Does NPorts offer apprenticeships?

Yes, NPorts offers apprenticeships in a variety of professions and at several locations each year. Find out more about our apprenticeship opportunities.

 

What opportunities are available besides permanent employment?

We offer internships, working student positions and traineeships. Find out more about our opportunities for university students and graduates.

Which documents do I need to submit?

For the first step, a detailed CV is all we need. We will then check whether your qualifications generally match the advertised position. If they do, we will ask you to submit further documents, such as references, certificates and, if required, a cover letter.

However, you are also very welcome to send us a complete application right away.

How long does the application process take?

This varies from position to position. We always aim to respond as quickly as possible and arrange interviews promptly.

What are the working hours at NPorts?

A full-time position at NPorts comprises 38.5 hours per week. How these hours are distributed depends on the area of work:

• Trade and craft roles
  Employees in trade and craft roles generally work fixed hours, usually from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Fridays, the working day normally ends at around 12 noon, allowing for an early start to the weekend.
• Commercial and technical office-based jobs
  We offer flexible working hours in these areas. Working hours may be scheduled between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Our core working hours, during which all employees must be available, are from 9 a.m. to 12 noon and from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. for full-time employees. There are no core working hours on Friday afternoons, so employees may start their weekend from 12 noon.
• Nautical professions
  Employees in our nautical departments work shifts. Their working hours therefore differ from the models described above.

Is a four-day week possible?

Yes, if you work part-time. Full-time positions are based on a five-day week. Special arrangements apply to shift work.

How are working hours recorded, and how does NPorts handle overtime?

Working hours are recorded electronically. This makes it easy to document the beginning and end of each working day accurately to the minute.

Overtime is generally compensated with time off. At the end of the year, we work together to ensure that individual working time accounts are balanced. The permitted range is between minus 10 and plus 20 hours.

What does rotating shift work mean at NPorts?

Some areas need to be staffed around the clock. Employees in these areas work in two-shift or three-shift systems, alternating between early, late and night shifts.

Shift schedules are prepared well in advance, providing employees with reliable planning for their private lives.

Is working from home possible?

Yes, depending on the role, employees may work from home on individual days after completing their probationary period. With a written agreement, employees working a five-day week may work from home for up to two days per week.

How many days of annual leave do employees receive?

Employees working full-time over five days per week receive 30 days of annual leave each year.

For part-time employees or employees working fewer days per week, the entitlement is adjusted accordingly. In addition, 24 and 31 December are days off, except in areas that require continuous 24/7 staffing.

Employees working shifts may receive up to six additional days of annual leave.

Can I receive additional days of annual leave?

Yes. You can “buy” up to five additional days of annual leave per year. This means giving up part of your salary in exchange for additional time off.

Can I take a sabbatical?

Yes, we offer a “mini-sabbatical” scheme.

After three years of working with us, you can, for example, work full-time for two months as an accumulation phase and then take two months off as a leave phase.

You will receive half of your regular salary during each of the four months. You can also combine this period of leave with annual leave.

What does remuneration under a collective agreement mean?

At NPorts, remuneration is based on the Collective Agreement for the Public Service of the German Federal States (TV-L). This provides clear, transparent and fair conditions for all employees.

Every position is assessed according to consistent criteria and assigned to a fixed pay group, regardless of who fills it. Within this pay group, employees are placed at an experience level based on their relevant professional experience. This makes it clear from the outset how remuneration is calculated and how it can develop over time.

As the assessment of positions and allocation of experience levels follow transparent rules and are overseen by the Workers’ Council, there are no gender-specific differences in pay at NPorts.

What does “plus allowances and supplements” mean?

Our collective agreement provides for various allowances and supplements. These may apply, for example, to rotating shift work, on-call duty and work performed at weekends, at night or on public holidays.

What is the annual special payment?

Employees receive an annual special payment, often referred to as a Christmas bonus, at the end of November. The amount is calculated as a percentage and depends on the employee’s pay group.

What level of German do I need?

At NPorts, German is our working language. We also communicate mainly in German with service providers, customers, public authorities and other business partners.

For all positions, you therefore need written and spoken German skills at a minimum level of B2. Many roles require at least C1-level German. The level required for a specific position depends on the tasks involved and is stated in the job advertisement.

Do I need to provide proof of my German language skills?

A language certificate is not required when applying. However, if you have one, you are welcome to include it with your application.

You may also apply without a certificate. In this case, please state your level of German in your CV. If your professional qualifications match the position, the interview will also give us an opportunity to assess whether your language skills are sufficient for the role.

Can I submit my application in English?

Please submit your application in German.