Port Operative

Overview

Location:

Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

Port Operative (Belfast) – Permanent, full-time role

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions? Do you have experience operating large vehicles or machinery such as tractors, HGVs, or port equipment? Are you motivated by working in a fast-paced team to ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight and passengers?

As a Port Operative, you will support port operations to ensure vessels, freight, and passenger services are handled efficiently and safely. You will be responsible for mooring vessels, loading/unloading freight and vehicles, and operating port machinery.

• Safely moor vessels on arrival and prepare them for departure
• Load and unload freight, vehicles, and passenger luggage
• Transport freight and equipment using TUG Masters and other port machinery (training provided if required)
• Traffic marshalling of freight and passenger vehicles for safe embarkation and disembarkation
• Carry out routine maintenance and upkeep of port areas

• Previous experience driving large vehicles or machinery, e.g. tractors, HGVs, or agricultural equipment
• Full, clean driving licence (essential)
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive in your approach to work
• Strong team player who can work well under pressure
• Good communication skills and ability to work in a customer-focused environment
• Willingness to learn new operational skills and machinery handling

Please click on the "apply now" button. The role requires that ALL applicants hold an NVQ Level 2, Scottish NVQ Level 2 or an equivalent qualification relevant to the job.

• £33,927 per year
• Permanent, full-time role
• Company pension and life assurance
• Travel concessions and rail discounts
• Health and wellbeing benefits including gym membership and health cash plans
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Ongoing training and career development opportunities

• Outdoor, hands-on role in all weather conditions
• Shift pattern: 2 on, 2 off, 3 on, 3 off (continuous rolling rota)
• Shifts are split across two blocks per day:
  Early 04:00–10:30;
  Late 16:00–22:30
• Training provided on specialist port machinery where required

Our client is a leading port operator, supporting the safe and efficient movement of freight, vehicles, and passengers through Belfast. They have a strong reputation for safety, reliability, and customer service, and play a vital role in UK and international trade. Their team ensures smooth port operations around the clock.

Port Operative, Freight Handling, Vessel Mooring, Traffic Marshalling, TUG Master, Large Machinery, Transport, Logistics, Operations, Outdoor Work, Tractor Driver, HGV Driver, Agriculture.

Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provides recruitment services for roles across agriculture, farming, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education.

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. Only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Your application will be managed with complete confidence, and your personal details will not be shared without your permission.