Job Description

Salary
34,893 (Grade E)
Contract type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Location description
This role is homebased with significant travel throughout the region. - Ideally candidate would need to live in North Scotland, particularly the North West, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland areas.
Interview date
1st stage online 10th to 13th November , 2nd Stage in person 1st to 2nd Dec
Closing Date
19-10-2025
Reference
20344
Documents (please view all documents)
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Internal vacancy
The RNLI actively promotes continuous development within the organisation and is only seeking applications from current RNLI employees and volunteers at this time. If this position is not filled internally it may be re-advertised openly. #LI-DNI
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue.
This is an exciting opportunity for someone to join our program and enrol onto their training journey to become a Coxswain Afloat Mechanic. To be part of this team you'll be someone who is hardworking and is open to learn new skills and take positive criticism.
We are looking for a group of people who are driven and dependable, and are ready to lead the way with passion, selflessness and courage in the years to come. If you are currently volunteering or working for the RNLI with a minimum of a competent Tier 2 ALB crew plan or currently on a trainee ILB Helm plan, then we want to hear from you.
The Benefits

• Grade E
• 26 days' annual leave (plus Bank Holiday days)
• Outstanding pension scheme (contributions of up to 16% of basic salary)
• Life Insurance
• Health and dental cash plan option

Your role
This role will operate in the Scotland region with the requirement to live within region.
This is a seagoing command role and will carry the pager. The primary function is to carry out duties at lifeboat stations in order to maintain operational availability. You will also be responsible for providing the required assurance to the Area Operations Manager that the crew, lifeboat and equipment are available at all times while on station. This role will require deployment to any station across the region you applied for and you will be expected to command lifeboats on passage and trials as and when required. At times, there may be an operational need for you to provide cover outside of your region. The Coxswain (Afloat Mechanic) will also need to train to the required level of competence to operate as an afloat mechanic.
About you
We are looking for people who:

• Are passionate about our work to save lives at sea, will bring professionalism and a willingness to learn, and who are able to adapt quickly to changing situations and environments.
• Have the ability to motivate and lead others and maximise their potential.
• Enjoy working within and contributing to the communities we serve, without whose generous support we wouldn't be able to do what we do. Will embrace this unique opportunity and become an ambassador for the future of our lifesaving operations.

Resilience and leadership skills are just as strong as an ability to handle a boat in adverse sea conditions, but that's where we come in. The Training team will be well prepared to deliver a high intensity suit of courses, up to 20 weeks. Training will be based at the RNLI college in Poole and at our lifeboat stations, gaining the knowledge and skills to be at your peak while on the front end, leading your crew.
You will need to have, as a minimum, experience in the following areas:

• Crewing an ALB as Tier 2 Crew or operating as a trainee ILB Helm
• Operating in a high pressure environment
• Effectively communicating to a range of personalities and abilities

It is desirable that candidates would have:

• Professional experience making decisions under pressure
• Leading a team of people with diverse skill levels

Any maritime or management qualifications or experience a candidate can bring would be of benefit
You'll have the ability to build effective relationships with volunteers at the lifeboat station, the supporters locally and RNLI staff beyond, while acting as an ambassador for the stations and the RNLI within the community.
Where required, the RNLI will also support you to achieve the required minimum sea-time for the RYA Yachtmaster certification and commercial endorsement, and put you through the exam when you are ready. You will work towards this during your training programme.
Please be aware
There will be a significant amount of travel and time away from home, working in the UK and ROI initially, with a transition into the region which you have applied for after your training and development programme is complete - so flexibility to travel will be key. Initial training will take place at the RNLI College in Poole, so please be prepared to spend the first seven weeks travelling to Poole for your training courses.
This post requires a valid driving licence and there will be a requirement to provide your own transport which you will be able to claim expenses against.
As this is a sea-going appointment, you will need to satisfy the institution's medical and eyesight standards.
Could you be the next generation of lifesavers?
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding; protecting a person's health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero-tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role. (England & Wales; DBS check, Scotland; Disclosure Scotland PVG, Northern Ireland; Access NI, Republic of Ireland; Garda Vetting; International, International Child Protection Certificate process).
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world-class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable), and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.

Skills Required