Chief Engineer, Minor

BC Ferries; Area C (Cortes Island); On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ferry service provider in British Columbia is seeking a Chief Engineer for its operations on Cortes Island. The ideal candidate will have a 3rd Class Motor Certificate, at least 2 years of experience, and a strong background in engineering and safety protocols. Responsibilities include supervising engine room activities, maintenance planning, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Join us to contribute to our commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years experience as a Chief Engineer or Senior Engineering Watchkeeper.
• Ability to supervise staff and identify training needs.
• Ability to generate detailed formal reports.

Responsibilities

• Stand engineer room watch and maintain engine logs.
• Supervise engine room crew and ensure safety training.
• Plan maintenance and repairs on ship systems.
• Liaise with departments to coordinate repair work.

Skills

Operational efficiency improvements

Cost-effective repair solutions

Effective communication

Staff supervision and training

Dry-dock and machinery refit procedures

Computer-based maintenance systems

Team orientation

Self-motivation

Work well under pressure

Cooperative working relationships

Education

3rd Class Motor Certificate or Higher

Valid Seafarers Medical

Job description

Overview

CHIEF ENGINEER, MINOR

Cortes

The Opportunity

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

Responsibilities

• 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 or propulsion systems; and keeping the Master appraised of the condition of the vessel
• Standing by the controls during manoeuvring 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 at Deas Pacific Marine 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

Qualifications

Education:

• 3rd 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

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by November 11, 2025.

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.