Experienced sailors are being given the chance to become the National Trust’s only in-house passenger ferry operator. Orford Ness Nature Reserve is currently advertising for a Boat Operator to operate the ferry ‘Octavia’ between Orford Quay and Orford Ness.
The successful candidate will get to hold a unique position for the charity on the Suffolk coast. As well as operating Octavia during the visitor season, the successful candidate will also need to be able to help carry out maintenance tasks on the Suffolk site during the winter months.
As well as operating the 12-person passenger ferry Octavia, the Boat Operator will also be operating a powerboat and rowing boat on a busy section of the River Ore.
Orford Ness Boat Supervisor, Guy Brown, used to hold the role himself; “Although the crossing itself is short, strong currents, tides and busy boat traffic make it a challenging operation. However, there’s something special about being the member of staff that gets to welcome every visitor onto the reserve and wish them a safe journey home, it gives you the opportunity to build a real rapport with visitors.”
During the winter the post holder will move onto dry land, helping the National Trust’s facilities team to carry out a variety of tasks to ensure the buildings on the site, including listed buildings and scheduled monuments are maintained.
Working on Orford Ness is different from most working environments, having to catch a boat to the office and working on an island is certainly different from most commutes.
Applications are now open with a closing date of March 27th, 2022, with the successful candidate starting in April, when the Ness reopens to visitors for the season.
For more information visit www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk and search ref IRC116371
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