Caledonian Discovery offers cruising holidays with outdoor activities along the Great Glen in the Scottish Highlands, aboard our two converted Dutch barges, Fingal and Ros Crana.

We are looking for a Bosun/Deckhand to join our team for the Summer 2024 season. The job is full-time and live-aboard during the working weeks.

This is an interesting life with a variety of people of all ages coming on the boats. We look for sociable crew who will enjoy the boat lifestyle, the inspirational surroundings and being part of a fun and enthusiastic team in a unique, wonderful environment. We enjoy a quality of life envied by many who come across us.

The Job

Responsibilities of the Bosun include maintaining the vessel, machinery, and equipment on board, and piloting our 5m powerboat to collect and drop off our guests. The Bosun is also the main deckhand on board, organising the foredeck when locking, berthing, and anchoring.

The nature of the work is hugely varied so you may be called on to do anything that’s needed to run the holidays! For all crew this includes driving the barge on open water, deck work, maintenance of vessel and equipment, cleaning, shopping, chatting with the guests, helping at mealtimes, etc.

The Person

The successful applicant will be practically minded and a good problem solver, with an ability to turn their hand to many maintenance tasks. This should include a basic understanding of routine engine and household maintenance, as well as good practical skills. Also essential is the ability to communicate politely and effectively with the wide variety of guests that we have aboard.

Boating and mechanical or engineering experience would be a distinct advantage and having a RYA Powerboat level 2 or equivalent qualification is also beneficial.

Training will be given in all aspects of the work as required and the new crew member should have a good aptitude for learning new skills including the deck work required to crew the barges. Caledonian Discovery is a recognised RYA training centre, and any powerboat training can lead towards RYA Powerboat level 2.

The Season

All of our seasonal crew work on a general rotation of 4 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off or 3 weeks on followed by a week off. The exact rotation may vary and might include additional weeks off or shorter stints on the barge, subject to the requirements of crewing the barges, but each stint of 4 weeks will always be followed by at least 2 weeks off, and each stint of 3 weeks will be followed by at least 1 week off. This allows for plenty of time for the crew to recuperate and hopefully gives enough time for them to follow their other summer-time passions and interests.

During the working weeks aboard the barges, crew are required to live aboard with food and accommodation provided. With no live-in deductions there are no further outgoings necessary except for personal spending.

Working hours while on board are typical for a charter boat. The crew work from 11am on Saturday to about 2pm on Friday. This makes the working weeks quite full-on, but we think that the number of weeks off makes for a good work-life balance.

What you get

£750 - £780 per work week

Accommodation and food during working weeks

Plenty of time off to pursue your summer passions

Great work-life balance

A beautiful and unique working environment