About the job

Job summary

Would you like to work for an organisation that works towards protecting Scotland's seas for the benefit of all in Scotland?

If you can demonstrate the relevant practical experience in working at sea as a certified Able Seafarer and have experience in handling small workboats and RIBs, then we would like to hear from you.

Marine Directorate is the lead marine management organisation in Scotland.  It was established in April 2009 as a Directorate of the Scottish Government (SG), to integrate core marine functions involving scientific research, compliance monitoring, policy and management of Scotland's seas.

Marine Patrol Vessels are involved in monitoring compliance with International, UK and National rules and regulations of licensed activities in the marine environment around Scotland out to 200 miles and beyond when required. This includes enforcing UK, and International fisheries laws and regulations. This is intended to assist the conservation of fish stocks and in creating the conditions necessary for the existence of a modern and sustainable sea fishing industry.

The Marine Research Vessels’ main function is to ensure efficient and effective provision at sea to support the work of the scientific programme within Marine Directorate. Information gathered on research cruises is essential to the success of the scientific programme. To ensure this success both Marine Research Vessels are fitted with a wide range of deployment and recovery facilities for fishing gear and equipment, scientific and environmental sensors, and data gathering systems.

As a Seaman you will generally be based on our compliance and science vessels however, it is expected that you may also spend time on the smaller independent RIBs used as part of the Inshore Protection Programme.

You will be based onboard any of the vessels where you will be part of a team responsible to the First Officer onboard. The role will follow a marine working pattern which in general is 3 weeks on/off (4 weeks on 4 off for Scotia).

The vessels work mainly in Scottish waters using Aberdeen and Glasgow as their turn around locations. If based onboard either of the Science vessels you will be also be  an active member of the deck team assisting with all  methods of fishing equipment and the science operations.

If onboard the Compliance vessels you will be part of the deck team assisting the British Sea Fishery Officers onboard fishing vessels and ensuring their safe embarkation on and off the vessels at sea.

Job description

• Undertake all aspects of deck maintenance, including cleaning, painting, greasing, storing, ropework etc as required by Commanding Officer or First Officer (Executive) and directed by CPO (Deck).
• Operate safely deck machinery and equipment for mooring/lifting and fishing operations if on science vessel.
• RIB crew/coxswain to ensure the safe embarkation of boarding officers on and off fishing vessels.
• Watchkeeping duties as part of the bridge Watchkeeping team.
• Boarding assistant working alongside British Sea Fishery Officers (Marine Protection Vessels only).
• In port, quartermaster/nightwatchman duties, including security patrols.

Person specification

1. Excellent all-round experience and skills with regard to general seamanship duties including deck maintained, watchkeeping and helmsmanship.
2. Awareness of the safe working practices required for working onboard vessels.
3. Proven Fast rescue craft and/or RIB handling experience.
4. Current experience of operating davits, winches and cranes on merchant and/or fishing vessels.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,401, Scottish Government contributes £9,288 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Sift and Interview dates TBC
Please apply using the link provided

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.