On 30 January 1845, Berwick Harbour Commissioners appointed James Wilson as Lighthouse Keeper. He was to be paid one guinea (£1-1-0) per week and to have the use of the Commissioners Dwelling House and premises in the Pier from Whitsunday next so long as he shall continue to hold the situation of Lighthouse Keeper and no longer.

James replaced his father, George as the Lighthouse Keeper who was originally appointed in 1826. His duties, as well as attending the lighthouse included to look after the whole of the Commissioners concerns from the Tower to the entrance of the Harbour, to prevent all nuisances, to look after all necessary Repairs, to prevent all obstructions, both on Shore & in preventing Herring Boats from being placed in improper situations, to look after the Barges, Crains, etc, etc. and generally to make himself useful in the Commissioners concerns.