Senior Chief Engineer, Minor

BC Ferries; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 140,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading marine transportation company in Nanaimo seeks a Senior Chief Engineer to oversee engineering operations of its vessels. Responsibilities include ensuring safety standards, supervising engineering crew, and maintaining machinery. Candidates should have relevant motor certificates and strong leadership qualities. The position offers a competitive salary range of $140,400 – $175,600 per annum.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Chief Engineer or Watch Engineer.
• Completion of supervisory and business courses is an asset.
• Travel is required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise all engineering activities for safe transportation.
• Maintain machinery standards and regulatory compliance.
• Lead training and emergency drills for engineering crew.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Proficiency in MS Office

Demonstrated leadership

Education

Second Class Motor Certificate

First Class Certificates

Job description

Job Description

Senior Chief Engineer (Minor)

Gabriola

The Opportunity

We are seeking a dynamic leader to join as the senior member of the ship’s management team. Serving as an Engineering Manager and Watch Keeping Engineering Officer, you are responsible for supervising and coordinating all engineering activities to ensure the safe, secure, efficient, and timely transportation of passengers and vehicles.

The role

Reporting to the Engineering Superintendent, you add value and are energized by key areas of oversight such as:

1. Ensuring the consistent high standards of safe, efficient, and cost-effective operation of the ship’s propulsion and power systems
2. Establishing safe practices for maneuvering the vessel
3. Assigning licensed and unlicensed engine room crew to machinery that may alter the vessel’s performance
4. Monitoring, maintaining, and documenting the condition of the ship’s structure and machinery to ensure conformity with relevant rules and regulations, through planned maintenance, schedules, and routines
5. Planning, directing, and implementing regular emergency repairs and alterations, and assisting in the overall dry dock refit program of the vessel with corporate and contracted staff
6. Developing and maintaining long-term maintenance plans, including emergency contingency plans and operational procedures
7. Liaising with regulatory bodies regarding ship inspections and conducting engineering crew inspections to ensure compliance with regulatory and company standards
8. Leading, directing, and training crews, and conducting regular drills for fire, safety, confined spaces, evacuation, and other emergency situations
9. Ensuring no environmental pollution results from normal machinery space operations
10. Reviewing financial reports for the vessel to verify entries and control labour and non-labour costs
11. Ensuring all work onboard complies with Corporation and WCB safe working practices and procedures
12. Initiating employee training programs in vessel operation, emergency procedures, WHMIS, confined space entry, lockout procedures, and firefighting
13. Promoting and assisting in the development and progression of all engine room employees
14. Ensuring security equipment is tested, calibrated, maintained, and operating in accordance with the vessel security plan
15. Reporting, investigating, and taking preventative and corrective measures regarding equipment failures, damage, service interruptions, and incidents
16. Assessing and reporting damage and seaworthiness of the vessel after incidents to the Master and Engineering Superintendent
17. Promoting safety awareness and developing practices among engineering employees
18. Developing and leading in emergency contingency plans and operational procedures

What You Bring To The Team

Second Class Motor Certificate required; First Class Certificates preferred. Experience as a Chief Engineer or Watch Engineer. Demonstrated supervisory experience and proficiency in MS Office applications. Completion of supervisory and business courses is an asset. Travel is required.

Join us!

If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by August 14, 2025.

Additional Information

The target salary range is $140,400 – $175,600 per annum. The starting salary depends on the candidate’s knowledge, experience, and internal equity. Exceptional candidates may start above the range.

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

At BC Ferries, our employees are our most valuable assets in delivering safety, service, and satisfaction. We support employment equity and diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

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