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Dock Clerk Job Description

What does a Dock Clerk do?

A Dock Clerk is responsible for overseeing and managing the daily operations of docks or piers at shipping yards, ports or logistics facilities. Their primary duties include coordinating the loading and unloading of cargo from ships, trucks or trains, keeping records of incoming and outgoing shipments, generating reports, and maintaining schedules for transportation. Additionally, Dock Clerks may oversee the maintenance of equipment and facilities to ensure the smooth operation of the dock. Effective communication skills are essential in this role, as Dock Clerks interface with a range of stakeholders such as warehouse staff, transport companies, and shipping line representatives.

Our Dock Clerk job description includes the Dock Clerk responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Dock Clerk Example


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If you need an example job description for a Dock Clerk download the one below, alternatively we have many other Public Sector job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Dock Clerk do?

The Dock Clerk is responsible for receiving, storing and dispatching goods within a dock or warehouse environment. The primary duties of this role include keeping accurate records of goods received, loading and unloading containers, ensuring goods are correctly stored, controlling stock levels and maintaining the security of the facility. The Dock Clerk must also ensure that Health & Safety standards are met and remain up to date with training requirements. Excellent customer service and communication skills are essential for this role.

Dock Clerk Role Purpose

The purpose of a Dock Clerk is to oversee the day-to-day operations of a shipping port or dock. This includes managing the loading and unloading of ships, coordinating the transportation of goods, and ensuring that all cargo is handled and stored properly. The Dock Clerk is also responsible for tracking inventory, preparing documents, and communicating with customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the Dock Clerk may be responsible for tracking the movement of goods and ensuring that all relevant regulations are met.

Dock Clerk Role

A Dock Clerk is responsible for managing the loading and unloading of goods from ships at a dock or port. They organise and monitor the transfer of cargo, keep records of stock and ensure that all paperwork is accurate and up to date.

Dock Clerk Duties

  • Greet customers, answer queries and provide information regarding services and products
  • Process customer orders and manage payments
  • Maintain records of sales and stock levels
  • Keep work areas neat and tidy
  • Resolve customer complaints

Dock Clerk Requirements

  • Organise and keep records of all dock operations
  • Direct and supervise dock workers
  • Manage and coordinate the loading and unloading of ships
  • Control the movement of cargo and vehicles in and out of the dock
  • Ensure all safety protocols are respected

Dock Clerk Skills

  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to use a computerised booking system

Dock Clerk Personal Traits

  • Good customer service skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment

How to write a Dock Clerk Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Dock Clerk Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Dock Clerk Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Dock Clerk Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Dock Clerk

Once you have selected your Job Description download it or convert it to a Job Advert. From here you can post/advertise your job across our network of job boards. If you wish to use the job description for a CV Template click through for advice and Convert to a CV

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