Please note that this role is based on Herm Island, located three miles off the larger island of Guernsey in the Channel Islands, between Southern England and France. This position is suited to someone willing to relocate and become part of a close-knit island community.

Contract Type:                Permanent
Start Date:                             1 July 2026
End Date:                                n/a
Department:                       Services

Reports to:                            Technical Service Manager

Key Reports:                       None
Hours per Week:          Average 40 - 48 per week across the season

About Herm

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and versatile Maintenance Engineer to join our Island Estate team on a permanent basis.

 

Herm is a small, beautiful island with a resident population of around 50 people; a community that doubles in size over the summer months and welcomes up to 1,000 guests each day. 

 

The Island has one hotel with restaurants and bars, a lively pub, a gift shop, 19 holiday cottages, two beach cafes and two campsites.

Life and work on a small and occasionally isolated island demands flexibility, a positive attitude and a strong team ethic. 

 

But this environment also offers something truly special; the chance to live and work in a welcoming, supportive community, where every individual plays a meaningful part in island life. For the right candidate, the experience is deeply rewarding and genuinely one of a kind.

The Role

 

·         The production and distribution of electricity from the Powerhouse with 3 diesel 80-180KVA generators, including regular servicing and general repairs, (there is the potential for a renewable source in the future).

 

·         The pumping and distribution of water from 7 boreholes and the up-keep of the supply network and numerous tanks, (system to improve and grow).

 

·         Maintaining the island’s sewer system.

 

·         Maintenance of the island’s vehicles including tractors, quads, gators, mini digger etc. (desirable skills - for the maintenance of the island’s cargo vessel).

·         Upkeep and maintenance of island equipment including lawn mowers, chippers, hedge cutters and strimmers.

 

·         Electrical wiring, fuse boards etc across the island buildings, mainly involving fault finding and minor alterations. An outside contractor assists with larger projects and fire detection systems.

 

·         Plumbing and heating: Repairs to plumbing and heating systems mainly involving minor repairs. Outside contractors assist with boiler servicing and larger plumbing work. 

 

·         Gas Supply and Equipment. There may be the possibility of further training to gain the qualifications to become a registered gas operative although a basic understanding of gas equipment would be an advantage.

 

·         General works – this could be fixing a leaking tap, changing a broken toilet seat, unblocking a drain, fixing a door handle or changing a light bulb. This busy & successful tourist island has to keep running 24 hours a day with limited access to immediate outside assistance, therefore a willingness to muck in and help is very important!

 

·       Fire Team – There may be an opportunity to join the island’s well-equipped retained fire-fighting team which is part of Guernsey Fire & Rescue Service

Our full-time Service Team is a collaborative, community-driven group consisting of: 

o    one Services Manager

o    one hands-on Island Engineer

o    three Assistant Engineers

o    one Estate Manager

o    four Estate Workers (two of whom also skipper the island’s cargo boat)

o    one Waste & Recycling Operative

o    one Gardener

This team expands seasonally with 2 Campsite Assistants and 2–3 Porters.
 Teamwork and neighbourly support form the backbone of our island operations.

Remuneration Package & Key Benefits
This is a rewarding and dynamic position set in a healthy, stunning environment and within a warm, supportive community. Compared to UK living expenses, this package offers excellent value, along with the priceless benefit of becoming part of a unique island community.

·   Competitive salary

·   Flat 20% Income Tax rate over personal allowance

·   Rent free with low-cost utilities

·   No council tax or rates

·   Safe environment for children to play outdoors

·   Fantastic low pupil to staff ratio in the Herm school (ages 4 – 11)

·   Free ferry travel between Herm and Guernsey

·   20 days paid holiday (pro rata) increasing with length of Service, plus Guernsey statutory Bank Holidays

·   Staff discounts on-island in all cafes, bars, restaurants and gift shop through the Herm Loyalty scheme

·   Preferential self-catering accommodation rates for friends and family outside of High Season and school holidays

·   Stunning beaches with exceptional sea swimming / kayaking / SUP opportunities 

·   On the job training 

·   Quad bike for work use (full driving licence required)

·   No need for a car

·   50% contribution to relocation costs

·   Incredible work/life balance

 

The island’s infrastructure and facilities such as the hotel, holiday cottages, and utilities are consistently maintained and refurbished to a high standard. 

Preventative maintenance and careful winter planning ensure a smooth summer season and an island that looks its best year-round. 

Every member of the team contributes to this shared responsibility.

Herm’s outdoor lifestyle is one of its greatest attractions. Residents enjoy stunning beaches, scenic walks, swimming after work in summer, fishing, kayaking, and a variety of other outdoor activities. 

 Guernsey is just a 20-minute ferry ride away with 6 – 8 sailings per day during the summer and two daily sailings most days in winter. 

 

Visiting family can stay in self-catering units at preferential rates outside of High Season and School Holidays. 

For applicants with young families, Herm offers an exceptional primary education through the island school (Vauvert School, States of Guernsey Education Authority), currently with two pupils and two teachers. The island provides a safe, outdoor environment ideal for children to thrive. One day per week children at Herm school are taken to Vauvert school for classes, giving them further opportunities to make friends and experience education in a different setting in preparation for senior school from age 11 onwards.

Having children is not essential, but embracing community life is. Couples and families who enjoy contributing to and participating in a small, friendly community will settle in well.

We provide unfurnished but centrally heated accommodation, with residents responsible only for utilities (heating, electricity, gas) and broadband (currently £240 per year, subject to review). 

 

Utility costs are considerably lower than in the UK.

 

Because community is at the heart of Herm life, we consider the selection of staff one of the most important aspects of the island’s continued success. 

 

We are looking not only for someone with the right skills, but someone who will integrate well with our small but vibrant community and who will appreciate the unique lifestyle the island offers. 

 

We kindly ask applicants to include a letter with family details and background information to help us determine suitability for life and work within our close island community.

 

Cover letter and CV to recruitment@herm.com

Want more information about Herm : https://herm.com/

Want to know more about life as a resident on Herm? Please email recruitment@herm.com