Live in boat repairer and general boat maintainer

Job content

Bloomin’ Adur is looking for a like minded multi skilled construction tradesperson(s) to work within a team on the Estuary houseboats. This is a live-in post (bills included except electric) on the Houseboat Verda.

Here is a personal note from me

https://youtu.be/5CZc1ZxRfH8

Here is a clip from a television show that featured many of the boats you’ll be working on

https://youtu.be/QzOrK1ybiP8

You will live on the Houseboat Verda, an art project, known locally as the most photographed residence in Shoreham by Sea. The upper deck hosts a variety of community events. Enthusiasm for this aspect of the post will make for a convivial atmosphere. I would look favourably on applications from a couple.

Bloomin’ Adur is a collection of 7 boats moored on the Shoreham by Sea Riverbank, BN43 5YH. This includes 3 WW2 Motor Torpedo Boats, and a 1929 Gosport Portsmouth ferry (Verda).

I have lived on these boats since 1986 and developed a passion for both their historic significance and the freedom they have allowed me to design and build in my own style. I look on this as boat renovation; finding new use for former working vessels.

To this end and always having limited funds, I reuse and adapt materials accordingly which has the inevitable consequence of lowering material cost whilst incurring more work. This has led me to acquiring diverse skills and I would be looking for the same attitude and adaptability with applicants.

Of the 7 boats involved, 2 are undeveloped. The Heron, a former Vosper MTB that we attempted to put to sea in 2006, is a large project that I am hoping to recommence, retaining the original ambition to make her seaworthy.

https://youtu.be/zFyTSTSGa6U

The other boat being an elderly Norfolk Broads cruiser which is more of a static sculptural houseboat project.

General maintenance comprises a great deal of the workload and as much of this entails bilges, this can be physically and mentally demanding, not to mention mucky! The ability to work under your own initiative is essential and supervision of others would be a desirable asset.

As temporary volunteers also work on this site, this post is not suited to those with child care responsibilities. Safeguarding issues.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Salary: £10.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Work from home

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Shoreham by Sea: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 12/08/2023
Reference ID: BLOOMINADUR2023
Expected start date: 11/09/2023