Deckhand (Tancook Ferry) (Casual)

About Us

Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.

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.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Deckhand, you represent the Department in a professional and courteous manner while playing a critical role in operation and safety of the Ferry.

Daily responsibilities include:

• Assisting the Mate loading, unloading cargo and maintenance of lifting gear;
• Assisting the Marine Engineer in regular maintenance and inspection of the ferry (including engines, hydraulic systems, cables, winch drums, wire falls, hinge pins, and fire and lifesaving equipment, etc);
• Keeping the ferry clean and tidy (including snow removal, salting and tidiness of wharfs);
• Assisting with berthing and unberthing the ferry;
• Assisting the Mate with maintaining ships mooring equipment.

This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore the many different career opportunities our Marine Services has to offer. At Marine Services, we provide you with opportunities for professional development and in-house training related to equipment inspections, engines, fire and boat drills, and more.

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 or equivalent plus seafaring experience; or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience. Any marine certificate of competency would be considered an asset.

You must have your:

• Marine Emergency Duties, STCW basic safety or MED A1 or Domestic Vessel Safety Certificate (MED);
• Seafarer’s Marine Medical Certificate; and
• a Marine First Aid Certificate.

As the ideal candidate you are:

• knowledgeable about ferry operations;
• 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;
• 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.

Working Conditions

This is a casual position to support current full time crew and the schedule will vary, requiring the candidate to stay on the island in the provided accommodations.

This position is labour intensive requiring physical strength, dexterity and the ability to work in an elevated work site and on water. Ordinary hazards of ferry operations and adverse weather conditions such as snow and rain make working conditions difficult at times.

Additional Information

This is a Casual employment opportunity with an anticipated end date of March 31, 2025. The appointment status Casual is dependent on the start date of the successful candidate.

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