How We Work

Every individual working for the Trust has the opportunity to make a direct, measurable contribution to the achievement and advancement of our strategic aims. We approach our work with passion, creativity and diligence. Join our team and work in an environment rich in heritage and culture, with people who really care about what they do.

As an organisation we are ambitious and collaborative. We work with community organisations, businesses and local government partners in Portsmouth and Gosport to support economic, community and cultural development in these areas. At a national level we are an active member of the Heritage Alliance, contributing to consultations on issues that impact the heritage sector. We are also a member of the National Historic Ships Shipshape Network and recently were part of the UK Shipbuilding Skills Task Force that made recommendations to Government on skill requirements in the UK shipbuilding industry.

As an employer we are committed to:

Paying our employees competitive salaries – we are a Real Living wage employer
Investing in the development of our people
Supporting flexible working
Providing benefits that support good health and financial security in the present and the future
Making it fun!

Current Vacancies

Casual Crew

Hourly rate: £12.60

Casual hours available weekdays and weekends: May – September 2025

About the Role

Throughout the summer season we aim to get as many visitors out on the water in our heritage vessels as possible to showcase the amazing maintenance work of our boats team and volunteers and make the most of our iconic position in Portsmouth Harbour. We are looking to recruit a small team of casual crew to work on our Falklands-era Landing Craft undertaking crewing duties primarily for boat trips around the harbour, and charters in and around the Solent.

The shifts are typically 4 – 6 hours per day and we operate both midweek and weekends. Candidates should indicate potential availability as we need to schedule a roster of crew well in advance (it’s fine if you can only work certain days, we need to know so we can schedule cover for all shifts).

About You

You will need to be able to demonstrate experience as competent crew or a current RYA Competent Crew or higher qualification and be able to work in a team environment without direct supervision. Equally important are strong verbal communication and customer service skills and a sound understanding of water-based safety and risk management.

As an organisation we are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and to implementing these through our work. We expect our colleagues to have a commitment to this too.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering note to recruitment@portsmouthhq.org with the title “Casual Crew” in the subject box.

Job Profile

Visitor Host

Part-time role approximately 35-40 hrs per month (shifts on weekends and weekdays). Casual hours also available

Hourly rate: £12.60

Required from June 2025

About the Role

We are seeking to recruit to an existing team of Visitor Hosts in Boathouse 4, where visitors can come to experience the history of naval engineering and craftsmanship on show in our busy restoration workshop, explore the SHE-SEES exhibition and enjoy the food and stunning views from the Boathouse 4 restaurant. The successful candidate will join a rota to cover three to four weekend days each month and a half to one weekday each week, plus occasional events, holiday and sickness cover.

In addition to welcoming and interacting with visitors and monitoring visitor numbers in the Boathouse, Hosts will sell our merchandise and take bookings and payments for boat trips. Hosts will be trained in fire safety procedures and first aid and will have shared responsibility for the health and safety of visitors in the building.

About You

This role will suit individuals who enjoy working in a public-facing role and can work without direct supervision. Previous experience of working at a leisure attraction, heritage site or museum would be an advantage, and applicants must be able to demonstrate a track record of excellent customer service and strong communication skills.

Applicants must be 18 or over, due to the health and safety responsibilities of this role.

As an organisation we are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion, and to implementing these through our work. We expect our colleagues to have a commitment to this too.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering note to recruitment@portsmouthhq.org with the title “Visitor Host” in the subject box.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received with a view to making an appointment at the earliest opportunity.

Job Description Person Specification

Information for applicants

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criterion. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So, if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we would still like to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this or other roles.

Our working environment is one where diversity is valued and equality of opportunity is promoted.

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of job applicant’s personal information. Our applicant privacy notice describes how we collect and use personal information during the recruitment process in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Applicant Privacy Notice