Marine Service Technician - Qaya Way West Transportation

About Qaya Way West:

Qaya Way West Transportation (formerly Way West Water Taxi) was founded in 1996 and is a vital marine lifeline for safe and efficient transportation of people and freight with service with an outstanding safety record. Safety is our top concern. Servicing the North Island, Discovery Islands, Gulf Islands and beyond, the company is positioned for growth and has recently been acquired by Homalco First Nation.

The recent acquisition of this well established, respected business by Homalco First Nation ensures that the services provided within the traditional and shared territories will continue for generations to come and adds capacity to both Homalco Wildlife and Cultural Tours as well as Qaya Way West Transportation.

Job Summary:

In line with this legacy, we seek a skilled Marine Service Technician/Marine Mechanic to join our team. The ideal candidate will be comfortable operating a variety of vessels and bring comprehensive expertise in marine repair and troubleshooting. Hands-on experience with preventative maintenance, , routine servicing, and coordination of major repairs on marine vessels, inclusive of inboard diesel and outboard engines is key to success in this role. This pivotal role involves safeguarding the operational readiness, safety, and regulatory compliance of our fleet while delivering unparalleled service to our valued customers.

Responsibilities:

• Troubleshoot, identify, and efficiently repair minor deficiencies in all vessels and marine systems including mechanical and electrical issues.
• Conduct pre-trip inspections to ensure vessels are operational ready for trips prior to departure.
• Appropriately plan and schedule maintenance in non- peak periods to avoid any potential impacts to customers.
• Coordinate major repairs with established vendors working closely with office teams to mitigate potential impacts and delays to customers.
• Track engine hours for all vessels and perform routine preventative maintenance on all vessels as per maintenance schedules.
• Work with the General Manager to establish an asset management program and work order process.
• Ensure all vessels comply with Transport Canada Marine Safety Regulations.
• Work closely with the General Manager to maintain and update necessary documentation for Vessel Registry Certificates and Transport Canada Safety Compliance documents (Blue Decals).
• Work with General Manager to ensure that all safety equipment is in place, in good working condition and in ample supply and all inspections are done as required.
• Ensure functionality of all boat alarm and warning systems and ensure Skippers have good working knowledge of alarms and warning signals and have a working knowledge on what steps to take for each potential alarm.
• Order and carry a suitable inventory of parts and supplies for maintenance and repair of outboard and inboard engines and marine systems.
• Flexibility to work extended hours or altered schedules to facilitate repairs with minimal impact to operations and be available for trouble shooting and minor repairs during business hours as they arise.
• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with colleagues and vendors, stakeholders, title holders, service providers and customers.
• Ensure tools, equipment, and other supplies are stored neatly, in sufficient supply, in good repair and safely stored.
• To maintain service logs, warranty information and other key data used to schedule maintenance, both minor and major as well as to keep all vessels at optimal performance.
• Promote and adhere to safety standards for employee and guest health and safety.
• The ideal candidate will also be able to facilitate freight runs as required as well as load/unload vessels.
• Other tasks as needed.
• Experience trailering and moving vessels by trailer an asset.

Qualifications:

• Legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in marine mechanical, electronics, and electrical repairs on inboard and outboard engines (diesel and gas).
• Experience in stern drives, electrical systems, and small engine repairs.
• Thorough understanding of general boat maintenance procedures.
• High School Diploma required; additional education or certifications in mechanical fields are preferred.
• Yamaha and/or Volvo certifications are assets.
• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Marine Emergency Duties (MED A3), Radio Operators Certificate – Maritime (ROC-M), or higher Transport Canada commercial marine certifications are advantageous.
• Marine First aid and AED training considered an asset.
• Fluency in English.
• Physically capable of handling repetitive tasks, carrying heavy loads, and extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting, including bending, crouching, and kneeling.

Working Conditions:

• Regular office hours with occasional travel to different operating locations and client camps as needed.
• On-call availability during evenings, weekends, and holidays to handle emergencies or urgent situations.
• Maritime environment, including outdoor exposure at times.
• May require physical tasks such as climbing, lifting, and bending.
• Successful criminal records check.
• Valid driver's license, reliable, and fully insured vehicle.

Applicants of Homalco and/or Indigenous ancestry are encouraged to apply.

This position will remain open until we have made a hire.