Seaman 1A (4669)

Job summary

Join our vessel crew and help support the important work that protects Scotland's seas and advances marine science.

The Marine Directorate is the Scottish Government's lead marine management organisation, bringing together scientific research, compliance, policy and management to support the sustainable use and protection of Scotland's marine environment. We are recruiting Seaman 1A positions to join our Marine Research Vessel fleet, working at sea as part of a professional onboard team that enables the successful delivery of scientific research programmes across Scottish waters.

As a Seaman 1A, you will play a key role in supporting deck, fishing and scientific operations aboard our research vessels, working closely with vessel officers, crew and scientific staff. Your contribution will help ensure the safe and effective operation of the vessel and the successful collection of the scientific data and evidence that underpins marine science, policy development and decision-making in Scotland.

This role will be based on-board MRV Scotia or MRV Alba na Mara, operating primarily in Scottish waters as part of a marine working pattern aligned to vessel operations.

Job description

• Assist with the loading, stowing, deploying, recovery, discharging and the maintenance of fishing and science equipment.
• Undertake all aspects of deck maintenance, including cleaning, painting, greasing, storing, ropework, etc as required by Commanding Officer or First Officer (Executive) and directed by CPO (Deck).
• Operate deck machinery safely and equipment for mooring/lifting and fishing operations on the science vessel.
• Watchkeeping duties as part of the bridge Watchkeeping team.
• In port, quartermaster/nightwatchman duties, including security patrols.

Person specification

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Adaptability to change – Awareness level
• Delivery and decision making at speed – Awareness level

Experience:

• Relevant experience working at sea onboard fishing vessels undertaking a wide range of seamanship duties, including deck maintenance, watchkeeping and helmsmanship.
• Knowledge and application of safe working practices within a marine environment, ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety procedures.
• Demonstrable experience of operating and handling Fast Rescue Craft (FRC) and/or Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs).
• Recent experience of operating deck equipment such as davits, winches and cranes in support of marine operations.

Qualifications

UK Able Seafarer Certificate of Competency.

Valid STCW certification.

Valid unlimited ENG1 medical.

Technical skills

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

• Adaptability to change – Awareness level
• Delivery and decision making at speed – Awareness level

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,142, Scottish Government contributes £11,049 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

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 Experience and Technical skills.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and job simulation.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 30 November 2026 however this may be subject to change.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.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.

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 : Stuart Gregor
• Email : Stuart.Gregor@gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : scottishgovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot