Job Introduction
Great opportunity to join Portsmouth International Port as a Quay Assistant/Cleaner! The salary is £27,346 to £29,170 p.a. (including allowances £40,365 p.a. to £43,057 p.a.), the role is permanent and the hours are an average of 43.16 hours per week (including weekends and Bank Holidays). The shift pattern is 4 early shifts (0545 to 1455) followed by 2 days off, 4 late shifts (1440 to 2400), followed by 2 days off. This post is one of a team of twelve Quay Assistants (in 3 gangs).
Your new role
Portsmouth City Council controls all its maritime activities through the Port Service. Portsmouth International Port (PIP) comprises the Continental Ferry Port (CFP), Flathouse and Albert Johnson Quays and the Camber.
Based at Portsmouth International Port, and reporting to the Berthing Master, the main duties of the role is the berthing and slipping of ships, conducting linkspan safety watches, general cleaning and other operational duties at Portsmouth International Port (PIP).
The main duties are:
- Berthing and slipping of ships including all associated equipment and handling.
- Maintenance of quayside and all related equipment.
- Cleaning duties throughout PIP including use of machinery if required.
- Loading, unloading, stores distribution and baggage handling as directed.
- To assist the Berthing Master as directed in their routine tasks.
- to comply with all PIP and Portsmouth City Council policies and procedures, also all quality standards.
- To undertake any other reasonable tasks management requests.
- To deliver sufficient service as expected by Portsmouth City Council and PIP.
Who is the person?
- Having a good knowledge of seamanship skills and be competent in the use of ropes and heaving lines would be beneficial.
- You should be trained and competent in manual handling techniques.
- Previous, experience of the berthing and slipping of vessels would be beneficial.
- You should have an awareness of the Health & Safety at Work Act.
- You must be customer focused and be able to demonstrate your ability in communicating with people at all levels within the organisation as well as with external customers, port users and the general public.
- You should be happy to work shifts, you should be able to work outdoors in all weathers and be confident working alone as well as part of a team.
- You must be physically fit and healthy and able to swim short distances.
- Experience in the operation of linkspans and quayside equipment would be beneficial.
- Experience in firefighting and lifesaving procedures would be beneficial.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Additional Information
If you have any questions, or would like an informal discussion about the role, please call our duty Berthing Master on 02392 855932 or email berthingmastersmail@portsmouth-port.co.uk
Previous applicants need not apply.
Interviews: 13th November 2026 10:00 - 14:00
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
All employees and third parties working at the Portsmouth International Port are subject to the Substance Misuse - Drug & Alcohol Testing Policy and the Port reserves the right to carry out with cause and random testing. In line with Home Office requirements, employees must also register their personal details on the government's central database, Access Pass Holder Information Distribution System (APHIDS), as without this registration employees will be denied entry to the Restricted Area (RA) of Portsmouth International Port.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
If you need additional support looking for roles, you may be eligible for help under our Connect to Work programme, for more information please visit Connect to Work - Portsmouth City Council
