Captain in Charge (Country Harbour)

About Us

The Marine Services division of the Department of Public Works maintains and operates the provincial ferries including: Englishtown, Little Narrows, Country Harbor, LaHave River, Tancook Island, and Digby Neck. Our Marine staff help to further connect and expand Nova Scotia’s transportation network; all the while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our Ferries. Our provincial ferries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging career, with a daily view of our beautiful Atlantic waters, then we have your perfect opportunity.

About Our Opportunity

This position is accountable for the safe and efficient operation of the ferry and staff, which serves as an extension of the provincial highway system for the purpose of transporting passengers, motor vehicles and/or freight.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Captain In Charge, you are in complete charge of the Ferry Service and are responsible for its' safe and efficient operation and navigation. You lead the marine crew in all phases of their work and ensure the ferry’s trip schedule is maintained.

You are responsible for:

• Ensuring the ferry is properly maintained to operate safely by scheduling preventative maintenance, conducting regular inspections, maintaining logs and coordinating repairs through the mobile service mechanic and fleet service coordinator.
• Developing and promoting a positive image from the staff by providing an efficient and professional ferry service to the traveling public and ensuring the ferries are routinely inspected for any problems or safety issues and by ensuring professional staff conduct and appearance.
• Maintaining the effectiveness of the ferry service by hiring, completing on the job training, initializing specialized training and development of the crew.
• Tracking and reporting on ferry traffic, vehicles and passengers and staff leaves by maintaining daily traffic reports, personnel records, pay and overtime reports, shift reports.
• Contributing to the development and maintenance of an efficient ferry service by reviewing, analyzing, and recommending changes to regulations, procedures, and equipment.

Qualifications and Experience

High school or equivalent, plus a Transport Canada Small Vessel Operators Proficiency Certificate and three (3) years of seafaring experience is required.

You must have your:

• Marine Emergency Duty certificate (MED) or Domestic Vessel Safety (formerly MED A1/A2);
• Seafarer’s Marine Medical Certificate; and
• a Marine First Aid Certificate.

As the ideal candidate you are:

• knowledgeable in ferry operations;
• familiar with the Canada Shipping Act 2007;
• attentive to details and aware of your surroundings (weather conditions);
• able to work with a minimum of supervision;
• organized and are known for your efficient coordination of work;
• able to keep the ferries supplied with all the operating supplies;
• customer service focused; and
• able to communicate professionally both verbally and in writing.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Benefits

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees.

Working Conditions

May be occasioned by diesel fumes from equipment, noise and dust. Outside work is required in varying weather conditions. Shift work is required, including nights and weekends.

What We Offer

• Career development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths