Junior Watchkeeper – Radio Navigation Warnings

Salary: £29,539 per annum, rising to £35,744 upon development into HEO grade. A 20% shift allowance is applicable for all shifts undertaken as part of this role)
Location: Taunton, Somerset
Hours: Full time
Contract: Permanent

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is seeking to appoint a Junior Watchkeeper to their Radio Navigation Warning (RNW) team. 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 the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO)

UKHO is an executive agency, sponsored by the Ministry of Defence. We work with a wide range of data suppliers and partners, surveying and charting the world's oceans in order to develop and serve world leading software and data solutions to commercial shipping companies, navies and maritime organisations. Our products ensure safe navigation and global trade efficiency and support other marine activities including economic development, environmental protection, resource exploration and utilisation, scientific research and security and defence.

The 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. The team also provides separate bespoke services for the Royal Navy during peacetime.

The role

Joining our RNW team of Watchkeepers, you will help provide a 24/7 service to ensure that incoming data is assessed for urgent risks to the safety of navigation and as required, to promulgate this data immediately as Maritime Safety Information.

You will be required to issue appropriate Radio Navigation Warnings, ensuring that warnings are given within specified time frames and in accordance with the Joint IMO/IHO/WMO Manual on Maritime Safety Information. In addition to this, you will maintain RNW operational lists, displays, publications and records, as well as undertaking additional operational tasks in support of the NAVAREA I Co-ordinator and UK National Coordinator.

This is a developmental role, so post holders will be paired with experienced B2 RNW Watchkeepers and will undergo a period of training and development, following a staged programme, culminating in a final assessment which if successfully completed, will secure progression into the B2 RNW Watchkeeper role.

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 resultant warnings within a short timeframe – therefore strong teamworking skills are essential, along with the ability to maintain focus whilst delivering at pace.

When issuing Navigation Warnings, the watchkeeper is directly representing the United Kingdom and NAVAREA I, so the successful candidate will need to be confident within 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.

As you will be issuing safety critical navigation warnings in English to vessels at sea, you will need to demonstrate a high level of accuracy in your work and a good attention to detail. A good knowledge of the maritime domain and terminology is essential.

And 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 flexitime, flexible 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.

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

Closing date: 8th January 2024.

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.

Selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit, on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.