervised work capability.
• Clear and effective communication.
• Physically fit for climbing ladders and working on vessels.
• Ability to work outside in all weathers.
• Shifts to include weekends and nights.
• Desirable: manual handling and lifting plant experience.

Responsibilities

• Load and unload cargo vessels safely and efficiently (vehicles, containers, pallets, grain, etc.).
• Assist with container lashing, fitting/removing twist locks.
• Support mooring and un-mooring of vessels, including gangways.
• Operate forklifts, pallet trucks, and reach trucks.
• Work within vessel hatches during cargo operations.
• Carry out warehouse duties: put-away, picking, dispatch.
• Complete electronic and paper-based documentation and checks.
• Record cargo handling and quality checks on tablets/devices.

Skills

Unsupervised work

Clear communication

Physically fit

All-weather work

Shift work incl weekends/nights

Manual handling experience

Warehouse operations

Reach truck operation

Forklift qualification

Mooring trained

Full UK driving licence

In-house training available

Job description

About the Role
Port of Dover Cargo Ltd (POD Cargo) are looking for motivated and reliable Tier 1 Stevedores on a Seasonal contract to join our Operations Team. This is a hands-on role involving the safe and efficient loading, unloading, and storage of a wide variety of cargo, both on vessels and within our warehouse facilities.
You’ll play a key role in ensuring smooth day-to-day port operations, working across multiple environments including quayside, onboard vessels, and warehouse settings.

We are looking for this to commence from late August/September and continue through to approximately March 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Load and unload cargo vessels safely and efficiently (vehicles, containers, pallets, grain, and more)
• Assist with container lashing operations, including fitting and removing twist locks
• Support mooring and un-mooring of vessels, including provision of gangways
• Operate a range of equipment including forklifts, pallet trucks, and reach trucks
• Work within vessel hatches during cargo operations
• Carry out warehouse duties such as put-away, picking, and dispatch
• Complete electronic and paper-based documentation, including pre-use checks and operational records
• Use tablets and other devices to record cargo handling and quality checks
• Support operations across the wider Port (e.g. Cruise Terminal, Eastern Docks)
• Assist in the training and mentoring of new team members where required

What We’re Looking For
Essential Skills & Experience

• Ability to work unsupervised
• Have clear communication skills
• Be physically fit to be able to climb ladders and work on vessels
• Ability to work outside in all weathers
• Ability to work shifts to include weekends and nights

Desirable

• Previous experience in manual handling and lifting plant applications would be desirable, but not essential as full training can be provided)
• Warehouse Operations experience
• Reach Truck Operator
• Hold a valid Forklift Truck Operator qualification
• Mooring trained
• Full UK driving license
• Any in-house training can be provided

• Auto enrolment pension (after 3 months)
• Free parking
• Employee assistance programme
• 3rd party discounts
• Cycle to work scheme
• Benefits and reward platform
• PPE provided

Why Join Us?
At the Port of Dover, you’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive team in a fast-paced maritime environment. We pride ourselves on professionalism, teamwork, and creating a great place to work where everyone contributes to operational success.

Hours of work: 36 hrs per week. You will be required to work 12 hours day and night shifts over a 7 day operation, in line with our vessels.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK.

Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.

We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best.

All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.

Closing date: 21 August 2026 at 5pm

Please note that we may close the advertisement earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a sufficient number of suitable applications.

Job Info

• Job Identification 1143
• Posting Date 07/24/2026, 10:48 AM
• Locations Dover Cargo Terminal, Dover, CT17 9FJ, GB
• Apply Before 08/21/2026, 04:00 PM
• Job Schedule Full time

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