Vacancies

The Port of Inverness is run by Inverness Harbour Trust for the benefit of the Highlands. We are a small team operating a busy 24/7 commercial harbour, and current vacancies are listed below.

Current Vacancies

Marine Pilot / Deputy Harbour Master

Full-time, permanent · Harbour Office, Inverness
Closing date: Friday 2 October 2026

Inverness Harbour Trust is looking for a motivated maritime professional to join our small marine operations team at the heart of the Highland capital.

Following training and examination, which the Trust will fund, you will undertake authorised pilotage duties for the Port, support safe navigation, and act as Deputy to the Harbour Master. The post offers further progression within the Port team.

About

Key details

Salary: Competitive, with private healthcare and pension
Leave: 7.4 weeks, including statutory holidays
Hours: 24/7 port. Night tides Mon–Fri and 4 weekends in 9
Interviews: Week commencing Monday 26 October 2026
Apply to: info@portofinverness.co.uk

Ensuring the safe navigation of ships in the Port and port area
Boarding and piloting ships in and out of the Port
Overseeing daily operations in the Harbour Master’s absence, including setting the Port Operatives and Maintenance Engineer safely to work
Acting as Deputy PFSO, and supporting the Port’s security, emergency, oil spill and waste management plans
Chairing the Port Security Committee
Liaising with shipping agents, port users, HMRC, the Maritime Security and Resilience Division and Border Force
Maintaining the Port’s health, safety and environmental management system, including risk assessments, audits and incident investigation
Managing contractors on the Port estate, including inductions, permits to work and adherence to port procedures

Essential

Good management, organisational, reporting and computer skills
A full UK driving licence and own transport
The right to work in the UK
Willingness to live within reasonable commuting distance of the Port
An ENG 1 medical examination and Counter Terrorism Clearance will be required before any offer is confirmed. An occupational health assessment for pilotage duties may also be needed

Beneficial, but not essential

Piloting or command experience
Experience of marine operations, port operations or a similar maritime environment
Experience of health and safety management, or a NEBOSH or IOSH Managing Safely qualification
Knowledge of the Port Marine Safety Code, the ISPS Code, oil spill regulations and current health and safety legislation

The Port operates around the clock. This role has a non-negotiable roster covering night tides Monday to Friday and four weekends in every nine, including Sundays. Where there is no shipping on a rostered night, there is a requirement to be on site at the Harbour Office for an agreed period.

What we offer

A competitive and attractive salary
7.4 weeks’ holiday, including statutory entitlement
Private healthcare
Enrolment in the company pension scheme
Funded pilotage training and examination, and further professional training
Progression within the Port team

How to apply

Job Description

Please click here to access full details of the role and information on how to apply

Please send a CV with a covering letter explaining why you believe you are a fit for the role to info@portofinverness.co.uk, to arrive by 2 October 2026.

For an informal enquiry, contact Capt. Ken Maclean, Harbour Master, on 01463 715715.

Interviews are expected to be held in Inverness during the week commencing 26 October 2026.

Inverness Harbour Trust is committed to an active equal opportunities policy, which starts with our recruitment process.

About the Port

The Port of Inverness is a Trust Port, sitting where the River Ness meets the Inverness Firth, and a founder member of the Inverness and Cromarty Firth Green Freeport. It is one of Scotland’s most weather-secure natural harbours, offering vessels near guaranteed year-round access.

Six commercial quays handle around 750,000 to 800,000 tonnes of cargo a year, including timber, logs, fuel oil and road salt. Over the past decade the Port has become a key hub for onshore renewables, handling hundreds of wind turbines through its abnormal load capability and direct links to the regional road network. The site also takes smaller cruise ships and sits alongside a 150-berth marina.