Junior Watchkeeper - Radio Navigation Warnings

Location: Taunton, Somerset
Salary: £27,606 rising to £34,369 upon completion of development into B2 progression plan. A 20% shift allowance is applicable for all shifts undertaken as part of this role
Hours: Full time / Part time
Contract: Permanent

This is an excellent career development opportunity to work under the guidance of experienced Watchkeepers and a staged programme of training and play a key role ensuring the safety of mariners at sea.

About UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO)

We are a world-leading centre for hydrography, specialising in marine geospatial data to support safe, secure and thriving oceans. We fulfil the UK government’s Safety of Life at Sea obligations and are relied upon by defence users, government and global shipping.

The role

The Radio Navigation Warnings (RNW) team fulfils the day-to-day operational functions of NAVAREA I Co-ordinator and UK National Co-ordinator within the World-Wide Navigation Warning Service (WWNWS). It also provides a separate bespoke service for the Royal Navy during peacetime. The team is continuously manned by Watchkeepers who assess incoming data for urgent risks to the safety of navigation and, as required, promulgate immediately as Maritime Safety Information.

Under the guidance of experienced Watchkeepers, your general tasks will include:

• Maintaining RNW operational lists, displays, publications and records.
• Archiving RNW records in accordance with current practices.
• Other day to day operational tasks associated with/or in support of the role of NAVAREA I Co-ordinator and UK National Coordinator (e.g. advising on procedural matters, liaising with external civil/military authorities on operational matters affecting RNW).
• Supporting Senior Watchkeepers with briefs to external visitors and internal staff as required regarding the role that RNW fulfil.
• Undertaking training to support development as laid out in the B3 to B2 progression plan

What we are looking for

Successful applicants for the role will work alongside another Watchkeeper assessing a continuous flow of information for navigational significance and issuing resulting warnings within a short time period – so the ability to maintain focus and deliver at pace will be key. When issuing Radio Navigation Warnings, the Watchkeeper is directly representing the United Kingdom and Navarea I, so the successful candidate will need to be comfortable with this remit. You will be engaging with mariners and stakeholders across national and international organisations along with internal stakeholders and subject matter experts. A genuine interest in ensuring the safety of the Mariner at sea is fundamental to the role.

In return

UKHO is a great place in which to explore your career potential. While our projects are career-defining, the work/life balance that we can offer you is equally exceptional. From hybrid working, an award-winning office environment and a generous annual leave allowance of 34.5 days including public holidays, the opportunities open to you here are hard to beat.

The role will be contractually based at our office in Taunton. You must be able to travel to the office as and when required.

For a full job description, including the competencies you will be assessed on in your application, please click the apply button.

Closing date: Monday 24th April 2023.

UKHO embraces diversity and promotes inclusion and equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Confident employer, which includes offering a guaranteed interview to candidates with disabilities, providing they meet the minimum selection criteria.