Authentically Canadian, Locally Owned, Family-Founded — Exploring with Purpose, Protecting for Tomorrow. 
Captain
Captain Jobs in Victoria, BC
Job Summary
60T Captain with U-SVMO ticket
The Captain, under the direction of the Owners, will primarily be responsible for the safe operation of the vessel, ensuring the safety of guests and crew while delivering exceptional wildlife viewing experiences in the Salish Sea. This role includes overseeing vessel operations, supervising crew members, maintaining high tour standards, and strictly following ethical wildlife viewing practices. season.
Eagle Wing Captains are expected to demonstrate professional seamanship, strong situational awareness, and a deep respect for marine wildlife. The ability to operate safely in dynamic marine environments while delivering a positive guest experience is essential.
Our captains are ambassadors for responsible whale watching and are expected to uphold the highest standards of wildlife viewing ethics in the Salish Sea.
Who are we?
Eagle Wing Tours is an award winning world class whale watching ecotourism conservation organization. Eagle Wing Tours is a locally owned and family operated business that dedicates its passions and energy into conservation, sustainability, education and research. We are seeking a dedicated and dependable professional with experience in human resources, health and safety and developing + maintaining a positive team culture to join our family.
Your primary location of work will be at our (existing office) to be replaced by a brand new custom built floating office at Victoria’s historic community of Fisherman’s Wharf. The new office affords many locations and versatile spaces to work in. Some work may occur remotely from home, this is to be discussed.
Why Us?
Not only are we the best in the biz but did you know we:
- Offer a world class product – #1 rated on TripAdvisor since 2007, Google, Facebook, etc.
- Family owned and operated
- Have won regional, national and international awards for experience, sustainability and education.
- Carbon neutral since 2009 – before it was cool to do.
- Donated over $1,250,000 since 2013 into 29 organizations that make the Salish Sea a better place – our home.
- Developed a one of a kind Explore the Salish Sea Floating Classroom project – since 2018 over 8000 kids, 3500-4000 kids per year.
Salary
($40-$60/hr) based upon experience and our internal wage formulae (3 month probation period)
Team
- 40 – 50 employees (seasonal contracts and year round contracts for team members)
- Peak season we are 45-50 team members
- Off season we are up to 30
Location
Vessel/trip departures are from Fisherman’s Wharf, Victoria, BC.
Schedule
Part Time / Full time seasonal. More details can be discussed in person regarding expectations.
- Mid June – Mid September
Benefits
- Medical
- Dental plan
- Parking
Our Values (our 4 pillars)?
Conservation
is at the heart of everything we do. We’re a conservation organization that happens to run whale and wildlife watching tours.
Sustainability
We’re always seeking new ways to reduce our footprint and are ready to embrace the new vision of regenerative ecotourism.
Research
We support and engage in community-based research partnerships. We actively conduct and enable research on our vessels.
Education
We educate through the guest experience, our “Exploring the Salish Sea” education program, community outreach, our website and social media.
What does the ideal team member look like?
- Required Certifications & Qualifications
- Transport Canada Master Limited 60 Tonne License with an U-SVMO (unrestricted engineers ticket) OR 150T ticket or greater
- Transport Canada Marine Emergency Duties A2 (MED A2)
- Transport Canada Marine First Aid
- Transport Canada Marine Radio Operator’s Certificate (ROC-M)
Additional requirements:
- Strong boat handling and seamanship skills
- Detail-oriented with a strong safety mindset
- Team-oriented with leadership capability
- Ability to work flexible and extended hours during peak season
- Cell phone with voicemail and active email
- Preferred Experience
- Experience operating vessels in marine tourism or whale watching
- Background in ecotourism or marine wildlife interpretation
- Knowledge of Canadian and U.S. wildlife viewing regulations
- Familiarity with Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) guidelines
We would love to hear from you, even if you don’t match 100% of the requirements**
So what will you do?
- Guaranteed you won’t be bored – lots going on.
- Safely operate vessels during daily whale watching tours
- Follow Pacific Whale Watch Association (PWWA) Best Practices for responsible wildlife viewing
- Lead and supervise First Mate/Naturalist crew members
- Monitor weather conditions and oversee all safety procedures
- Prepare vessels for departure (fueling, safety checks, cleaning)
- Oversee vessel upkeep and basic maintenance
- Maintain accurate daily ship logs
- Ensure vessels are cleaned and prepared after each trip
- Maintain a high standard of guest experience and tour quality
- Assist with guest suit-up when necessary
Captains must be well versed in Canadian and U.S. laws regarding wildlife viewing and must adhere strictly to the Pacific Whale Watch Association Best Practices.
The techniques required to observe whales without interfering with their natural behavior take time to develop and require additional skills beyond basic vessel operation. Eagle Wing Tours is committed to setting the highest standard for responsible whale watching.
The Perks!
- Learn/work with a fantastic team in a very dynamic environment – eco-tourism.
- Friendly, enthusiastic, team-minded workplace
- Work alongside the natural beauty of Vancouver Island’s working harbours/south coast
- Priority given to Eagle Wing Tours projects, especially during peak season (May – October) however applicants are encouraged to supplement income with side jobs, work with/for others, etc.
- Flexibility to create your schedule
- Go whale watching whenever you like 🙂
- Year round salaried position based upon hours – consistent paycheque
- This could develop into a Marine Technician Manager position with additional hours and increase pay.
Apply now
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