Summary
Brancaster Staithe Harbour is a lively and loved spot on the North Norfolk Coast, used by pleasure craft and a small fleet of fishing vessels all year round. The harbour is especially busy during the summer months and at peak holiday times, with people heading out across its winding creeks and moorings. We’re looking for a Harbour Master to help keep the harbour safe, well managed and welcoming for everyone who uses it.
Hours: This role is based on annualised hours, where the amount of hours you work each month may vary, however your salary will be paid in 12 equal instalments over the year. You'll work 468 hours per year.
Contract: Fixed term - 12 months (with extension subject to circumstances). This can be discussed further at interview stage.
What it's like to work here
You’ll join a friendly and supportive Countryside team as part of the Norfolk Coast, Broads & Sheringham portfolio. You’ll report to an Area Ranger, who’ll help you settle in, support your development and guide your work. You’ll also work closely with local harbour users, fishermen and volunteers, becoming a familiar and trusted presence both on and off the water.
What you'll be doing
You’ll spend much of your time patrolling the harbour, mainly on the hard but occasionally out on the water, ensuring it is used safely and responsibly. You’ll engage with harbour users, offer clear guidance, and confidently challenge unsafe behaviour when required, using strong leadership and communication skills to deliver effective water safety messages and maintain a well managed environment.
You’ll bring a strong understanding of different vessel types to support safe launch and landing operations - recognising vessel behaviour, spotting when something isn’t right, and giving practical advice to prevent incidents. You’ll also take responsibility for maintaining the Harbour Master’s boat, keeping it serviced, recorded, and ready for use. While most work takes place in summer, some winter duties are essential, including inspections and checks with the Countryside Team.
You’ll attend quarterly Brancaster Fairways Committee meetings, where you’ll share updates on how the harbour is being managed in line with the agreement between the National Trust and the Committee. You’ll also help identify any issues or hazards by keeping in close contact with the people who use the harbour every day.
Who we're looking for
Applications from redeployees are assessed against the minimum criteria for the role. In your application, please provide details of how you meet the minimum criteria below:
1. powerboat qualification (RYA Level 2 or equivalent)
2. ability to manage day‑to‑day harbour operations
3. strong customer service and visitor engagement
4. awareness of health & safety and risk‑management procedures
5. ability to undertake equipment care and minor repairs
Criteria for all other applicants:
6. good seamanship, navigation and boat handling skills
7. a minimum of RYA Powerboat Level 2 qualification is required. Some of the work will be undertaken from a small powerboat and therefore these skills are essential to the role
8. a comprehensive understanding of boat safety. You’ll need to be able to assess the safety of your own boat and know what action to take if the boat is found to be unsafe
9. good communication and people skills
10. someone who can work well independently. For much of the time you will be working alone, in accordance with the National Trust’s lone working procedures
11. good written skills
The package
The National Trust has the motto ‘For everyone, for ever’ at its heart. We’re working hard to create an inclusive culture, where everyone feels they belong. It’s important that our people reflect and represent the diversity of the communities and audiences we serve. We welcome and value difference, so when we say we’re for everyone, we want everyone to be welcome in our teams too.
•Substantial pension scheme of up to 10% basic salary
•Free entry to National Trust places for you, a guest and your children (under 18)
•Rental deposit loan scheme
•Season ticket loan
•EV car lease scheme (for roles that meet the salary criteria)
•Perks at work discounts such as gym memberships, shopping discount codes, cinema discounts
•Holiday allowance up to 32 days relating to length of service, plus holiday purchase scheme, subject to meeting minimum criteria.
•Flexible working whenever possible
•Employee assistance programme
•Free parking at most Trust places