Working at The Sandbanks Ferry isn’t your typical job. Every day, you’ll be outdoors in one of the most beautiful locations in Dorset, surrounded by stunning harbour views, sandy beaches, and the fresh sea air.
For over 40 years, we’ve been a family-owned and run business serving our local community. Now in our third generation of family ownership, those same values – loyalty, hard work, and looking after people – run through everything we do. Our team is at the heart of our success, and we’re always looking for friendly, reliable people to become part of the ferry team.
Why Work With Us?
Work in a Beautiful Environment
Forget stuffy offices and fluorescent lights. Our workplace is Poole Harbour, with views across the water to Brownsea Island, the Purbeck Hills, and some of Dorset’s most stunning coastline. Whether it’s a crisp winter morning or a glorious summer day, you’ll be spending time outdoors, breathing in the sea air.
Be Part of the Community
You’re not just doing a job – you’re providing an essential service that connects communities and helps thousands of residents and visitors every day. There’s real satisfaction in being part of something that matters to so much to local people.
Variety in Your Day
From skippers navigating the crossing to crew marshalling vehicles on and off the ferry, from maintenance staff keeping Bramble Bush Bay ship-shape to shore-based teams coordinating operations – there’s variety in what we do. No two days are quite the same when you’re working on the water.
Become One of the Ferry Team
We’re a small, close-knit team where everyone knows each other. Many of our crew have been with us for years – some for decades – and we even have team members whose parents and family worked here before them. That says something about the kind of place this is.
As a family business now in its third generation of ownership, we understand the value of loyalty and looking after our people. We’re not a corporate operation: we’re the ferry team, and when you join us, you become part of that community too.
Flexible Opportunities
We offer various roles across different shift patterns, which can suit people looking for full-time work, part-time hours, or seasonal opportunities.
Want to know what it’s really like to work on The Sandbanks Ferry?
Check out this short video featuring Brent, one of our friendly team, to get his perspective on why joining the ‘ferry team’ was the perfect choice for him.
What We Look For
We love to work with people who are:
- Friendly and customer-focused
- Reliable and punctual
- Happy working outdoors in all weathers
- Comfortable with practical, hands-on work
- Team players with a positive attitude
Previous maritime or ferry experience isn’t essential – we provide training for the right people. Check out the video of Beth, who has trained with the Sandbanks Ferry to become a skipper.
Types of Roles
We employ people in various positions including:
- Ferry crew and skippers
- Vehicle marshalling crew
- Maintenance and technical staff
- Shore-based operational support
Different roles suit different people, and we’re always interested in hearing from those who’d like to be part of the Sandbanks Ferry team.
Current Vacancies
We don’t currently have any positions available, but we’re always happy to hear from people interested in working with us.
If you’d like to register your interest for future opportunities, please send your CV and a brief note about yourself to [email protected] .
Life at The Sandbanks Ferry
Working here means being part of Dorset’s scenery: watching the sunrise over the sea and set over the harbour, seeing yachts and ships sail past, spotting wildlife, and being right in the heart of one of England’s most beautiful coastal areas.
It’s honest, outdoor work in a spectacular setting, with a team that looks after each other. If that sounds like your kind of workplace, we’d love to hear from you.
The Sandbanks Ferry is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of our community.