R2R105137 - 132258 - Pier & Foreshore Duty Officer

Your New Organisation

Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Your new role

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of Southend's iconic Pier and seven-mile coastline, helping to deliver safe, welcoming and memorable experiences for residents and visitors. This vacancy is offered on a full time and permanent contract.

As Pier & Foreshore Duty Officer, you’ll provide visible day-to-day operational supervision across Southend Pier and the foreshore, helping to ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and with an excellent experience for residents and visitors. You’ll coordinate the daily activities of operational and seasonal staff, allocate resources and carry out regular patrols and inspections to maintain high operational and safety standards. You’ll provide guidance and support to colleagues on shift, responding to changing priorities and helping keep services running smoothly.

You’ll support the operation of the Southend Pier Railway, including train driving following appropriate training, alongside wider Pier, foreshore, harbour and marine activities. You’ll also undertake inspections, maintain operational and compliance records, support events and respond confidently to incidents and emergencies, working with partners such as the emergency services, HM Coastguard and RNLI when required.

This is a rewarding, practical and highly visible role where you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference to the safety, operation and visitor experience of one of Southend's most treasured attractions and its stunning coastline.

NB: The role operates on a rota basis and requires regular weekend, Bank Holiday and evening working (currently 4 days on and 2 days off, 8 hrs per day, between 10am-8pm dependant on season. October – March this role will finish no later than 6pm).

What you'll need to succeed

To be successful in this role, you must have experience working in a customer-facing operational environment, alongside experience of supervising or coordinating the day-to-day work of others. The role is physically active and involves working across the Pier, foreshore and associated operational sites, including around water, vessels and railway infrastructure.

The post holder is required to drive Council vehicles, operate the Southend Pier Railway (following competency training), use marine craft including the Council's RIB (where qualified), and undertake routine computer-based administration and record keeping.

Your application will not be considered if you do not have a full and clean driving license.

You should also have:

• Experience of supervising, coordinating or supporting the day-to-day activities of operational teams.
• A strong understanding of health and safety requirements, risk assessments and safe systems of work within an operational environment.
• Experience of responding to incidents, changing priorities and operational challenges, with the ability to remain calm and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, visitors and partner agencies.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to coordinate operational activities, maintain accurate records and support compliance requirements.
• The ability to work independently while supporting the wider management team and contributing to the safe and efficient operation of Southend Pier and the foreshore.

What you'll get in return

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

What you need to do now

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

All applicants for this role will require an enhanced DBS check.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.