Spill Response Technician - Deckhand

Force Inspection Services; Nanaimo; On-site; CAD 48,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC) is hiring a full-time Deckhand in Nanaimo, BC. The role supports spill incidents, exercises and preparedness projects, with duties on spill response vessels and small craft as well as maintenance of equipment to ensure readiness.

Based in Nanaimo, the position follows a four-day, 10-hour schedule starting at 6:30am. Travel to support emergency response will be required, with potential absences from home and periods away as needed.

Qualifications

• Completion of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be physically fit for work at sea.
• Willingness to travel and work outdoors in varying conditions.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, prompt and efficient support to spill incidents, exercises and preparedness projects.
• Act as a Deckhand on Spill Response Vessels
• Act as Master of small vessels
• Maintain spill response equipment to ensure it is operational and ready at all times
• Complete assigned work orders, vessel runs and inspections
• Conduct inventory checks of warehouse, vessels and trailers
• Provide training to new hires and contractors
• Lead and supervise small teams
• Ensure compliance with Canada Labour Code and Canada Shipping Act
• Interact positively with the public and stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

• Base Pay $41.89 / Hour
• Employee Type Full-time
• Required Degree High school
• Travel 20%

Make a Meaningful Impact on the Coast

At Western Canada Marine Response Corporation (WCMRC), our work matters. We help protect B.C.’s coast through marine spill preparedness, response, and training. When you join WCMRC, you become part of a team committed to environmental protection, operational readiness, and reducing risk for coastal communities and the marine environment.

We value diverse perspectives, mutual respect, and meaningful work. If you are looking for a purpose-driven role, we encourage you to apply.

What You’ll Do

The deckhand role is responsible for providing safe, prompt and efficient support to spill incidents, exercises and preparedness projects, maintaining spill response equipment to ensure all equipment is operational and response-ready at all times, and ensuring that all activities are carried out with due regard to personal safety, the safety of others, and in line with company policies and procedures.

This full-time position is based in Nanaimo and operates on a four-day, 10-hour schedule, with a 6.30am start time. The workweek is either Monday to Thursday or Tuesday to Friday. As this is an emergency response position, employees must be available to travel on short notice and may be required to work away from home for extended periods in support of spill response operations, training, exercises, and preparedness activities. Work schedules may be adjusted as operational requirements dictate, including extended hours, weekends, and statutory holidays.

Principal Accountabilities

• Provide safe, prompt and efficient support to spill incidents, exercises and preparedness projects.
• Act as a Deckhand on Spill Response Vessels
• Act as Master of small vessels
• Maintain spill response equipment to ensure all equipment is operational and response-ready at all times
• Complete assigned work orders, vessel runs, annual equipment refits, vessel dry docking, and assist with regulatory inspections, i.e. Transport Canada Vessel Inspections and Class Inspections
• Conduct inventory checks of warehouse, vessels and trailers
• Provide training to our new hires/ casuals/ contractors
• Work on project teams and committees
• Lead and supervise small teams
• Compliance with Canada Labour Code and Canada Shipping Act during spill and non-spill activities
• Interact positively with the public and other stakeholders
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Education

• Completion of a high school diploma, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must be physically fit for work at sea in calm and rough waters
• Must be capable of lifting and carrying up to 50lbs on a regular basis
• Must be willing and able to work outdoors under inclement weather
• Must posses a valid passport
• Eligibility to travel to the United States
• Previous experience with marine and small power equipment maintenance an asset
• Class 1 driver’s license or an endorsement 20 (heavy trailer) an asset
• Marine Emergency Duties certificate an asset
• Marine Medical Certificate an asset**
• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) an asset
• Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) an asset
• Radio Operators Certificate (ROC-M) an asset
• Working knowledge of local coastlines, and emergency response training and/or experience an asset.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Collaborative team player who thrives on coordinating and interacting with multiple people on multiple projects, and who is able to manage shifting priorities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong leadership skills
• Familiar with Microsoft Office
• Dependable and organized.

Summary

WCMRC offers meaningful work in a collaborative, safety-focused environment where employees support marine spill preparedness, response readiness, and protection of B.C.’s coast. Employees may also be eligible for role-specific rewards, supports, and development opportunities, as outlined below:

• Training and development opportunities, including role-specific learning, certifications, and approved professional development support.
• Purpose-driven work that supports coastal protection and emergency response readiness.
• A respectful, inclusive, and team-oriented workplace that values different experiences and perspectives.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to support your participation.

We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected to move forward in the recruitment process will be contacted.