Position Summary
Are you interested in a comprehensive engineering and systems management role in a midsized company? Your fourth-class (or higher) engineering ticket, preference for hands-on experience and desire to be part of decision-making could make us ideal partners. Our company is small enough to be friendly and casual, and large enough to offer growth opportunities for your career as a mariner.
In the winter months, the position will direct maintenance and capital upgrades of mechanical systems on our largest ship, Cascadia, on the advice of the Head Captain and under the direction of the COO. In 2021 Engineer will play a key role in the $1.5 million installation of new propulsion and power on the Cascadia. This is a rare opportunity to acquire demonstrable experience, both company-wide and throughout vessel systems.
Our Company
Maple Leaf Adventures is a respected marine ecotourism company that operates small ship cruises to world-class wilderness destinations along the coasts of British Columbia and Alaska, focused on natural and cultural history.
Our three passenger vessels allow guests to explore the wild spaces of our world in luxury and comfort:
- SV Maple Leaf: 92-foot schooner;
- MV Swell: 88-foot converted tug powered by a Detroit Diesel 750hp 149 series; and
- BC’s newest adventure tour vessel, MV Cascadia: 138-foot (496 GRT) catamaran that accommodates up to 24 guests and 10 crew. It is currently powered by twin 440hp diesels.
Description of Work Periods for MLA Operations
- Expedition Season: typically from April to October (primarily based on two rotating crews)
- Winter Maintenance: annually from November to March in Victoria
- Shipyard: every second year between February and March in Victoria
The position is planned as full-time, with some flexibility possible.
Site work in Victoria is required through the winter. For out-of-town applicants, onboard accommodation and modified work weeks may be available. Sea time is typically 30-on, 30-off (exact schedule subject to guest travel dates, known in advance) from April to October, with some opportunities for additional sea time as desired.
Our Ideal Candidate
The Engineer aboard MV Cascadia is primarily responsible for the mechanical and electrical systems onboard the vessel, including powering and key functions such as steering, anchoring, cargo handling, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, communication systems and other related equipment. The engineer will have some passing contact with guests, projecting assurance and confidence as a key crew. In addition to experience as an Engineer on equivalent-sized vessels, the ideal qualities for our Engineers include:
- the ability to work at sea for extended periods in a variety of weather conditions and sea states;
- being flexible and organized with proven ability to anticipate the needs of the operations;
- having strong interpersonal skills to establish respectful relationships with colleagues and guests; and
- having a personal interest in the nature of the B.C. coast.
Duties:
Reporting to the Captain, the Engineer aboard Cascadia has overall responsibility for the preparation and readiness of all mechanical and electrical systems throughout the expedition season. The Engineer will support the overall operations aboard MV Cascadia during each expedition, which includes:
- Ensuring that the ship’s systems operate in compliance with all national, international and local regulations (particularly those related to pollution prevention), and the company’s safety management system;
- Ensuring that the vessel maintains all company standing orders and is sailing under company policy;
- Maintaining records such as defect lists, maintenance and repair records, and statutory documentation such as oil record books;
- Working with the Captain, Mate, and Headquarters to effect scheduled maintenance and repairs both directly and by supervising crew and outside trades;
- Planning of repairs and maintenance by leading or assisting in the development of refit lists and preventative maintenance programs;
- Conducting inspections to ensure that all systems are in operational order and that an adequate level of supplies and routine parts are available aboard the vessel; and
- As needed, providing guest and hospitality support while guests are aboard.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Fourth Class Engineer Certificate or higher, and at least a few years of marine engineering experience;
- Experience in a position of overall responsibility for a mechanical system;
- Marine Medical and Marine First Aid at the start of employment;
- Ability to write, organize, and share documents on standard office computer platforms;
- Top priority on exactness, neatness and organization;
- Must be eligible to legally work in Canada.
Assessment criteria (demonstrated or observed):
- Experience in, and suitability for, in-situ troubleshooting and remote locations;
- Presentability in a passenger guest environment;
- Additional certifications, including additional engineering, mechanical, first aid, electronics, passenger guiding or communications;
- Application of lifecycle management and refit programs for vessel systems; and
- interest in adventure tourism and the nature and environment of the B.C. coast.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Competitive daily wage, benefits and guest tips;
- Meals and accommodations will be provided while aboard, and transportation to and from the vessel will be provided during the operating season;
- Pro-deal relationships are available for crew with gear and equipment products; and
- Participation in the company outside training program (hours qualify towards a 3rd class certificate upgrade).
How to Apply:
- Send resume and cover letter to jobs[at]MapleLeafAdventures[dot]com. Please add Position: MV Cascadia Engineer Application to the subject line. In the cover letter, please address what interests you about our company and this ship, and why you chose marine engineering as a career.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls or drop-ins please, as our office and ships are not set up to receive guests at this time.
