Job Description and Person Specification
Job Description
Department / Division:
National Marine Facilities – Sea Systems (NMF-Sea Systems)
Post Title:
Purser Catering Officer
Grade:
Marine Grade
Posts Responsible to (and Level):
Master (at sea), Ship Manager (ashore)
Posts Responsible for (and Level):
The onboard Hotel Services Department
Job Purpose:
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Management of the on board hotel services team, ensuring effective management use of all
resources.
As a member of the Sea Systems on board management team, provide the necessary management
and support on board the ship.
Key Accountabilities/Primary Responsibilities (6-10 bullet points maximum)
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To have overall responsibility for the administrative duties in accordance with the ship’s and
regulatory requirements.
Act as secretary to the various on board meetings, take minutes, note action points, and submit for
Chairs authorisation to issue:
To coordinate all travel and accommodation arrangements onboard, as follows:
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All staff, Scientists and contractors (as required) travelling from the vessel.
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All staff and contractors (as required) travelling to the vessel regarding logistics and
accommodation requirements with the ships port agent.
Ensure statutory regulations concerning catering operations and accommodation are implemented,
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including compliance with current UK/EU food safety and hygiene regulations.
To liaise with the Master and appropriate shore based manager in maintaining the e-DMS and the
additional hard copy of the Ship’s Contingency Manual and any additional hard copies of the
Safety Training Manuals deemed necessary by SOLAS.
To ensure the new starter process is completed for all permanent and temporary staff onboard the
vessel
Monitor the Chef’s menus to ensure that a balanced, varied and interesting diet is provided
Assist in the preparation of the refit list for all work required with maintaining catering equipment,
accommodation and laboratory furnishings and hotel services spaces in a good condition.
To assist the Ships Security Officer in maintaining on board security in accordance with the ship
security plan and in organising and running security training drills/exercises and in creating and
communicating a safety/security culture on board the vessel.
100 % Time
Health, Safety, Environment and general conduct:
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All staff shall provide the highest standard of service to support the objectives of the NERC
Marine Facilities Programme onboard the vessels managed by NMF-Sea Systems.
To be aware of and meet the NERC Core Expectations appropriate to the post.
To ensure compliance with the NMF-Sea Systems aims and objectives, policies, processes and
procedures, especially operational practices in respect of safety and pollution prevention.
All staff shall participate in the implementation of the Safety Management System and to
recognise that the delivery of a safe and efficient service calls for continuous improvement in
skills , teamwork, procedures and provisions associated with safety management, protection of
the environment and service delivery, through the identification of risks, inefficiencies and
opportunities for further improvement and development.
All staff shall undertake operations in accordance with the Safety Management System in
compliance with:
1. The International Management Code for the Safe Operation of Ships and Pollution
Prevention (ISM) Code)
2. The International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code
3. All relevant International Conventions, national statutory legislation and local
regulations.
Training:
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All staff shall attend appropriate training, which maybe onboard ship or ashore, to revalidate
certificates relating to STCW95 and personal development programmes. The post holder is
expected to participate in NMF Sea Systems internal training programmes both at sea and
ashore.
All staff must maintain an oversight of training needs in support of their position and personal
development.
Medical/Fitness:
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All staff are required to hold an STCW95 approved Medical Certificate (ENG 1) and will be required
to maintain a good standard of personal fitness.
Shore Duties and Responsibilities:
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When ashore and not on leave, staff may be required to work for periods at NOC to assist in
planning and co-ordinating of future research cruises together with principle scientists and the
NMF-Sea Systems Research Ship Group, or to assist in supporting the overall activities taking
place at that time.
To work by ships in the situation of being laid up, under repair or in refit whilst not on leave.
Internal & External Relationships: (nature & purpose of relationships):
Internal:
NMF-Sea Systems – to work in partnership with Managers and Staff.
NERC/NOC - building relationships across the organisation.
External:
RCUK Shared Service Centre (SSC)
Principle Scientist and scientific cruise participants
National & International marine regulatory authorities
Special Requirements:
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The post holder will be expected to travel worldwide.
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All staff are expected to:
 Positively support equality of opportunity and equity of treatment to colleagues and students in
accordance with the NERC Equal Opportunities policy;
 Help maintain a safe working environment by:
o Attending training in Health and Safety requirements as necessary, both on appointment
and as changes in duties and techniques demand;
o Following local codes of safe working practices
 Ensure that their actions conform with the overall environmental aims of the Centre and
minimise their environmental impact
 Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager.
 Comply with the NERC Core Expectations
This job description reflects the core activities of the post, as the Centre and the post-holder develops
there will inevitably be some changes in the emphasis to the duties of the post. NERC expects that the
post-holder will recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work and be willing to participate in
training where necessary. Should significant changes to the job description become necessary, the
post-holder will be consulted and the changes reflected in a revised job description.
Person Specification
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How to be assessed
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:
Essential Criteria:
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Catering/Hotel Services qualifications or relevant experience.
Health & Hygiene certification.
Previous seagoing experience.
Good IT skills.
Desirable Criteria:
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STCW95 Certificates.
PST (Personal Survival Techniques).
Proficiency in Medical Care
Personal Safety and Social Responsibility.
Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention.
Ships Cook Parts 1 and 2 Highers Certificate.
Planning and Organising:
Essential Criteria:
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Expected to show independence and initiative in addressing allocated tasks.
Must be able to organise and prioritise workload.
Problem Solving and Initiative:
Essential Criteria:
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Ability to identify often complex problems and develop innovative solutions.
Ability to ‘think out of the box’ to resolve problems and issues.
Management and Teamwork:
Essential Criteria:
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Experience of influencing staff towards organisational objectives.
Excellent leadership skills and the ability to inspire trust and confidence.
Communicating and Influencing:
Essential Criteria:
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An excellent communicator at all levels.
Must be able to form effective working relationships with staff at various levels across the division
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Other Skills and Behaviours:
Essential Criteria:
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Positive about the organisation, its objectives and direction.
Strong awareness of health, safety and environmental issues.
Understanding of relevant statutory regulations within the hotel and catering industry.
Special Requirements:
Essential Criteria:
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Ability to work away from home for extended periods.
Ability to live and work under arduous seagoing conditions and extremes of climate.
Ability to pass ENG1 medical examination.
Desirable Criteria:
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There may be a requirement to assist with specific marine related activities or projects by working
in the offices of NMF – Sea Systems.
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