Assistant Harbour Master

Assistant Harbour Master – Dorset Council

Weymouth Harbour is one of Dorset’s busiest and most significant maritime locations, serving as a hub for leisure and commercial activity and welcoming thousands of visitors each year. We are seeking an experienced and motivated Assistant Harbour Master to support the Harbour Master in ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of this dynamic environment. This position requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage complex operational challenges, particularly during peak periods.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining high standards of safety, service, and regulatory compliance.

• Impactful Work:
  Contribute directly to the safety, sustainability, and success of a harbour that is central to the local economy and community.
• Professional Development:
  Work alongside experienced maritime professionals, with opportunities to engage in strategic planning, policy development, and compliance with the Port & Marine Facilities Safety Code.
• Dynamic Environment: A varied role combining operational oversight, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement.
• Benefits:
  Competitive salary, local government pension scheme, and access to training and development opportunities.

• Assist the Harbour Master in managing harbour operations and leading a customer‑focused team.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders, including harbour users and local businesses.
• Maintain safety and service standards while managing competing demands during high season.
• Enforce harbour policies and General Directions with professionalism and confidence.
• Oversee harbour assets and infrastructure, plan and deliver projects, and ensure compliance with relevant legislation.
• Prepare reports, update policies, and support adherence to the Port Marine Safety Code.
• Respond to incidents and emergencies using risk‑based safety management systems.
• Work flexibly, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, to meet operational requirements.

For an informal conversation please contact:
Ed Carter – Dorset Council Harbours Manager & Weymouth Harbour Master

Email:

Phone:

At Dorset Council, it's not just about the work we do, it's about how we do it. We’re passionate about making Dorset a great place to live, work and visit. Working for us should be no exception. At Dorset Council we:

• provide more than 450 services to over 300,000 residents
• have ambitious aspirations
• are excited about our future
• care about Dorset and all the people who live here
• know that all roles make a difference and that our employees are key to our success

• have access to a range of employee benefits
• be part of an organisation that supports each other to grow and succeed
• have access to range of training opportunities which will help with your personal development and career progression

We are challenging ourselves to become a more diverse and inclusive organisation. We recognise that recruitment and inclusion of individuals with diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds will bring real strength to the council and our communities. We have a commitment to equality and welcome applications from everyone.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We offer an interview to everyone who declares a disability and meets the essential criteria for the role. We are keen to make our interviews accessible. Let us know on your job application if you have a disability and need any reasonable adjustments.

This role is UK based and we will need to establish your Right to Work as part of the appointment process.

• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Administrative
• Industries:
  Government Administration