Captain 3 (Tancook Island Ferry) (Floater)

The Government of Nova Scotia; Big Tancook Island; On-site; CAD 3,610,000 - 3,763,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation on Tancook Island

Career development opportunities

Engaging workplace

Job summary

The Government of Nova Scotia is hiring for the Captain 3 (Tancook Island Ferry) floater position on Tancook Island. This full-time role covers Captain, Engineer, Mate, and Deckhand duties to keep ferries operating 365 days a year.

Based on qualifications, you will be scheduled across classifications with an approximate 80 hours biweekly. Accommodation on Tancook Island is provided, and a comprehensive benefits package is offered through NSGEU. Apply by Sept 20, 2026.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent.
• Master certificate, Domestic of 500 GT is required; four years seafaring experience.
• Marine Emergency Duties and Marine First Aid are required; Seafarer’s Medical Certificate.
• Marine Engineer Certificate is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Captain is responsible for safe, efficient vessel operation and navigation.
• Engineer operates and maintains propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary systems.
• Mate directs loading/unloading of passengers, vehicles, and cargo; supports deck operations.
• Deckhand assists with berthing, inspection, and maintenance; supports safety and readiness.

Skills

Marine Emergency Duties

Seafarer’s Medical Certificate

Marine First Aid

Education

Grade 12 or equivalent

Master certificate, Domestic of 500 GT

Marine Engineer Certificate (asset)

Job description

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Captain 3 (Tancook Island Ferry) (Floater)

Competition # : 49799

Department:Public Works

Location:TANCOOK ISLAND

Type of Employment:Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date:20-Sep-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

The Marine Services division of the Department of Public Works maintains and operates the provincial ferries including: Englishtown, Little Narrows, Country Harbor, LaHave River, Tancook Islands, and Digby Neck. Our Marine staff help to further connect and expand Nova Scotia’s transportation network; all the while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our Ferries. Our provincial ferries operate 365 days per year. If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity and career growth, with a daily view of our beautiful Atlantic waters, then we have your perfect opportunity.

About Our Opportunity

This is a full-time position (80 hours biweekly) assigned to the Tancook Island Ferry. Due to operational requirements, the successful candidate will be required to perform duties and be scheduled across the classifications of Captain, Mate, Engineer, and Deckhand, as needed to maintain ferry operations and service delivery.

Primary Accountabilities

The main accountabilities for the assigned position you may be required to do during your shift are:

Captain : Under the general supervision of the Captain-in-Charge, the Captain is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and navigation of the passenger/vehicle ferry within Near Coastal II, Home Trade III waters. The Captain provides direction to crew members in the performance of their duties, ensures adherence to marine safety requirements and operational procedures, and is accountable for maintaining scheduled ferry service and the effective delivery of operations.

Engineer: Under the supervision of the Captain, the Engineer is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the ferry’s propulsion, mechanical, electrical, and auxiliary systems. The Engineer operates and monitors the vessel's main engines and associated equipment, conducts inspections, maintenance, and repairs as required, ensures compliance with marine safety and operational standards, and is accountable for maintaining the engine room and related equipment in a safe, clean, and operationally ready condition.

Mate: Under the supervision of the Captain, the Mate is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the passenger/vehicle ferry. The Mate directs and oversees the loading, unloading, and movement of passengers, vehicles, and cargo, assists in the supervision of deck operations, ensures compliance with safety procedures, and helps maintain the vessel's cleanliness, security, and operational readiness.

Deckhand: Under the supervision of the Captain, the Deckhand is responsible for supporting the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the passenger/vehicle ferry. The Deckhand assists with the loading, unloading, and secure handling of passengers, vehicles, and cargo; participates in berthing and unberthing operations; assists with the inspection, maintenance, and repair of the vessel and related equipment; supports the Marine Engineer in the performance of maintenance activities; and is responsible for helping maintain the ferry and associated infrastructure, including wharfs, in a safe, clean, and operationally ready condition.

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 or an acceptable equivalent combination of knowledge and experience. At minimum, a Master certificate, Domestic of 500 gross tonnage required, plus four years of seafaring experience.

You must have your:

Marine Emergency Duties;

Seafarer’s Marine Medical Certificate; and

A Marine First Aid Certificate.

A Marine Engineer Certificate, I.E. Small Vessel Machinery Operators (SVMO) will be considered an asset.

As the ideal candidate, you are known for your efficient coordination of work. Consistently, you maintain a professional and courteous disposition and hold a high standard for client and customer service. The ability to communicate both verbally and in writing are key components of this position.

There will be an approximate one month training period on the assigned Department of Public Works ferry required.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as aDefined Benefit Pension Plan , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here: Benefits for government employees .

Working Conditions

May be occasioned by diesel fumes from equipment, noise and dust. Outside work is required in varying weather conditions. Shift work is required, including nights and weekends.

Additional Information

You will be asked to provide proof of your qualifications and copies of your certificates if selected for an interview.

In this position, your work schedule will vary based on operational needs. Shifts may be scheduled on different days and times, and schedules will generally be provided approximately two (2) weeks in advance.

Please note that you are guaranteed 80 hours biweekly.

Accommodation on Tancook Island is provided by the Department, as the ferry remains on the island overnight.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• Countless Career Paths.

Salary Range: $3,051.18- $3,180.86Bi-Weekly

Employment Equity Statement: Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians, Persons of African Descent, Racialized Persons, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ Persons and Women in occupations or positions where they are under‑represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self‑identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act.If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at [e-mail].

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link:

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.PLEASE NOTE: Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

If you are receiving a pension from the Nova Scotia Public Service Superannuation Plan (PSSP) or any related plans, you cannot receive pension payments while contributing to the same plan. If you accept a position that requires PSSP contributions, your pension payments must be stopped. Please contact the Nova Scotia Pension Services Corporation for more information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concernsmay be directed to [e-mail].