Cook Steward

Join our vessel crew and help support the important work that protects Scotland's seas and advances marine science.

The Marine Directorate is the Scottish Government's lead marine management organisation, bringing together scientific research, compliance, policy and management to support the sustainable use and protection of Scotland's marine environment. We are recruiting Cook/Stewards to join our Marine Protection and Marine Research Vessel fleet, working at sea as part of a professional onboard team that enables the successful delivery of marine protection patrols and scientific research programmes.

As a Cook/Steward, you will provide an essential catering, housekeeping and hospitality service that supports the day-to-day operation of our vessels and the wellbeing of everyone on board. Working in a unique maritime environment, your role will help create a safe, comfortable and welcoming living and working environment for crew members, scientific staff and visitors, contributing directly to the effective delivery of the vessel's operational objectives.

This role will initially be based on board MRV Scotia, but you may be asked to work on any of our MPVs or MRVs.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities:

• Prepare and cook all meals in accordance with approved menus for crew, official visitors and guests. 
• Assist with menu planning and daily menu preparation as directed by the Chief Steward. 
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and cleanliness in galleys, pantries, food handling areas, food storage spaces, equipment, utensils, fixtures and communal areas. 
• Clean officers’ cabins and manage housekeeping duties, including arranging and distributing changes of bed linen and towels. 
• Set, clear and present dining areas for meals and events as directed. 
• Serve meals and refreshments to crew, officers, official visitors and guests, including self-service arrangements where applicable. 
• Receive, store and manage catering provisions and supplies. 
• Assist with other catering and hospitality duties as required. 
• Observe and comply with relevant fleet instructions, procedures and duty rosters. 
• Undertake any other duties as directed by the Commanding Officer, First Officer (Executive) or Chief Steward.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• MCA Ship's Cook Certificate Part 2.  
• Valid ENG1 Certificate without limitations.
• All relevant STCW qualifications to serve in the role of Cook/Steward on a UK merchant vessel.

Please confirm that you hold these qualifications. If you do not hold all of the above qualifications, your application will not be considered.

Success profile:

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on. 
 

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Connections and communication with stakeholders – Awareness level
• Adaptability to change – Awareness level
• Delivery and decision making at speed – Awareness level

You can find out more about the skills required here: ODP Competency Framework
 

Experience:

• Experience of preparing and cooking nutritious meals in a professional catering environment, including menu planning, stock management and delivering a high-quality catering service with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge and practical application of food safety, hygiene and safe working practices, with experience of maintaining high standards of cleanliness in food preparation, storage and service areas.
   

How to apply

Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 750 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and job simulation.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 14 September 2026 however, this may be subject to change.

Recruitment Principles:
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us:

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
 

Working pattern:

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
 

Security checks:

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, and read about the Government Vetting Charter, or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. 

Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
 

Equality statement:

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.  

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. 
 

Further information:

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. 

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.