**NEW** RIB BOAT SKIPPER - JOHN O'GROATS

JOB TITLE

Rib Boat Skipper

JOB LOCATION

John O'Groats

JOB REF

MR\LM\OTH\122685

SALARY

up to £35,000PA Pro Rata

JOB DESCRIPTION

Company Background and Culture

Our client is one of the fastest growing luxury self-catering holiday specialists who specialise in offering outstanding self-catering holiday accommodation in areas of outstanding natural beauty. The locations are supported by a unique service provided by the Concierge team who are a point of contact for guests from booking through to planning their stay.  The company currently has locations across the UK, Ireland, Canary Islands and the US. The portfolio is continually growing and the company plans on opening further locations across Europe and the US.

The Core business values are to offer an Amazing product, Amazing Service and have an Amazing culture. The culture of the company is entrepreneurial, friendly, hardworking and unique with a key emphasis on ensuring all guests receive amazing service throughout their stay in outstanding accommodation.

The John O'Groats Retreat
See killer whales in their natural habitat, catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights or discover your inner Indiana Jones with a spot of real-life treasure hunting; all right here in the UK at the most northerly tip of Scotland, John O'Groats.

Our client have 23 individual Residences, a brand new Outfitters activity and retail centre and a co-operative Storehouse in the stunning wilderness of John O'Groats. In Summer 2013 a further 20 luxury accommodation units will be housed in the renovated "Inn at John O Groats".

John O'Groats is blessed with some of the finest wildlife in the UK, from orca and minke whales to seals and dolphins. Just a stone's throw away from the largest RSPB reserve in Britain, the region is also rich in birdlife, including guillemot, kittiwakes and most famously, puffin.


We are looking for  a Skipper for our 9 metre rib boat,  'Natural Explorer' for  Sea safari trips from the Natural Retreats location at John O'Groats.
Our rib seats 14 and is in the water from Spring through to October. We are seeking an experienced skipper who has good knowledge of the conditions and environment on the Pentland Firth and  is able to offer a fantastic sea safari experience to all our guests


Role & Responsibilities

The Rib Boat Skipper is key in delivering a fantastic guest experience at our John O'Groats site. Not only do we want our guests to have amazing accommodation experience we want them to be able to partake in exciting activities whilst staying at our retreats.

Making the most of the stunning location, the Rib Boat Skipper will have the knowledge and ability to take guests on "Sea safari" trips to see the wildlife and scenery, whilst continually ensuring the safety of all crew members and guests.

The number of trips will vary from 0 up to a maximum of 5 in a day and are available to both residents and non-residents. Trips will last up to 2 hours and are dependent on the weather. Due to the nature of the role and being reliant on weather conditions we cannot guarantee the number of trips. Whilst ashore the role includes managing the on-going maintenance of the boat and associated equipment. There is also a requirement to spend time in the Outfitters discussing the Rib Boat experience to our guests and day visitors and generating interest in the local community.

This is predominantly an outdoor role in conditions which can, at times, be quite demanding.

General Responsibilities:

Acting as a tour guide delivering talks to guests on the wildlife and natural history of the area. The initial talks will be well scripted in advance but as the season progresses you will be expected to provide commentary relevant to the groups on the boat.
Helping to deliver a fantastic guest experience to our NR guests and day visitors.
To generate leads for guests and day visitors booking rib boat trips
To be able to safely bring the rib boat in and out of the water using the NR Land rover.
To generate new ideas and innovative ways to generate interest in the rib boat experience.
General maintenance of the Rib boat and the mooring.
To conduct vessel, operating and safety inductions of new crew members.
To take responsibility of all aspects of caring for the rib boat including organising services, cleaning, H&S checks, paperwork etc. Complete the relevant forms required by HSE and update the National Operations Manager.
To take responsibility for all aspects of caring for the kit (water proofs/life jackets etc)
Occasional cover in the Outfitters.

Experience & Qualifications:

Someone who has working knowledge and experience of operating in waters of a similar nature as the Pentland Firth.
Considerable experience required due to the location. 1000 + sea hours experience on similar waters and vessel within the last 5 years.
RYA Powerboat advanced.
MCA Approved First Aid qualification which covers drowning, hypothermia and shock
Commercial endorsement of the Powerboat qualification named Professional Practices and responsibilities (PPR).
Possess a Seafarer Medical Report. ML5 is the minimum requirement, ENG1 is preferred.
STCW 2010 (previously STCW95) trained is essential.
Good existing knowledge of sea life and birds that can be found on the North Coast

Skills

Fantastic communication skills
Engaging presentation skills
Excellent people skills
Willingness to learn and to adapt to differing situations on board
Need to be practical and capable of using tools
Commercial awareness
Full driving licence
Ability to remain calm in challenging scenarios.


Based on an annual salary of £35k pro rata (£20k for 7 months from April through to October).

For more information and to apply for this position, please follow the link below:
http://www.marineresources.co.uk/rib_boat_skipper_122685