Chief Engineer, Minor
- Company: BC Ferries
- Location: Cortes Island, BC, Canada
- Work mode: On-site
- Job type: Full-Time
- Posted: 2026-11-03
JOB DESCRIPTION
CHIEF ENGINEER, MINOR
Cortes Island
The Opportunity
We are seeking a passionate and innovative engineer who brings the technical, interpersonal, and leadership skills required for the Chief Engineer, Minor position on Cortes Island.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Chief Engineer, this position is responsible for the operation and maintenance of a ship’s mechanical, electrical, and propulsion systems and will perform duties including:
* Standing an engine room watch, reviewing and making entries to engine logs, identifying and resolving actual or potential issues with mechanical, electrical, or propulsion systems, and keeping the Master informed of vessel condition;
* Standing by the controls during maneuvering operations and being prepared to take over vessel controls during emergency situations;
* Supervising and directing a small engine room crew engaged in repair, maintenance, and watch keeping duties, while ensuring crew members are trained in firefighting and emergency procedures;
* Planning and conducting maintenance, repairs, and alterations to all ship systems and completing emergency repairs as required;
* Completing reports related to fuel, lubricating oil, machinery failures, accidents, discrepancies in log readings, and other incidents affecting vessel operations;
* Overseeing the ordering of stores, spare parts, and tools, ensuring sufficient water and fuel supplies are maintained onboard, and conducting monthly inventory counts;
* Liaising with internal departments and external contractors to coordinate repair work, determine refit specifications and costs, participate in refit activities, address equipment-related concerns, and coordinate regulatory inspections;
* Conducting fire and boat drills and responding to emergency situations;
* Providing orientation, guidance, and informal training to employees.
What You Bring to the Team
EDUCATION
* 3rd Class Motor Certificate or higher;
* Valid Seafarers Medical.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
* Ability to develop and recommend long-term solutions to improve operational efficiency across all operating systems;
* Ability to research and determine the most cost-effective and appropriate repair, replacement, and procurement solutions while ensuring operational viability;
* Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and through detailed formal reports in a clear, concise, and accurate manner;
* Ability to supervise staff, identify training requirements, and resolve disputes, including taking disciplinary action when necessary;
* Considerable knowledge of dry-dock procedures, machinery refits, and shipyard practices;
* Good working knowledge of computerized maintenance systems;
* Strong team orientation;
* High level of self-motivation and initiative;
* Ability to work effectively under pressure;
* Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
EXPERIENCE
* Minimum two years of demonstrated experience as a Chief Engineer or Senior Engineering Watch keeper.
Join Us!
If this sounds like your next great career move, please submit your cover letter and resume by November 17, 2026.
"We connect communities and customers to people and places important in their lives”
At BC Ferries, our employees are our most important assets in delivering our commitment to customer safety, service and satisfaction. We support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals including women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who reflect our ever-changing workplace.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
COMPANY
About Us:
For 65 years, we have been dedicated to providing safe and efficient travel to our customers.
Our role as a ferry transportation provider goes beyond getting passengers from point A to B. With 25 routes throughout the west coast of BC, we serve as advocates for the coastal environment and communities where we operate.
Operations began in 1960 with just two ferries providing service on a single route. Today we have 37 ferries moving more than 22.7 million passengers and 9.7 million vehicles every year.