Navy Command - KHM Port Safety, Health and Environment Officer

Job summary

His Majesty’s Naval Base Portsmouth (HMNBP) has been an integral part of the city since 1194. It is home to almost two-thirds of the Royal Navy's surface ships, including aircraft carriers HMS Queen Elizabeth; HMS Prince of Wales; the Type 45 destroyers; Type 23 frigates; and mine countermeasures and fishery protection squadrons.

The base is a major employer and provides lodging facilities to RN personnel serving at the base and in Portsmouth based ships.

HMNBP is one of three naval bases providing enabling support as part of the nation’s defence strategy. In doing so, HMNBP seeks to improve through science and technology to strengthen its security and defence at home and overseas. This requires continuous improvements in building capacity, capability and resilience through its people. It is the home base for assigned ships and ship’s companies preparing for operations. A key component of achieving this support is the ability to deliver the full range of increasingly sophisticated engineering support services. The unique employment opportunities offered are varied, challenging and exciting and support Navy Command’s role to generate and operate forces for today and to ensure we are ready for tomorrow by developing and delivering the Navy of the future. Navy Command provides an open, flexible and supportive work environment and Civil Servants, Contractors and Armed Forces personnel work together in a wealth of interesting and challenging jobs in different disciplines.

In Navy Command, our civil servants work alongside their military colleagues in jobs that matter; jobs which often have a direct impact on the quality of the operational capabilities we deliver.

Roles can offer great job satisfaction and there are many opportunities to develop and progress both within the Department and across the wider Civil Service.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

Job description

The King’s Harbour Master (KHM) Portsmouth is the de facto harbour authority for the Dockyard Port of Portsmouth, responsible for the safe and effective operation of the port primarily for the benefit of the Ministry of Defence. The port also has a wide range of commercial and recreational water users, and KHM has a duty to ensure safety for all users. In accordance with published MOD policy, KHM complies with the provisions of the Department of Transport’s Port Marine Safety Code, and this guides the rules, regulations and safety guidance maintained by KHM.

The Port Safety, Health and Environment Officer (PSHEO) is responsible for the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) for the Dockyard Port, ensuring compliance with all applicable UK health, safety, environmental, and maritime legislation, policy, and best practice.

Operating within the King’s Harbour Master organisation, the post holder provides professional leadership and assurance on safety and environmental risk management, incident investigation, and environmental protection, supporting the Harbour Master in meeting the statutory requirements of the Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code (PMSC).

The PSHEO acts as the lead authority for port safety documentation, marine and shore interface risk assessment, and the management of the port’s MCA-approved Oil Spill Response Plan, including oversight of Tier 1 and Tier 2 response capability.

Responsibilities

The PSHEO is responsible for the satisfactory performance of the following tasks:

• Develop, administer, implement, and continuously review the Safety and Environmental Management System (SEMS) to ensure it remains effective, proportionate, and compliant with The Ports and Marine Facilities Safety Code and Guide to Good Practice, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and associated regulations and environmental protection legislation and MOD / departmental policy.
• Ensure the SEMS provides clear governance, accountability, and assurance to the Harbour Master and Deputy King’s Harbour Master as part of the PMSC safety management framework.
• Maintain SEMS documentation in an auditable condition, supporting internal review and external inspection.
• Generate, review, and maintain the full suite of Dockyard Port risk assessments, including marine, shore-based, and interface activities.
• Ensure risks are identified, assessed, controlled, and reviewed in accordance with PMSC principles and corporate risk management policy.
• Provide professional advice and challenge to operational teams on risk tolerability, control measures, and residual risk.
• Ensure risk assessments remain current and responsive to changes in port operations, infrastructure, or external factors.
• Manage the reporting, investigation, and review of safety incidents, environmental incidents, and near misses occurring within the Dockyard Port.
• Lead or support investigations proportionate to risk and severity, identifying root causes and systemic issues.
• Ensure findings, recommendations, and lessons learned are captured within the SEMS and translated into effective risk controls and procedural changes.
• Provide incident data, analysis, and assurance reporting to the Harbour Master, Deputy King’s Harbour Master, and relevant governance bodies.
• Sponsor, review, and approve health, safety, and environmental documentation submitted to the KHM organisation, including: Risk assessments and method statements, Marine operation and event plans, Contractor safety submissions.
• Provide assurance that proposed activities within the Dockyard Port can be conducted safely and in compliance with statutory and policy requirements.
• Publish, amend, and rescind Local Notices to Mariners (LNTMs) in coordination with harbour operations, ensuring accurate and timely safety information is promulgated.
• Oversee the delivery, maintenance, review, and update of the MCA-approved Oil Spill Response Plan (OSRP)for the Dockyard Port.
• Act as the competent authority for oil spill and marine pollution preparedness during core hours, including coordination and management of response activity.
• Monitor, assess, and assure the capability, readiness, and performance of Tier 1 and Tier 2 oil spill response contractors, including exercises and audits.
• Ensure lessons identified from exercises or incidents are incorporated into plans, training, and contractual arrangements.
• Act as the end customer for port safety and environmental protection–related contracts, ensuring services meet operational and regulatory requirements.
• Undertake user actions within the Contracting, Purchasing and Finance (CP&F) system in accordance with governance and financial controls.
• Monitor contractor performance and value for money in support of safety and environmental outcomes.
• Support the Harbour Master and Deputy King’s Harbour Master in providing assurance to the Duty Holder that risks to marine safety are being effectively managed.
• Contribute evidence and professional advice to PMSC audits, reviews, and compliance statements.
• Work closely with the Port Safety, Compliance and Enforcement Officer to ensure alignment between safety management systems, operational compliance, and enforcement activity.
• Attend and contribute to committee meetings and local community or stakeholder forums as required by the KHM or DKHM.
• Represent the professional interests of the KHM organisation on safety, health, and environmental matters.
• Liaise with regulators, emergency responders, contractors, and internal stakeholders to ensure coordinated and effective safety and environmental management.
• Support departmental projects and improvement initiatives as directed by the KHM or DKHM, within professional competence and capability.
• Maintain professional knowledge and competence in port safety, health, and environmental management.
• Promote a positive safety and environmental culture across the Dockyard Port.

Person specification

To be successful as the Port Safety, Health and Environment Officer you will have:

• Experience of working in a regulatory role, manging risk and assuring legislative requirements.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills and proven ability to conduct high standard work.
• Experience of working with a wide variety of, and effectively managing relationships with, external stakeholders.

It is essential that applicants can demonstrate suitable awareness of, or experience related to, the following competencies.

• Marine health and safety, including risk assessment and the maintenance of a safety management system.
• Environmental protection including environmental protection risk management plans and impact assessments.
• Marine operations management in the port environment.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• STCW II/1 (Unlimited) or higher STCW Unlimited qualification, or IALA CO-103/2 VTS Supervisor qualification.

It would also be desirable for candidates to have:

• Membership of one or more recognised Health and Safety professional bodies e.g. IIRSM,
• CIEH, IOSH, BOHS or other relevant professional associations.
• SCQF level 6 (RQF level 3) qualification in health and safety, or SCQF level 6 (RQF level 3) qualification in environmental management.
• UKHMA/IHMA recognised Harbour Master Certificate or Diploma
• IOSH Managing Safety in Ports*
• A Maritime Accident Investigation qualification*
• An MCA recognised Oil Spill Response qualification*

*Training will be provided to the successful candidate if required.

Qualifications

STCW II/1 (Unlimited) or higher STCW Unlimited qualification, or IALA CO-103/2 VTS Supervisor qualification.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,720, Ministry of Defence contributes £10,927 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.

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 years’ 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)

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all office-based employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in office, subject to capacity and any required workplace adjustments. Requirements to attend other locations for official business, or work in another MOD office, will also count towards this level of attendance. Applicants can request further information regarding how this may work in their team from the Vacancy Holder (see advert for contact details). Defence Business Services cannot respond to any questions about working arrangements.

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.

Please Note: 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.

Things you need to know

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.

Candidates will be required to provide CV details to include job history; qualification details and previous skills and experience.

Candidates will be required to provide a Personal Statement (500 Words)

At sift, you will be assessed against your CV, personal statement and the following behaviours:

• Leadership
• Changing & Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

During the Interview stage, you will be assessed against your experience and the following behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

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.

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.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

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 : James Hunt
• Email : james.hunt177@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.

Attachments

EXTERNAL PACK Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)22_0656 NC Applicant guide A4 - Digital Opens in new window (pdf, 2922kB)MOD Candidate Pack Opens in new window (pdf, 1562kB)Candidate Information Pack Opens in new window (docx, 31kB)