Maritime Operation Officer

Job Summary

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of call for all public contact.
• Coordinate responses to both emergency and routine issues.
• Work as part of a team to organise the response to emergencies.
• Work with other Emergency Services to ensure the most effective and robust outcome is achieved.
• Ensure that you work to strict operating procedures.
• Accurately record, update and maintain incident logs, records and databases.
• Operate through phones, radios and various other systems in a Rescue Coordination Centre.

Person Specification

• Communication - you have to be a good communicator, speaking to people who could be going through one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.
• Resilience - this role can be challenging, handling incidents that may not always have positive outcomes, including calming individuals in severe distress and dealing with situations that may result in fatalities.
• Teamwork - you will work with a team to coordinate responses and must work effectively with others when it really counts.
• No prior expertise required; full training will be provided.

Working Pattern

• This is a full-time post.
• The post holder is required to work a 12-hour shift pattern (both day and night shifts) to allow HM Coastguard to provide its 24-hour emergency service to the public, 365 days a year.
• On average the shift pattern equates to 37 duty hours per week over a 12-month period.
• This position attracts several allowances to reflect the shift working and unsociable hours.

Location and Workplace

• This post is based in Lerwick, in the Shetland Islands.
• This role is not suitable for hybrid working and will require the successful candidate to work solely from their designated workplace.
• This is a uniformed role and uniform will be required to be worn at all times when on duty.
• Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a physical medical and mental health questionnaire.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary of £27,631.
• Up to £7,500 of additional allowances including Night working £2,250, Enhanced Allowance Night working £2,250, Rotating shift £2,000 and Public holidays & weekend working £1,000.
• A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service up to a maximum of 30 days, plus 8 bank holidays and a privilege day for the King's birthday.
• Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
• Access to the staff discount portal.
• Excellent career development opportunities and potential to undertake professional qualifications paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships.
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.

Application and Selection

• Stage 1: Online test - Ability Numerical Test.
• Stage 2: Sift - CV (unlimited wordcount) and personal statement (750 word count) providing evidence of experience.
• Selection process assesses Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Experience using Success Profiles.
• Behaviours assessed: Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Communicating and Influencing.
• Closing date for tests and application is 23:55, 18/10/2026.
• Training programme spans 18 weeks and comprises 4 modules, each followed by an exam.
• You will be required to start in your role prior to your training in 2027.
• You will be required to travel to Coordination Centres in Fareham and Southampton frequently throughout training, with expenses paid and accommodation provided.

About the Agency