Boat Operator

Skidegate, Haida Gwaii, Haida Territory .
full-time . April 24, 2026

Description

Join the Council of the Haida Nation!

The Council of the Haida Nation (CHN) is responsible for the stewardship of lands, waters and people. Working with CHN means being part of a team that values collaboration, cultural knowledge, and meaningful contributions to the well-being of the Haida.

About the Role

Under the direction of the Haida Gwaii Watchmen (HGW) Manager, the Boat Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost‑effective operation and maintenance of HGW vessels in support of Watchmen field operations, including frequent travel into Gwaii Haanas and overnight deployments.

During the off‑season, the Boat Operator plays a key role in vessel maintenance, training, operational planning, documentation, and program readiness to ensure HGW marine operations are fully prepared for the upcoming field season.

The Boat Operator ensures compliance with Transport Canada regulations, CHN vessel policies, and HGW safety standards, while supporting Watchmen staff, visitors, and partner agencies. This role requires strong seamanship, sound judgment, physical capability, and respect for Haida culture, protocols, and territorial authority.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

In-Season / Operational Duties

Travelling into Gwaii Haanas frequently and staying overnight when necessary.
Safely navigate and operate the vessel, ensuring all crew and passengers comply with applicable safety standards, policies, and regulations at all times.
Prepare the vessel prior to each trip, ensuring it is in proper working condition, and conduct regular cleaning and routine maintenance.
Complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections of vessel and ensure they are submitted in a timely manner.
Oversee and direct crew to ensure the safe operation of the vessel, including the loading and unloading of deck cargo and the safe boarding and disembarkation of passengers.
Navigate the vessel safely to and from each destination, ensuring that a trip plan is prepared and submitted to the Field Operations Supervisor for review.
Immediately record and report all vessel incidents or accidents to the Field Operations Supervisor, regardless of severity, including any illness or injury involving crew or passengers.
Ensure all safety equipment, including first aid supplies, is fully stocked, properly maintained, and in good working order, and that all crew are familiar with first aid procedures and equipment use.
Prepare and maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date vessel logs on a daily basis.
Conduct regular fire and emergency drills to ensure all crew are adequately trained to respond promptly in emergency situations, and record all drills as required.
Provide operational support to the Field Operations Supervisor while in the field.

Off‑Season / Operational Duties

Conduct off‑season vessel maintenance and inspections, including servicing engines, hulls, trailers (if applicable), electronics, and safety equipment, and supporting vessel winterization and de‑winterization.
Inspect, inventory, and restock marine safety and first aid equipment, ensuring compliance with Transport Canada and CHN standards.
Maintain accurate maintenance records, service logs, and operational documentation to support regulatory compliance and readiness.
Participate in required training, certification renewals, and skill development, including emergency response and marine safety training.
Support operational planning and pre‑season readiness activities, including updating trip planning procedures, checklists, and emergency response plans.
Assist with training and mentoring of new or returning HGW boat operators, as required.

Qualifications & Skills

Experienced and trained applicants of Haida Ancestry and their partners will have first consideration.
A minimum of five (5) years' relevant work experience and knowledge of boat operation and maintenance.
Possession of a valid class 5 drivers license.
Successfully complete the Gwaii Haanas vessel training, mentoring and familiarization process.
Must possess valid Wilderness Advanced First Aid, Marine First Aid, ROC-M, SDV-BS, and SVOP tickets.
Demonstrated a sound knowledge of the Gwaii Haanas waters and area is essential, as well as being familiar with reading and understanding tide tables for Haida Gwaii waters and familiar with the weather conditions.
Ability to work in a physically demanding environment, including the repeated and safe loading and unloading of gear and equipment.
Willingness to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and extended field deployments, as directed by the Haida Gwaii Watchmen Manager.
Familiarity with the policies, goals, and objectives of the Haida Gwaii Watchmen Program is considered an asset.
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Knowledge of Haida/Indigenous communities and experience working with First Nations is an asset.
Applicants not meeting all of the above qualifications will be considered and given the opportunity to be trained to qualification standards.

What We Offer

Hourly rate: $31.91 based on experience with an increase following the successful completion of the probationary period, in accordance with Council of the Haida Nation compensation policies.
Full-time (35–40 hrs./week) with paid time off, including an additional 2-week office closure during the winter break.
Competitive benefits: dental, extended health, vision care, disability insurance, life insurance, Employee Assistance Program, and pension plan.
A supportive and welcoming team environment.
Opportunities to learn and grow while contributing to the preservation of Haida heritage.

Compensation

$31.91 per hour

Know someone who would be a perfect fit? Let them know!