Marine Operations Manager

Sonora Resort; Area B (Discovery Islands/Mainland Inlets); Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A luxury resort in British Columbia is seeking a Marine Operations Manager to oversee operations. This full-time seasonal role includes guest activity scheduling and staff management. Candidates must have a driver's license, marine certificates, and 2+ years of relevant experience. The position offers hybrid work in the pre-season with competitive pay and benefits. Successful candidates will exemplify leadership and excellent guest service, contributing to an engaging resort environment.

Benefits

Gratuities

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Free food & snacks

Health insurance

Wellness resources

Qualifications

• 2+ years in tourism, marine or resort experience.
• Pleasure Craft Operators Card and valid Drivers License required.
• Transport Canada Marine Operator certificates preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Marine Operations team.
• Schedule and coordinate marine staff and activities.
• Ensure compliance with local fishing regulations.

Skills

Leadership skills

Interpersonal communication

Coaching and mentoring

Knowledge of marine wildlife

Education

Degree in Hotel Administration or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

POS systems

Job description

Benefits

• Gratuities
• Dental insurance
• Employee discounts
• Free food & snacks
• Free uniforms
• Health insurance
• Wellness resources

We are hiring a Marine Operations Manager to join our world class team at Sonora Resort, a luxury all-inclusive Relais & Chateaux Resort, in the unspoiled wilderness of British Columbia. This is a Full-time Management position that works seasonally from February through October, with 3 months off from November to January. Seeking a start date onsite at Sonora Resort on February 9th, 2026.
Sonora Resort is a remote location located in the Discovery Islands of British Columbia. During the pre-season (February to Mid-April), this position offers a hybrid work-from-home schedule, with one pre-determined shift (5-10 days) per month required onsite at Sonora Resort, and the option to work from home for the remainder of the month. During the operational season from Mid-April to Mid-October, the Marine Operations Manager will work on site at the Resort full-time in shift work rotations.

The Marine Operations Manager will have a passion for excellence in guest service and a background in tourism, recreational fishing or the marine industry. The Marine Operations Manager is responsible for scheduling guest activities with in-house staff as well as with third party providers, working closely with the Reservations and Guest services team to meet guest demand for activities during their stay at Sonora. They will provide direction and leadership in effective and efficient day-to-day operation of the Marine Operations team (guides and dock staff).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive extended health and benefits package.
• A Hybrid work policy in the pre-season (February-April), with the option to work from home up to 3 weeks per month during the non-operational season (No remote work is permitted during the operational season)
• Accommodation: Complimentary private lodging at Sonora Resort during. Staff are required to leave the island on their scheduled non-working days and are responsible for securing accommodation and further transportation thereafter.
• Meals: complimentary meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages from our staff kitchen during operational season.
• Transportation: Water taxi transportation from Campbell River to/from the resort for scheduled work shifts. Transportation to Richmond by flight for scheduled days off may also be available.
• Staff amenities: Staff fitness facility, staff lounge area and hot tub access. Complimentary wifi, cable TV, mini fridge, and internet calling in each staff room.
• Opportunities to enjoy marine activities when available, as well as access to many outdoor activities including hiking trails, trout pond fishing, and Florence Lake at the resort during leisure time.
• Staff and Management social events are planned throughout the year.
• Opportunities for training, professional development and career advancement
• Island Currents Spa: 25% discount on spa services and retail products
• Gift Shop: 25% discount on gift shop items
• Employee Discount Privilege: Special room rate for your immediate family members at Sonora Resort. Special discounted rates for yourself at other Relais & Chateaux properties around the world.

Summary of Responsibilities

Reporting to the General Manager, responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

• Set expectations and hold Marine Operations team accountable for demonstrating desired service behaviors in accordance with Relais and Chateaux expectations.
• Conduct all administrative work including but not limited to; scheduling marine staff and out of house guides, inventory control, purchasing processes, and maintenance logbooks.
• Review all guest reservations to ensure all marine transportation and activity needs are booked with Sonora vessels and/or third party providers as needed.
• Coordinate with Event Manager and the management team to execute all special event related requirements including meeting room set ups, special arrival/departure processes, off-site catering events, and activity programming including fishing derbies or large group activity schedules
• Work closely with the Dock Supervisor to oversee the daily operations of the dock team
• Coordinate all marine activities such as fishing, eco tours with both Sonora’s in-house guides and local contract guides. Communicate start times and special requests daily for the following day’s plans. Work with the Guest Services team to create an accurate daily Guest Activity Summary.
• Source and order all equipment and supplies required for marine activities, fishing, land based activities and dock operations.
• Track tour numbers, fishing hours and contract guide fuel usage; review and approve contract guide and other third party provider invoices for payment.
• Work with Maintenance technicians to ensure any deficiencies with Sonora’s fleet of boats are addressed in a timely manner, and all Transport Canada Marine safety and licensing requirements are met.
• Stay aware of local fishing regulations, ensuring that Sonora Resort and all contract guides are compliant with all Department of Fisheries and Oceans recreational fishing regulations
• Work with the Marine Mechanic & Maintenance Manager to ensure any deficiencies with Sonora's fleet of boats are addressed in a timely manner.
• Monitor department productivity, revenues and costs; proactively implement appropriate procedures or programs to improve operational efficiency
• Assist with shut down and winter storage procedures for Sonora’s fleet of boats, as well as pre-season preparations, ensuring Sonora’s fleet is in the water and ready for use at season opening.
• Implement and ensure completion of checklists and standard processes to ensure daily resort/grounds maintenance and operational tasks are being completed by the Dock team.
• Follow effective employee relations practices including behavioral interviewing, supporting all in-house training, maintaining professional supervision of all employees, scheduling hours in a fair and equitable manner, evaluating performance on a timely basis and following all progressive discipline and documentation guidelines.
• Recruit and evaluate employees on a timely basis to meet continual recruitment goals ensuring they are honest, fair and accurate.
• Plan and implement effective onboarding and training program for new staff and professional development activities for experienced staff.
• Provide supervision, direction and leadership to the team of approximately 6 Staff Guides and 9 Dock Hands to achieve department goals.
• Complete Employee Performance and Development reviews on time.
• Maintain quality control within group of contract guides working for the company – ensure guides are complying with the Guide Services agreement and meeting Sonora standards of service.
• Uphold professional management standards and company policies, demonstrating a service-oriented approach and positive leadership that reflects Sonora Resort.

Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada and fluent in English. Second languages are an asset.
• Pleasure Craft Operators Card and valid Drivers License required for this role.
• 2+ years in tourism, marine or resort experience, preferably in a senior role of responsibility. Degree or Diploma in Hotel Administration or related field is an asset.
• Thorough understanding of the tourism industry; experience in a live-in resort environment is preferred.
• Transport Canada Marine Operator certificates (SVOP, MED A3, Radio Operator Certificate & Marine First Aid) and boat handling skills an asset.
• General knowledge of BC coastal flora and fauna, marine wildlife, geography and local tidal salmon fishing techniques.
• Knowledge of or experience with basic boat maintenance would be an asset.
• Experience with or knowledge of various local fishing methods – trolling for salmon in a tidal marine environment
• Strong leadership skills to coach, influence and motivate team.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite and Outlook; experience with POS systems an asset.
• Good Human Resources Skills.
• First Aid certificates are an asset.

Resort Life

• Shift work is required during resort operational season; comprised of 10 working days and 4 non-working days, subject to change during peak season; Managers are expected to be flexible in their scheduling to meet the needs of the business.
• During the non-operational season, the Marine Operations Manager will be required to work one pre-determined shift (5-10 days) per month onsite at Sonora Resort with the Management team. During the other weeks of these pre-season months we offer the option of remote work in line with Sonora's Remote Work Policy #411. Remote work is NOT an option during the operational season (Mid-April to Mid-October).
• Shift work during the operational season may include evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Staff are required to leave the resort on their scheduled non-working days and are responsible for securing accommodation and further transportation thereafter.

APPLY TODAY

Sonora Resort is an equal opportunity employer that aims to create a healthy, accessible and rewarding work environment which highlights employees’ unique contributions to our company’s success.
We wish to thank all applicants; however, due to the volume of applications we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. No telephone inquiries please. Be advised, Sonora Resort does not use third party recruitment services.
Please be aware that Sonora may collect, use, and/or disclose your personal information (including the information in this application or related information) where it is reasonable for establishing, managing or terminating an employment relationship. This includes the use or disclosure of your personal information to persons inside or external to our organization, for the purpose of checking references or gathering other information to support an assessment of your candidacy.