Ferry Deckhand & Relief Purser - Loyalist Township

This role is an integral part of service delivery to the residents of Loyalist Township, and especially those of Amherst Island. It contributes to the achievement of our Strategic Plan. The Deckhand will assist in the loading, passage, and unloading of passengers and vehicles and to maintain the cleanliness and safe conditions of the vessel and termination facilities. This position provides relief and fills the role of Purser when required.

The Deckhand is a key entry point to becoming a licensed Ferry Crew Member. To sustain the Ferry operations, the ideal candidate will be keen to become full-time and then participate in the Ferry succession plan and work toward licensing for Mate and up to Captain, or Engineer.

View full job description on our Careers webpage.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Secondary school diploma or equivalent certificate. Completion of a related degree or diploma is an asset.
• Able to obtain and maintain satisfactory CPIC (Criminal Record Check).
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the position and work in all weather conditions.
• Successful completion of a Transport Canada approved boating safety course and experience using an outboard motor would be considered an asset

SPECIFIC SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Demonstrated reliability and flexibility to meet the needs of the operation.
• Demonstrated good numeracy and literacy skills for continuous learning in pursuit of licensing and self-motivation to grow and develop as a licensed member of the Ferry team.
• Must have knowledge of and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and have a demonstrated safety-conscious approach to duties.
• Good communication and public relations skills, the ability to be courteous when interacting with the other staff and the public even in difficult situations.
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to perform basic work with MS Office suite.
• Good problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize when to elevate issues to management.
• Must be able to work independently and within a positive team environment.
• Strong customer service mindset and communication skills to handle daily interaction with the public.
• Competence in operating an outboard motor

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain the vessel and terminals in a clean and neat condition by:
• Hosing and sweeping
• Scrubbing or painting deck and superstructure
• Replenishing supplies in passenger accommodation
• Loading supplies
• Storing gear
• Disposing of garbage
• Assist the Mate in providing service to the travelling public by:
• Maintaining a neat and tidy appearance
• Answering inquiries from the public as an ambassador of Loyalist Township
• Maintaining a friendly, courteous, yet efficient manner
• Directing vehicles in and out of parking space on ferry deck
• Maintaining safe and orderly parking and flow of vehicular traffic at terminals
• Maintaining safe and orderly entrance and exit of pedestrian and cyclist traffic
• When acting as Relief Purser performs cashiering duties by:
• Ensuring correct fares are paid by all passengers and maintaining related records
• Selling bulk tickets
• Using payment terminal to collect electronic payments
• Providing cash handling services, providing change as needed
• Preparing accurate deposit records, securing deposits, and assisting the Ferry Clerk with any discrepancies
• Answer fare inquiries from the travelling public in a friendly and courteous manner
• Under direction of the Ferry Mate, perform seamanship duties such as:
• Handling lines on securing and casting off
• Splicing and replacing lines
• On occasion performing some of the duties of Mate for training purposes
• Under direction of the Ferry Mate, ensure safety by:
• Testing and maintaining firefighting and lifesaving gear
• Carrying out lifeboat and firefighting drills
• Chipping ice from decks and railings
• Observing operation of de-icing system and reporting any malfunction to the ship’s engineers
• Shoveling snow from decks and terminals
• Perform other general maintenance duties required such as:
• Painting dock-side buildings
• Assisting in construction, repair or maintenance of facilities or docks
• Cleaning shore facilities as required

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The work is considered manual in nature and involves walking, standing, climbing, balancing, crouching, reaching, and lifting, pushing, or raising objects, exerting between 35 to 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis.
• Required to work in various and changing weather conditions that include but is not limited to snow, rain, hot and cold temperatures and wind.
• Required to work in location with exposure to sensory elements including car exhaust, diesel fumes, biomaterials. Work is performed while ferry travels across open water.

The job description reflects the primary duties and responsibilities of this position and should not be construed to describe in detail all duties and responsibilities of the job.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Apply online through our Careers webpage.

Loyalist Township values a diverse workforce and looks to attract and retain people who will work together to provide excellent service to our residents, visitors, business partners, and each other. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to work with a team of professionals dedicated to promoting the quality of life and prosperity of our community, come join us!

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, Loyalist Township is pleased to accommodate the individual needs of applicants with disabilities within the recruitment and selection process. Please contact the Human Resources team at hr@loyalist.ca or 613-386-7351 ext. 149 if you require accommodation.