Job to work on lighthouses in Cornwall with Trinity House

What is described as a “rare and exciting opportunity” has become available, working on Cornwall’s lighthouses.

Trinity House is looking to employ a new lighthouse maintenance engineer, based in the St Just area.

Pendeen Lighthouse, which was built in 1900, will be the closest lighthouse to maintain, although the role includes supporting the field operations team by travelling to seaside and offshore locations.

The post holder will be part of a small team that maintains 20 lighthouses throughout Cornwall, Devon, Isles of Scilly and the Channel Islands, based from the depot at Land’s End Airport.

Responsibilities include working on navigation aids and supporting systems at lighthouses, cottages and associated buildings and structures.

The post holder will also carry out inspections, as well as manage records, supplies and stores.

Pendeen Lighthouse, which was built in 1900, is one the lighthouses managed by Trinity House (Image: Getty Images)

Trinity House uses helicopters and three ships, as well as local boats to carry out its work. The role will include the opportunity to plan travel onboard and work alongside all of them.

As a result, the job includes some extended periods away from home.

The job description state: “From rugged coastal sites to isolated offshore lighthouses, you will visit some of the most breathtaking locations in the country.

“Bear in mind that extended time away from home is a key aspect of this role. You will however be compensated accordingly.”

Food and accommodation expenses are covered while working away, with additional payments for overnight stays at lighthouses.

Once at a competent level within the team, the post holder will have opportunity to be responsible for supervising on-site installations of new equipment and technology, organising other team members’ and contractors’ work, and carrying out technical tasks in support of the team.

For this, the job comes with a salary of between £37,768 and 43,008 per annum, based on 37 hours per week on a permanent basis, although there are said to be “significant” overtime opportunities available to add to this.

“From rugged coastal sites to isolated offshore lighthouses, you will visit some of the most breathtaking locations in the country" (Image: Sonja Ooms/Getty Images)

Trinity House works for the benefit and safety of all mariners as a General Lighthouse Authority and maritime charity.

It said: “Our people are central to our reputation as a leading maritime organisation, as is our commitment as an employer to developing the skills, capabilities and potential of our workforce.

“We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our field operations team.

“This is a rare and exciting opportunity to play a key role in maintaining the UK’s vital maritime safety assets, while working alongside experienced engineers, technicians, and maritime professionals.”

Necessary skills include a good level of experience in a technical maintenance/installation role, experience in the maintenance of PLC based control systems, and expansive knowledge of electronic fault finding to component level.

A level 3 qualification in a relevant electronic based discipline or suitable experience is necessary, along with a full driving licence.

More details can be found on the Trinity House website.