Small Vessel Operator/Interpretive Guide

Job Description

Job Description

Position:  Small Vessel Operator/Interpretive Guide

Wage: $35-$38 per Hour based on experience

Application Deadline: December 15th at 4:00 pm

Position Summary

This position is responsible for the safe operation of Ahous Adventures vessels, for the purpose of taking visitors on scheduled tours to Hot Springs Cove, Whale Watching and Bear Watching, Lone Cone and other tours as they are developed. This position is also an interpretive guide, sharing knowledge of the area, whales and other marine life, including stories about the history of Ahousaht haḥuułii (territorial lands, waters and culture). 

This position must work in a respectful manner towards everyone, practicing the Ahousaht values of: 

• Iisʔaḱstaƛ—respect one another;
• Haaḥuupstaƛ—teach one another; 
• Ya?akstaƛ—care for one another;
• Huupiił’aƛ—help one another; and
• Heshook-ish Tsawalk—everything is Iisʔaḱstone, everything is interconnected.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Safe operation of 12-passenger cabin cruisers and 12-passenger zodiac-style vessels
• Adherence to company’s Safety Management System (SMS) and participation in any safety drills and/or related courses as assigned.
• Adherence to company policies regarding operational areas and identified “No Go Zones”
• Compliance with all applicable Transport Canada regulations 
• Ability to consistently arrive 30 minutes prior to the scheduled tour departure to perform Start-up procedures including fueling of vessel and operational readiness.
• Ability to remain on site to complete full shut-down procedures including interior cleaning of vessel(s), exterior washdown, fueling and ensuring operational readiness for the next operator. 
• Promptly communicate any vessel maintenance/repair related matters to the General Manager, or established maintenance reporting procedures.
• Communicate with front desk staff regarding schedules, tours and guests in addition to information available through the booking software
• Assist with additional tasks as needed (general maintenance of vessels and facility)
• Participation in training and supporting other guides to increase skills and competencies on the water

Certifications Required:

• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) 
• Marine Emergency Duties (MED A3) or Current equivalent
• Marine First Aid & CPR
• ROC-M, Marine Radio Operators Certificate 

Qualifications & Personal Suitability:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience operating vessels in local waters (skills and abilities will be tested by Operations & Safety Coordinator as part of crew training/assessment program)
• Minimum of 2 years in a marine guiding or naturalist position
• Previous experience in providing safety training or training other guides is an asset
• “Safety 1st” attitude and commitment 
• Knowledge of Ahousaht culture and values (or eager to learn, study and share)
• Willingness to take direction from management, staff team and the MHSS/MHEI board members 
• Strong work ethic and ability to take initiative 
• Organized, punctual and reliable
• Exceptional communication skills, with an energetic, friendly disposition
• Comfortable working in a fast paced environment
• Mechanical skills an asset
• Preference will be given to applicants with an interest in working with and supporting other MHEI entities which may include Wahous Wilderness Lodge and the MHSS guardian program 

Training Requirements:

This position may require courses, re-certifications or upgrading. MHEI will work with the hired employee to secure funding if the candidate is eligible. Otherwise, course fees are the responsibility of the employee, though they may be paid by the Company with a tuition reimbursement agreement in place.