Dockmaster

Southwark Council; Greater London; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive local council seeks a Dockmaster to manage marina services and ensure safety and customer satisfaction. The role includes operating marine infrastructure, managing craft movements, maintaining facilities, and providing excellent customer service. Ideal candidates will have experience in a customer-facing role, knowledge of boat handling, and technical skills in maintenance. This is a full-time position with a salary range of £32,907 - £38,070 per annum, requiring teamwork and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic, reliable and proactive individual.
• Technical skills in electrics, plumbing, carpentry or engineering.
• Ability to perform daily facility checks and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate marine infrastructure like sea lock and lifting road bridge.
• Manage craft movement and maintain records using Havenstar system.
• Provide first-line customer service and support berth-holder experience.
• Contribute to health and safety management and risk assessments.

Skills

Customer-facing experience

Knowledge of boat handling

Strong communication skills

Ability to operate marine and lifting equipment

Competence using Microsoft Office

Job description

Southwark is a large, ambitious and progressive council with a ‘can do’ attitude and enviable reputation. As a Council, we are successful, passionate and forward-thinking. Extending from the river Thames into South East London, Southwark encompasses some of the capital’s cultural hotspots, vibrant communities and acclaimed greenspaces.

With the only working boatyard in central London, an excellent team and an extensive investment programme there has never been a better time to seize the opportunity to work in this service. With its vibrant, energetic feel, Southwark is a very attractive place to work if you relish the opportunities and challenges of marine services in a fast-paced, dynamic, inner city setting.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Dockmaster, you will play a key operational role within South Dock Marina—supporting safe, smooth and customer-focused marina services. You will be the primary point of contact for berth holders and members of the public during your duty shift and will undertake a wide range of practical, marine and site management activities.

Your work will be varied, purposeful and highly practical, including:

Operating essential marine infrastructure such as the sea lock, lifting road bridge, marina work boat, cranes and boat-moving equipment.

Managing safe movement of craft within the marina and maintaining accurate records of boat movements and bookings using the Havenstar marina management system.

Undertaking daily facility checks, patrolling the site, maintaining public areas and supporting the general upkeep of the marina and boatyard.

Providing first-line customer service, handling enquiries and supporting a positive berth-holder experience.

Responding to and resolving operational issues, faults and safety concerns.

Supporting maintenance tasks including electrics, plumbing, carpentry or general repairs where required.

Conducting sewage pump-out operations and ensuring safe disposal.

Contributing to health and safety management, including preparing and reviewing risk assessments.

This is a practical role at the heart of marina life, requiring teamwork, technical proficiency and a strong customer ethos. You will work on a shift system, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, helping ensure the marina operates smoothly and safely every day.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable and proactive individual with a passion for marine environments and hands-on operational work. You will bring:

Experience in a customer-facing role, ideally within a marina, boating or related operational environment.

Knowledge of boat handling, marina operations, or technical skills in trades such as electrics, plumbing, carpentry, engineering or maintenance.

Ability to operate or learn to operate marine and lifting equipment safely, including cranes and powered craft.

Strong communication skills and the ability to work confidently with berth holders, contractors and partner agencies.

Competence using computer systems including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

A full driving licence.

Additional Information

This is a full-time permanent role, working 36 hours + 4 hours contracted overtime on a rota system that includes weekends and some evenings.

Salary Range: £32,907 - £38,070 per annum

For an informal conversation about the role, please contact:
Phil Cotman, Harbour Master – 07548 780131

Disability Confident (guaranteed interview) scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long‑term health condition.

Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £32,907 - £38,070