Captain 3 (Tancook Island Ferry) (Floater)
Competition # : 49799
Department: Public Works
Location: TANCOOK ISLAND
Type of Employment: Permanent
Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG
Closing Date: 20-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)
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 Islands, 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 365 days per year.
If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity and career growth, with a daily view of our beautiful Atlantic waters, then we have your perfect opportunity.
About Our Opportunity
This is a full-time position (80 hours biweekly) assigned to the Tancook Island Ferry. Due to operational requirements, the successful candidate will be required to perform duties and be scheduled across the classifications of Captain, Mate, Engineer, and Deckhand, as needed to maintain ferry operations and service delivery.
Primary Accountabilities
Captain: Under the general supervision of the Captain-in-Charge, the Captain is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and navigation of the passenger/vehicle ferry within Near Coastal II, Home Trade III waters. The Captain provides direction to crew members in the performance of their duties, ensures adherence to marine safety requirements and operational procedures, and is accountable for maintaining scheduled ferry service and the effective delivery of operations.
Engineer: Under the supervision of the Captain, the Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the ferry’s propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary systems. The Engineer operates and monitors the vessel's main engines and associated equipment, conducts inspections, maintenance, and repairs as required, ensures compliance with marine safety and operational standards, and is accountable for maintaining the engine room and related equipment in a safe, clean, and operationally ready condition.
Mate: Under the supervision of the Captain, the Mate is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the passenger/vehicle ferry. The Mate directs and oversees the loading, unloading, and movement of passengers, vehicles, and cargo, assists in the supervision of deck operations, ensures compliance with safety procedures, and helps maintain the vessel's cleanliness, security, and operational readiness.
Deckhand: Under the supervision of the Captain, the Deckhand is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the passenger/vehicle ferry. The Deckhand assists with the loading, unloading, and secure handling of passengers, vehicles, and cargo; participates in berthing and unberthing operations; assists with the inspection, maintenance, and repair of the vessel and related equipment; supports the Marine Engineer in the performance of maintenance activities; and is responsible for helping maintain the ferry and associated infrastructure, including wharfs, in a safe, clean, and operationally ready condition.
Qualifications and Experience
Grade 12 or an acceptable equivalent combination of knowledge and experience. At minimum, a Master certificate, Domestic of 500 gross tonnage required, plus four years of seafaring experience.
You must have your:
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Marine Emergency Duties;
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Seafarer’s Marine Medical Certificate; and
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A Marine First Aid Certificate.
As the ideal candidate, you are known for your efficient coordination of work. Consistently, you maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service. The ability to communicate both verbally and in writing are key components of this position.
There will be an approximate one month training period on the assigned Department of Public Works ferry required.
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.
Additional Information
You will be asked to provide proof of your qualifications and copies of your certificates if selected for an interview.
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.
Pay Grade: MOS 24
Salary Range: $3,051.18 - $3,180.86 Bi-Weekly
Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.
Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.
This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:
Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.
External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates. PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.
If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.
Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concerns may be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.
