This intermediate-level position is the ideal choice for an engineer that likes to take on new projects, work with a tight-knit team, and explore the BC coast. If you’re ready for responsibility as a key member in the growth of an exciting organization, we’d like to talk.
The Company
Maple Leaf Adventures is a small, privately owned company that has deliberately chosen to have a quadruple bottom line: where environmental, social and financial values are joined by the fun factor as critical metrics of our company’s success.
We are inspired by exploration, creating great experiences, and the rich British Columbia and Alaska coast. Our multi-day expedition cruises in remote BC and Alaska are internationally rated as some of the top adventure travel experiences in the world. This comes from a spectacular environment, a natural love of hosting guests, a disciplined approach to operations, respect for people of all kinds along the coast, and the vision to create something world-class.
At Maple Leaf, you will be a key part of a small, dynamic team that is dedicated to providing exceptional experiences aligned with the values of ecotourism. You’ll be proud to work hard, with lots of attention to detail, and participate in the rewards of a high-calibre adventure travel company on our spectacular coast. We own and operate three small expedition ships. You will be the engineer and maintenance lead on the largest, a ten-year-old steel catamaran custom-built for high-quality ecotourism. You will also be prepared to lend a hand if necessary, to the maintenance team on the other two ships.
Position Summary
The Engineer and Maintenance Lead is a key member of the Maple Leaf Adventures team, responsible for the maintenance and operation of all engineering equipment onboard a 500-tonne steel, catamaran ecotourism ship, 150 tonne converted tug, and a 60 tonne sailing schooner.
This includes responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the main propulsion systems and all hotel services on the ships such as heating and air conditioning, refrigeration, water makers, waste treatment and disposal, electrical and plumbing systems, life boats and davit systems, and upkeep of all electronic equipment. In the first year, it also includes assisting with a vessel refit for service in Canada, and developing Maple Leaf Adventures manuals and procedures from the vessel’s existing manuals and procedures.
This year-round role is based in Victoria, BC and will include 2-3 months on board the 500-tonne vessel on the coast of BC during the operating season, on a month on/month off basis. The remainder of the year will be spent working from the office to support the ships if needed when they are in the field, and plan for and execute winter maintenance.
Areas of Responsibility
You will coordinate the following, as well as do much of the work yourself and supervising another team member doing some of the work:
Ship In Service Maintenance
- Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment, fire, safety, and alarm systems aboard ship.
- Hold complete responsibility for the operation of the engine room and any maintenance of machinery onboard the vessel.
- Work closely with the Captain, to ensure that the physical aspect of the vessel is completely under control.
- Maintain inventory for all spare parts, equipment and supplies. This inventory must be kept up to date.
- Ensure that the engine room is well kept and prepared for inspection by higher authorities.
- Perform routine maintenance checks and keep records of jobs performed.
- Work within a small team to ensure that all maintenance is completed efficiently and in depth.
- Help with engineering, deck and hotel preventative maintenance programs on daily, weekly and monthly basis.
- Complete maintenance and repair tasks as requested in the Cabin Maintenance Notebook.
- Perform hotel maintenance tasks as directed.
Ongoing Maintenance
- Be available to provide support to the vessel when not on board.
- Plan for and participate in in yearly shipyards and winter maintenance, and assist in preparing vessel for Transport Canada inspections.
- Update vessel maintenance records for engineering work items.
- Help prepare a budget, track expenditures, receipts and all paperwork associated with maintenance and parts.
- Communicate with other team members on status and planning for maintenance projects.
- Write operating procedures for all onboard equipment.
- Hire, train and supervise contractors doing work on the ship, ensuring compliance with shipboard procedures, and with quotes and budgets.
- Develop long-term maintenance plans and estimates for the vessel.
- Research, negotiate for and purchase vessel supplies, parts and systems.
Skills and Qualifications Required – The right attitude is everything!
Below are the qualifications that the perfect candidate would have; the world is not perfect, so if you believe you are ready for the challenge and responsibility, and you have the attitude of a great team player, we encourage you to apply and explain how you’ll get the job done.
- Hold a certificate of Fourth-class Engineer, Motor Ship or Steamship and all the requirements thereof, and a valid Seafarer’s Medical.
- Working knowledge of diesel propulsion and electricity generation systems. Knowledge of support systems such as air compressors, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning also preferred.
- Must be a self-starter, able to handle multiple tasks and work with little supervision and work in confined spaces.
- Be willing and able to follow and perform safety role, emergency duties and/or associated responsibilities as specified in the ship Assembly Plan.
- Be willing and able to uphold the general safety management responsibilities specified in the Safety Management System in areas and operations under their control.
- Be organized to efficiently maintain the engine room and be able to work under pressure and within time constraints in the event of an emergency.
- Can read, analyze and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Must be able to provide concise and clear reports as required.
- Be proficient in any software associated with engineering as well as the Microsoft Office Suite.
- Good written and verbal communication skills, for both internal team communications and for communicating with guests on our luxury expedition cruises.
- Be legally qualified to work in Canada
- Be available to go to sea for extended periods of time, working in a tight knit team.
- Be fit and physically able to achieve the physical demands of the job.
- Experience working on tourism vessels or yachts, with paying guests, is an asset.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
An individual with a “let’s make this happen” attitude will get the most out of this position.
- Commitment to the social, environmental and financial implications of decisions.
- Be professional, personable and comfortable interacting with guests using the appropriate levels of tact and courtesy.
- Interest in the nature of the coast.
- Crisis management: Work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgement.
Compensation and Location
- This is a full-time position that pays a competitive salary with benefits package.
- You’ll experience first-hand the magic of the adventures, rated the “Trip of a Lifetime” by Frommer’s and one of the “50 Tours of a Lifetime” by National Geographic Traveler.
- This position is in beautiful Victoria, B.C., capital of B.C.’s vibrant tourism economy. You will also be required to work on trips in the BC or Alaska wilderness for portions of the operating season (April – October) and be based aboard the ship in Victoria’s harbour for winter maintenance (November – March).
How to Apply
- Please send resume with cover letter to Jobs@MapleLeafAdventures.com by end of business January 19, 2018.
Due to the volume of applications we receive, please do not phone or drop in.
Thank you for your interest in this position with Maple Leaf Adventures; we regret that we are only able to make direct contact with short listed candidates.
