Casual Seafront Ranger

Job Introduction

Hours: This is a casual post - there are no set hours - you will be asked to work as and when needed. Various hours per week over 7 days including weekend and bank holiday working between April and September.

Do you have experience of working directly with the public with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels?  Do you enjoy working outside?  If so we have a great opportunity for you.

What is the role

Portsmouth is fortunate to have over 4 miles of active public seafront and the purpose of this role is to provide seasonal support to ensure the public space is being appropriately and safely used by the general public - both residents and visitors alike. 

The role will involve supporting the public using the seafront and all its different offers.  You will be based both at the Seafront Office with occasional remote working across other parts of the seafront such as the Hotwalls or Canoe lake.

This is a varied and challenging role that involves dealing with a wide section of the local community and other external agencies - i.e. the police and departments within Portsmouth City Council.  You will be engaging with visitors daily who use the seafront whether as regular users or visitors.  You will have a detailed knowledge of the wide range of activities taking place and be responsible for passing on information to the public and answering any queries.  You will also be able to react to problems appropriately and when necessary challenging public behaviour including re-education those who flout the seafront bylaws.  Other duties will include carrying out inspections including inspections of all equipment and signage as well as identifying and reporting repairs and ensure these are followed up and completed.  

This is not an office-based role and you will need to be able to regularly walk across areas of the seafront including the seafront shingle and manage steps in order to engage with the public and deliver the role.   Weekend and bank holiday work will be a core part of delivery of this role and the hours are anticipated to be spread throughout the week.

What you'll need to succeed 

An effective communicator, you will have experience of working directly with the public and be comfortable engaging with them on difficult topics.   With a proactive approach you will be able to identify and deal with issues, engaging with the public in a calm and tactful manner and challenging behaviours when necessary.  You will be able to work independently or as part of the team and be able to identify or consider other resources available to you to help you achieve results for seafront users.  A full UK driving licence is desirable for this role, if working off island you will be required to use your own vehicle for work purposes.   You will have the ability to work in all weather conditions and will be required to regularly walk across areas of the seafront.  

For full details, please review 'who is the person' on the job profile below attached.

About Portsmouth City Council

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.

We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours. 

Additional Information

We are not able to offer sponsorship for this position.

Interview date : 12 March 2026

Our recruitment process

Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal

You must demonstrate why you are suitable against each of the points described in the 'Who is the Person' points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience, which clearly illustrates what you did and the effect it had. If you apply without a detailed personal statement, it is unlikely that you will be successful. 

We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council

Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.