Second Skipper/Foreshore Assistant

Second Skipper/Foreshore Assistant
Job Number # 
24131
Employer 
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC)
Job Location(s) 
Bamfield
Number of Positions 
1
Date Posted 
Jul 08, 2021
Apply By 
Aug 09, 2021
Schedule 
Full Time
Hours 
Schedule will vary and may include weekends. Flexibility is required
NOC Code 
2273
Source 
Employer
Details 

Overview:
For over 49 years, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) has supported award-winning teaching and world-class research on the west coast of Vancouver Island, in the beautiful traditional territories of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations in the town of Bamfield, British Columbia. Access to pristine coastal waters and forests with our fleet of vessels is a hallmark of our experiential programs and research support. As an active member of the local community, the BMSC also works collaboratively with the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, the Alberni-Clayoquot regional district, the RCMP, the Canadian Coast Guard and other organizations.
 

About the Job:
BMSC is seeking a Second Skipper and Foreshore Assistant, working in a team environment with the Foreshore Supervisor, supporting sea site and marine operations at the BMSC. The Foreshore is a support-oriented department tasked with satisfying the boating requirements of the Education and Research departments. The BMSC has a fleet of 11 vessels ranging from 4m to 13m in length.  The two larger vessels (MV Alta – 13m, 12 T, and Barkley Star – 10m) are used by the Education and Research Departments and require a qualified BMSC operator.

The larger "skiffs" are primarily used for field trips by the Education department.
The smaller vessels are provided to qualified students and researchers.

The Second Skipper and Foreshore Assistant is responsible for helping with basic repair, maintenance, scheduling, and piloting these vessels. The Foreshore has three staff: the Foreshore Supervisor, a second Skipper/Assistant to the Foreshore supervisor, and a Dive and Safety Officer (DSO). The DSO does not report to the Foreshore Staff but is required to work closely with them due to the nature of their work on the water.

During the busy fall and spring field trip season boat trip scheduling is done in collaboration with the Education Program and often includes weekends; flexibility in the work schedule is required. The Second Skipper/Foreshore Assistant is heavily relied upon during these times.
 

Summary of Duties:

  • Operation of the MV Alta and Barkley Star in Barkley Sound, and occasional offshore trips;
  • Operation of all vessels in the fleet, including deck gear on the larger vessels;
  • Deployment of research sampling gear such as fish trawls, plankton nets, bottom dredges, oceanographic instrumentation, and remotely operated vehicle (ROV);
  • Assist with routine maintenance on all fleet vessels, including the MV Alta and Barkley Star;
  • Scheduling and facilitating University Programs and Field Trip Boat requests;
  • Scheduling boat bookings;
  • Invoice boat and foreshore charges as requested by supervisor;
  • Assist with the management and maintenance of BMSC moorage facilities;
  • Assist with maintaining gas and diesel supply for BMSC;
  • Fueling of vessels as required;
  • Assist University Programs and Researchers with boat check outs;
  • Work with teaching assistants and other individuals as required outlining safe boat operations;
  • Conduct individual boat/skiff training as required;
  • Work cooperatively with internal clients such as other department heads and researchers;
  • Work with the DSO to approve student and research field operations;
  • Provide assistance and advice to BMSC partners, educators, researchers, students, and consulting companies regarding safety and sea site operations;
  • From time to time other Foreshore duties to be determined by the Foreshore Supervisor.

 

Qualifications 

Requirements

  • Limited Master, Vessel less than 60 GT or Higher.
  • Minimum 3-5 years’ experience as a Master
  • General shipyard experience, and willingness to carry out regular maintenance and small repairs;
  • Interest in marine biological education and research;
  • Ability to interact in a friendly and professional manner with a range of clients;
  • Proficiency in boat operations using navigation systems such as radar and GPS;
  • Willing to work safely in all weather conditions, including at night, at the full discretion of the skipper;
  • Diesel engine, outboard engine, and hydraulics awareness;
  • General boat maintenance including electrical, steering, and hull antifouling systems.

Other beneficial skills and knowledge:

  • Knowledge of local waters and ability to interpret weather forecasts,
  • employing best practices for the safety of staff, students, and clients;
  • Knowledge of local marine life and habitats, or willingness to learn;
  • Basic computer skills – Word, Excel;
  • Ability to maneuver boats trailers, haul and launch small boats and skiffs;
  • Willing to work a flexible work schedule, early morning, evenings,
  • weekends, and holidays;
  • Safety conscious;
  • Punctual, organized; and professional with the ability to interact with a wide
  • range of clients;
  • Positive attitude, can-do spirit;
  • Resourceful problem solving;
  • Assist and mentor students with projects;
  • Possess a level of academic and institutional awareness;
  • Willingness and ability to work in an unsupervised environment while maintaining productivity;
  • Putting on the coveralls and getting your hands dirty;
  • The ability to rise above and present positive solutions in challenging situations.
How to Apply 

Should you be interested in learning more about this unique opportunity, please forward your resume, a letter of introduction, and the names and contact information for three references, in confidence to:

David Porter,
Foreshore Operations
Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre
Bamfield, B.C.
Canada V0R 1B0
t: 250-728-3301 ext. 224
Email: skipper@bamfieldmsc.com

**Review of applications will begin as they are received, and continue until the position is filled