King's Harbour Master, HM Naval Base Portsmouth Job Summary Kings Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth has responsibility for the safe secure and efficient operation of one of the most strategically important naval harbours in the UK. Portsmouth harbour is not only home to the Royal Navy surface fleet, it is one of the UK's busiest and most diverse ports, supporting a unique mixture of commercial shipping, cross channel ferries, leisure craft and naval vessels. We are seeking a professional and motivated Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) Operator to join the KHM team. This role is at the heart of harbour operations and is central to the daily coordination of vessels movements within the harbour and its approaches, ensuring the safe and orderly movement of a range of vessels in a busy and complex operating environment and contributing to the protection of life, property and the marine environment. This position is advertised at 37 hours per week. Job Description This is a key position within a 24/7 operational environment. Our VTS work as part of a team working a shift pattern based on a 37 hour week and require excellent communication skills, situational awareness and decision-making skills. In addition to the base salary there is a 20% Regular Shift Allowance, additional payments for working weekends and Public Holidays and opportunities for paid overtime when providing cover for colleagues, training and other absences. There are great opportunities within KHMs team to gain further qualification and progress your career. Key Responsibilities: To provide real-time traffic management and navigational guidance to all vessel traffic within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Area. To monitor the execution of movements from the Daily Movements schedule, granting the necessary permission required by local orders under the direction of the Assistant Kings Harbour Master (VTS) and liaising as necessary over any changes. To maintain continuous oversight of vessel movements using radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF radio, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems and other surveillance technologies. To provide professional and clear communication to a wide range of stakeholders. To enforce maritime safety regulations, ensuring compliance with MOD policies, national and international navigation standards, International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Collision prevention Regulations (COLREGS), and local port regulations. To monitor and respond to incidents, emergencies, or security threats, initiating appropriate response measures and escalating issues when necessary. To maintain accurate records of vessel movements, incidents, and communications in accordance with operational procedures. To work flexibility as part of a 24/7 operations team, providing round-the-clock coverage of the harbour. This is a key position within a 24/7 operational environment. Our VTS work as part of a team working a shift pattern based on a 37 hour week and require excellent communication skills, situational awareness and decision-making skills. In addition to the base salary there is a 20% Regular Shift Allowance, additional payments for working weekends and Public Holidays and opportunities for paid overtime when providing cover for colleagues, training and other absences. There are great opportunities within KHMs team to gain further qualification and progress your career. Key Responsibilities: To provide real-time traffic management and navigational guidance to all vessel traffic within the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth Area. To monitor the execution of movements from the Daily Movements schedule, granting the necessary permission required by local orders under the direction of the Assistant Kings Harbour Master (VTS) and liaising as necessary over any changes. To maintain continuous oversight of vessel movements using radar, Automatic Identification System (AIS), VHF radio, Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) systems and other surveillance technologies. To provide professional and clear communication to a wide range of stakeholders. To enforce maritime safety regulations, ensuring compliance with MOD policies, national and international navigation standards, International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA), International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Collision prevention Regulations (COLREGS), and local port regulations. To monitor and respond to incidents, emergencies, or security threats, initiating appropriate response measures and escalating issues when necessary. To maintain accurate records of vessel movements, incidents, and communications in accordance with operational procedures. To work flexibility as part of a 24/7 operations team, providing round-the-clock coverage of the harbour. Person specification The successful candidate will be a highly motivated team player who is able to thrive in a fast-paced safety critical environment and work flexibility as part of a 24/7 operations team. They will have strong communication skills and be able to work effectively with civil service colleagues, military personnel and external stakeholders as part of a supportive team. Ideally they will have relevant experience in VTS, marine, maritime, harbour operations or traffic management activities. The Successful Candidate Must Have: Strong organisational skills and an ability to work at pace – You’ll be responsible for managing multiple tasks efficiently, prioritising workloads, and ensuring seamless operations. An ability to make clear and confident decisions - in time-sensitive situations while remaining calm and focussed. Clear and confident communication skills – Keeping customers and colleagues informed is key, so you’ll need to be able to provide timely updates and concise information. A proactive team player, being flexible and contributing towards a supportive team environment. Sound nautical knowledge (desirable but not essential) – An understanding of general marine operations, including experience with vessel movements, navigation, or port control will be a major advantage. Local expertise (desirable but not essential) – Knowledge of marine operations within the Solent and Portsmouth areas would be highly beneficial, helping you to anticipate challenges and make informed decisions. If you have the skills, passion, and dedication to play a vital role in one of the UK’s most strategically important military, commercial and leisure maritime environments, this could be the role for you. Qualifications A baseline of educational qualifications is required to ensure the job holder can cope with the intellectual demands of the job. A good standard of written English is essential to be able to communicate effectively by spoken and written word, and Maths is a prerequisite for the candidate to pass the extensive operational navigational training required as part of the job. As such, candidates must hold at least GCSE Grade C or above in English and Maths or recognised equivalents. However, a candidate who has held, or currently holds, a Marine Deck Officer or Boat Master qualification or VTS qualification but does not hold GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) would also be considered. Behaviours We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Working Together Alongside your salary of £27,650, Ministry of Defence contributes £8,010 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. In addition to the Base Salary, there is a 20% Regular Shift Allowance and opportunities for paid overtime to cover for Leave, training and other absences, and payments for working weekends and Public Holidays, which adds approximately £5,000 to the Base Salary. We also provide first rate benefits for all our employees as we understand the commitment our staff make, both inside and outside of the workplace and our aim is to provide a place of work which allows the flexibility to maintain a work-life balance. As a civil servant in Navy Command, you will be part of a forward-looking organisation with inclusive workplace policies, excellent career prospects, and a job that makes a difference. Navy Command prides itself on being a supportive employer and where possible encourages flexible working, helping you to maintain a great work/life balance. In HMNBP, we promote the 70:20:10 model[1]. We understand learning can take different forms including on the job practice, learning from others, networking as well as studying for courses. All staff are encouraged to take ownership of their development and take proactive steps to shape your own learning and development. This includes identifying learning needs, deciding the best way to meet these needs, undertaking learning and reflecting. We believe that everyone has the potential to make a difference and you will be supported to help you learn and advance in your career. This includes working towards membership of a professional body and/or undertaking an apprenticeship as part of your role. An apprenticeship is a combined package of work and training. Through an apprenticeship you will gain professional knowledge, practical experience, and the broader skills required to upskill you in your current role and pave the way for your future career. Most of the training will be ‘on-the-job’, with the remaining ‘off-the-job’ training often delivered by a training provider. This means minimal disruption and maximum impact. Professional qualifications can be achieved through an apprenticeship and range from Level 2 (equivalent to 5 GCSEs), Level 3 (equivalent to 2 A Levels), and Levels 4 -7, which can give you a foundation degree, a full Bachelor’s degree, or a Master’s degree. Apprenticeships normally last between 12 months - 3 years, depending on the level of the apprenticeship. Anyone can undertake an Apprenticeship and everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from developing their skills in an accredited way. Successful candidates can discuss their development options with their manager when in post. We Also Provide First Rate Benefits For All Our Employees As We Understand The Commitments Our Staff Have, Both Inside And Outside Of The Workplace And Our Aim Is To Provide a Place Of Work Which Allows The Flexibility To Maintain a Work-life Balance. These Include: In addition to your salary is the potential for in-year performance and recognition awards A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 28.97% Personal & professional development Access to a confidential, professional support service 25 days paid annual leave rising (1 day per year) to 30 days upon completion of 5 year’s service Alternative working patterns for many roles Discount schemes Bicycle / season ticket loans Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave Special paid leave to volunteer up to 6 days a year On-site facilities (gymnasium, various cafés, shops, post office, mess facilities etc) [1] 20200522-Routes to learning 2020_May.pdf (sharepoint.com) Please Note: The post does not offer relocation expenses. External recruits who join the MOD who are new to the Civil Service will be subject to a six-month probation period. Expenses incurred for travel to interviews will not be reimbursed. Please be advised that the Department is conducting a review of all pay related allowances which could impact on those allowances that the post currently being advertised attracts. Any move to MOD from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. The Ministry of Defence is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for its staff which includes educating them on the benefits of not smoking, protecting them from the harmful effects of second-hand smoke and supporting those who want to give up smoking. Under the Smoke-Free Working Environment policy, Smoking and the use of all tobacco products (including combustible and chewing tobacco products) will not be permitted anywhere in the Defence working environment however some exemptions are in place, please refer to local guidance. The policy is Whole Force and includes all Defence personnel, contractors, visitors and other non-MOD personnel. All applicants seeking, considering, or accepting employment with the Ministry of Defence should be aware of this policy and that it is already in place at a number of Defence Establishments. MOD Recruitment Satisfaction Survey – We may contact you regarding your experience to help us improve our customer satisfaction. The survey is voluntary and anonymous. You may however be given the opportunity to provide additional information to help us improve our service which includes the collection of some personal data as defined by the United Kingdom General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). The MOD Privacy Policy Notice sets out how we will use your personal data and your rights. Artificial intelligence Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. At application stage you will be assessed against the following: Experience: An anonymised CV details to include job history; qualification details; key responsibilities and achievements that are relevant to this role. A Personal Statement (max 1000 words) to provide evidence and clear examples of how you consider your personal skills, qualities and experience match the essential criteria in the Person Specification. Focus on specific achievements and outcomes. At interview stage you will be assessed against the following: Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing Delivering at Pace Making Effective Decisions Working together Further Information: Definitions of each Behaviour can be found at the Applications Pack. When choosing your Behaviour examples, please make sure you use real life scenarios that relate to your own experiences. It is strongly recommended Behaviour examples are presented in the STAR format, which can also be found in the Applications Pack. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. If you need to advise us that you need additional help or reasonable adjustments for the recruitment process, please contact: DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk. As a result of the changes to the UK immigration rules which came in to effect on 1 January 2021, the Ministry of Defence will only offer sponsorship for a skilled worker visa under the points based system, where a role has been deemed to be business critical. This role does not meet that category and we will not sponsor a visa. It is therefore NOT open to applications from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and be found to require sponsorship, your application will be rejected and any provisional offer of employment withdrawn. The Ministry of Defence requires all candidates who are successful at interview to declare any outside interests. These declarations will be discussed with successful candidates following the interview process and before a formal offer of employment is made, as some outside interests may not be compatible with MOD civilian roles. This will not, in the majority of cases, prevent employment in MOD, but it is a measure that must be taken to ensure that appropriate mitigations can be put in place to manage any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest from the first day of employment. The Ministry of Defence adopts a zero-tolerance approach to unacceptable behaviours, which includes bullying, harassment, sexual harassment, discrimination, and victimisation. You will not be eligible and will not be considered for this post if you have been dismissed from a role for such unacceptable behaviours within the last five years. This will also apply if you resign or otherwise leave a role but, because of an adverse decision, would have been dismissed for gross misconduct had you continued in that employment. Pre-employment checks will be carried out Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements Open to UK nationals only. Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact : Name : Robert Whitworth Email : robert.whitworth369@mod.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : DBSCivPers-Resourcingteam3@mod.gov.uk Further information Please ensure you read the attached candidate information document prior to completing your application. If you are dissatisfied with the service you have received from DBS, or believe that DBS has failed to follow the recruitment process in line with the Civil Service Commission principles of selection for appointment on merit on the basis of Fair and Open competition, you can raise a formal complaint by writing to DBS at the following address: Defence Business Services, Scanning Hub, Room 6124, Tomlinson House, Norcross Lane, Blackpool, FY5 3WP. If after raising your complaint with DBS you remain dissatisfied you can complain directly to the Civil Service Commission at the following address: Civil Service commission, Room G/8, 1 Horse Guards Road, London, SW1A 2HQ Or by email: info@csc.gov.uk.