Harbour Patrol Officer (Casual)

Vancouver Fraser Port Authority; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The Harbour Patrol Officer (Casual) at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority supports the daily harbour operations, vessel escorts, and incident response to help keep Canada’s largest port running safely and efficiently.

In this role you work with the Senior Harbour Patrol Officer, applying seamanship skills, maintaining awareness of port infrastructure, and contributing to pollution prevention and safety initiatives under ILWU Local 517 terms.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma and a valid Bridge Watch Rating certificate issued by Transport Canada.
• Minimum of 2 years related marine experience and practical seamanship knowledge.
• Port knowledge and exposure to port operations is an asset.
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to learn office and in-house applications.
• Ability to work under pressure, make decisions, show initiative and take responsibility.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers.

Responsibilities

• Carry out harbour patrol duties in collaboration with the Senior Harbour Patrol Officer.
• Assist with vessel escorts and port safety initiatives as required.
• Support debris management and pollution prevention efforts.
• Inspect port infrastructure and report on conditions of docks and aids to navigation.
• Maintain data and use provided tools to supportOperations and VFPA departments.

Skills

Seamanship

Teamwork

Communication

Customer service

Under pressure

Education

High school diploma

Bridge watch rating certificate

Tools

Basic computer skills

Job description

Where your career meets Canada’s future

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the work we do matters. Every day, our people help connect Canada to global markets, strengthen supply chains, support sustainable growth, and shape the future of Canada’s largest port.

Detailed Job Description

Where your career meets Canada’s future

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the work we do matters. Every day, our people help connect Canada to global markets, strengthen supply chains, support sustainable growth, and shape the future of Canada’s largest port.

If you're looking for purposeful work where your contributions make a difference, you'll find it here - supported by a team that is collaborative, innovative, and committed to excellence.

Why join us

At The Port Authority, We’re Committed To Delivering An Employee Experience That Is As Rewarding As The Work Itself. We Offer

• Meaningful work that contributes to Canada’s trade and economic prosperity
• Opportunities for learning, development, and career growth
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• A flexible program that supports employee wellbeing and work-life integration

Ensure the smooth flow of trade that supports businesses and communities across Canada. Safety, precision, teamwork, and a data-driven approach are central – your decisions have immediate, visible impact.

Build a career with purpose

If you’re looking for work that is meaningful, challenging, and connected to something bigger, we’d love to hear from you. Join us and discover how your career can help shape Canada’s future.

The Harbour Patrol Officer (Casual) assists the Senior Harbour Patrol Officer in planning and implementation of the daily activities including harbour patrol, deep sea vessel escorts port promotion tours, pollution prevention and incident response.

What Success Looks Like

• Works with the Senior Harbour Patrol Officer in carrying out harbour patrol duties, including deep sea vessel escorts when required investigation of marine related incidents.
• Supports the Senior Harbour Patrol Officer in liaising with port users and tenants to promote safety of operations and pollution prevention.
• Supports the Debris Management Program and responds to potential hazards to navigation in the harbour caused by floating debris.
• Inspects and reports on the condition of docks, aids to navigation, marinas, debris containment areas and other port infrastructure, as applicable.
• Conducts various maintenance related activities on boats and other administered assets or facilities.
• Uses technology and tools provided to collect data and information in support Operations and other VFPA departments.
• Maintains a good working knowledge and understanding of the contents of the Port Information Guide.
• Follows procedures and best practices established for safe operation of vessels including seaworthiness, troubleshooting simple performance problems and record keeping.
• Assists with reporting on the condition of port infrastructure, including aids to navigation, docks, marinas, and storage areas.

Qualifications

• Must be a high school graduate and hold a valid bridge watch rating certificate issued by Transport Canada.
• Minimum of 2 years related marine experience and a practical knowledge of seamanship.
• Port local knowledge and exposure to port operations is a definite asset.
• Must have basic computer knowledge and ability to learn office and various in-house specialty applications.
• Must be able to work under pressure, demonstrate good judgment, have the ability to make decisions, show initiative, and take responsibility for situations when required.
• Exhibit the ability to work effectively in teams demonstrating excellent communication and interpersonal skills with internal and external customers.
• A customer service results orientated approach is required.
• Must be in good physical condition to be able to carry out the essential duties of this role.

Salary:

The starting rate for this position is $54.40 per hour, with scheduled wage progression in accordance with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 517 collective agreement. Based on a 40-hour work week.

Location:

Vancouver, Canada

Job type:

Bargaining Unit, Casual, Permanent, On-Site/

Working environment:

Shift work and exposure to a coastal tidal environment with periodic adverse weather conditions. Physical requirements include occasional heavy lifting with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 40 pounds, climbing up and down wharf and vessel ladders, kneeling, crouching and prone positions, reaching and hard pulls, agility and use of muscles

Marine Transportation Security Clearance (if Required)

The incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid Marine Transportation Security Clearance as this position is required to access restricted areas/information as defined by the Marine Transportation Security Regulations.

This is Canadian-based employment, and all employees are expected to maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. Applicants advancing in the hiring process may be subject to technical assignments, psychometric assessments, and/or background checks, including but not limited to criminal record, credit, and/or reference checks.

At the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community. We believe our strength comes from the diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds of our people. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, racialized individuals, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and other equity-deserving groups.

Reasonable accommodation can be provided in the selection process and while working with the port authority. If you require assistance with applying to our openings or are seeking accommodations to apply in an alternative format, please contact us through a confidential, secure inbox at [e-mail]. We are committed to supporting your needs and will do our best to provide the necessary assistance.

We recognize and acknowledge that we are located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. To learn more about our First Nation relations and commitment to reconciliation, please visit our website.