Port Operative - Boatyard Harbour

Overview

Looking for a new challenge? Join our dedicated team at Cowes Harbour Commission as a Port Operative in our bustling Boatyard at East Cowes. If you have a positive, ‘can-do’ attitude and a passion for delivering great service, we’d love to hear from you.

The Role:

This hands-on, customer-focused role involves working both independently and as part of a close-knit team. Your primary responsibilities will include assisting in the lifting and launching various types of boats, performing general boatyard tasks, and maintaining vessels.

• Promoting a safety-first culture, ensuring the highest standards of health and safety for all harbour users and colleagues.
• Engaging proactively with harbour and boatyard users, delivering excellent customer care and satisfaction.
• Carrying out boatyard duties and vessel maintenance as directed by the Team Leader.
• Assisting other Cowes Harbour Commission teams as needed

We’re looking for a motivated, enthusiastic individual with a commitment to safety and a proven ability to work in a health and safety-conscious environment. You’ll need to balance multiple priorities effectively and take direction from your Team Leader. Ideally, you’ll have experience in polishing and anti-fouling however training is provided. A resilient attitude toward working outdoors in all weather conditions is essential.

• GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above).

This is a full-time, seasonal position based at Kingston Boatyard in East Cowes, with occasional work at our other sites in Cowes. Some flexibility is required during peak times, including weekends, evenings, and Bank Holidays (with prior notice).

Rate of pay: £13.21 increases to: £13.72 April 01 2026.

Cowes Harbour Commission is the Statutory Harbour Authority for Cowes on the Isle of Wight. As the Island’s major port, Cowes supports a wide variety of commercial shipping and ferry operations. It’s also a global hub for yacht racing and leisure sailing, welcoming countless resident and visiting vessels each year.

As a Trust Port, Cowes Harbour Commission reinvests all its income into the harbour and its facilities for the benefit of the community. We are entirely self-funded, with revenue generated through activities such as Kingston Boatyard, Shepards Marina, moorings, and our afloat team’s commercial contract work.