Chief Engineer, Minor

BC Ferries; Area A (Baynes Sound); On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BC Ferries on Hornby Island seeks a passionate Chief Engineer, Minor with robust shipboard leadership and maintenance expertise. You will oversee engine room operations, guide a small crew, and ensure propulsion and auxiliary systems run reliably.

This role emphasizes safety, training, and proactive problem solving in a dynamic ferry environment. Applicants should hold a 3rd Class Motor Certificate or higher and a valid Seafarers Medical, with a minimum of two years in a Chief Engineer or Senior

Qualifications

• Must hold a 3rd Class Motor Certificate or higher.
• Valid Seafarers Medical.
• Minimum 2 years demonstrated experience as a Chief Engineer or Senior Engineering Watchkeeper.

Responsibilities

• Stand an engine room watch, review engine logs, identify and resolve problems with mechanical, electrical or propulsion systems, keep the Master informed of vessel condition.
• Stand by the controls during maneuvering and be prepared to take over in an emergency.
• Supervise and direct the engine room crew; ensure firefighting and emergency duties training.
• Plan and conduct maintenance, repairs and alterations to all ship’s systems; perform emergency repairs.
• Prepare reports on fuel, lube oil, machinery failures, accidents or discrepancies in logs.
• Oversee ordering of stores, spare parts and tools; ensure water and fuel on board; conduct monthly inventory.
• Coordinate repair work with departments and contractors; assess refit specs and costs; participate in refit activities; address equipment concerns.
• Carry out fire and boat drills; respond to emergencies.
• Provide orientation, guidance and informal training to other employees.

Skills

3rd Class Motor Certificate

Seafarers Medical

Job description

Job Description

CHIEF ENGINEER, MINOR

Hornby Island

The Opportunity

We are seeking a passionate, innovative engineer who brings the technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills for the Chief Engineer, Minor position on Hornby Island.

The Role

Duties

• Standing an engineer room watch; reviewing and making entries to engine logs; taking action to identify and resolve potential or existing problems with mechanical, electrical of propulsion systems; and keeping the Master appraised of the condition of the vessel
• Standing by the controls during maneuvering and is prepared to take over the controls of the vessel in emergency situations
• Supervising and directing the work of a small engine room crew engaged in repair, maintenance, and watch-keeping duties; and ensuring that the crew is trained in firefighting and emergency duties
• Planning and conducting maintenance, repairs and alterations to all ship’s systems; and completing emergency repairs
• Completing a variety of reports on fuel, lube oil, machinery failures, accidents, discrepancies in log readings, or any undue incidents affecting the vessel
• Overseeing ordering of stores, spare parts and tools; ensuring there is sufficient water and fuel on board; and conducting monthly inventory
• Liaising with all departments and with external contractors to coordinate repair work; determining specifications and costs for refit; participating in refit activities; handling complaints from staff regarding equipment problems in other departments; and coordinating ship inspections with regulatory agencies
• Carrying out fire and boat drills; and responding to emergency situations
• Providing orientation, guidance and informal training to other employees

What you bring to the team

• 3 rd Class Motor Certificate or Higher
• Valid Seafarers Medical

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to develop and recommend long term solutions to improve operational efficiency on all operating systems
• Ability to research and determine the most cost effective and appropriate repair, replacement and procurement of assets ensuring operational viability
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in detailed formal reports in a clear, concise and accurate manner
• Ability to supervise staff, identify training requirements, and to resolve disputes by taking necessary action, including discipline
• Considerable knowledge of dry-dock and machinery refit procedures, and of shipyard practices
• Good working knowledge of computer-based maintenance systems
• Strong Team orientation
• High level of self-motivation and initiative
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships

Experience

• Minimum 2 years demonstrated experience as a Chief Engineer or Senior Engineering Watchkeeper

November 11, 2026

"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives"

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.

We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Us

About Us:

For 65 years, we have been dedicated to providing safe and efficient travel to our customers.

Our role as a ferry transportation provider goes beyond getting passengers from point A to B. With 25 routes throughout the west coast of BC, we serve as advocates for the coastal environment and communities where we operate.

Operations began in 1960 with just two ferries providing service on a single route. Today we have 37 ferries moving more than 22.7 million passengers and 9.7 million vehicles every year.