Job Description

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 in one of Southend’s most unique environments, helping to keep Southend Pier and the city’s seven miles of foreshore safe, welcoming and running smoothly for residents and visitors. This vacancy is offered on a full time and permanent contract.

As a Pier & Foreshore Officer, you’ll take on a varied, hands-on role supporting the day-to-day operation of the Pier, foreshore and visitor facilities. You’ll carry out patrols and safety inspections, identify and report hazards or maintenance issues, support events and provide a friendly and professional service to visitors. A key part of the role will be supporting the operation of the Southend Pier Railway, including train driving, station duties, dispatch procedures and operational checks once

You’ll be someone visitors can turn to for information and assistance, whether providing advice, supporting a lost or vulnerable person or responding to an operational incident. With responsibilities spanning customer service, railway operations, public safety, coastal infrastructure and emergency response, no two days will be the same.

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’ll have experience working in a customer-facing operational environment and be confident providing excellent service while working safely in a busy and changing environment. You’ll be a clear communicator who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team, remaining calm and making sensible decisions when priorities change or incidents arise. You’ll need an understanding of health and safety and safe working practices, together with the ability to follow procedures, complete operational documentation and maintain accurate records.

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. Previous experience within railway, marine, harbour or foreshore operations would be advantageous but is not essential.

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

You should also have:

• Experience of working in a customer-facing operational environment, delivering excellent customer service to a wide range of visitors and customers.
• The ability to work safely and effectively in a busy operational environment, with a strong understanding of health and safety and safe working practices.
• Experience of following operational procedures, maintaining accurate records and completing operational documentation to a high standard.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to service delivery.
• A commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for visitors, with the confidence to deal with operational issues and public enquiries.
• A First Aid at Work qualification, or a willingness to obtain one.

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.

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.