First Mate - Calgary

Department: · Facilities & Maintenance - Moyie · Position Type: · Seasonal · Contract Start Date: · April 20, 2026 · Contract End Date: · October 20, 2026 · Hourly Rate: · $22.00 · Hours: · Varies · What we offer: · Flexible work arrangements where no one day is similar · Working ...

Job description

Department:
Facilities & Maintenance - Moyie


Position Type:
Seasonal


Contract Start Date:
April 20, 2026

Contract End Date:
October 20, 2026


Hourly Rate:
$22.00


Hours:
Varies


What we offer:
Flexible work arrangements where no one day is similar
Working in a beautiful park setting
Free entrance to the Park, including to our many public special events
Employee discounts on food and retail items and free parking


Who We Are:

Heritage Park is Canada's largest living history museum and offers visitors a chance to experience life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the early 1950s.

The Park features historical buildings, costumed interpreters, working antiques, and various exhibits that provide insight into the region's past.


Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Ship Captain, the First Mate assists in the navigation and operation of Heritage Park's passenger vessel (more than 150 GRT) Moyie, a paddle-wheeler which sails the sheltered, non-tidal waters of the Glenmore Reservoir during summer daylight hours.

The position ensures scheduled passenger service on the Moyie operates in a safe and efficient manner, supervises staff, and ensures the ship is operated in accordance with all government regulations and Heritage Park Policies.

As with all of the "Moyie" crew, the First Mate is also responsible for providing an engaging and positive visitor experience to all guests at Heritage Park.

Responsibilities:
Navigate the vessel in designated areas, ensuring a safe and efficient maritime operation and maintaining a proper look-out at all times on the bridge/wheelhouse as required under the (Canada Shipping Act) CSA
Maintains scheduled passenger service, adhering to designated routes and timetables
Assesses weather, vessel, and other conditions suspending service if passenger or vessel safety is at risk and prioritizing the well-being of all on board
Ensures the vessel is properly maintained, serviced, and repaired in accordance with Department of Transport standards and regulations, ensuring the vessel successfully passes inspections to guarantee compliance
Evaluate and provide day-to-day feedback on the employee performance of specific duties and responsibilities, escalating performance concerns to the Ship Captain
Assist in the selection and onboarding of seasonal staff as required
Ensure all pre- and post-season vessel preparations are completed to maintain operational readiness
Provide assistance during private functions hosted on the vessel beyond regular park hours, ensuring a high standard of service and guest satisfaction
Ensure all staff follow emergency procedures according to Marine Emergency Duties (MED), providing instruction and direction when needed
Provide guidance and support to staff in case of marine emergency, adhering to Collision Regulations
Liaise with the Reservoir Safety Patrol Boat by promptly reporting problem situations and specifying their location, adhering to proper emergency procedures under Marine Emergency Duties (MED) and contributing to overall safety measures on the water
Educate passengers on marine travel, ship operations, paddle-wheelers in Western Canada, the surrounding natural environment, as well as relevant historical information, contributing to enhanced visitor engagement with the Park
Demonstrate ship-related tasks and activities to visitors, providing engaging and informative insights into daily duties and operations while fostering a positive and educational experience for guests
Create a welcoming atmosphere for visitors with a customer-focused approach, providing courteous and friendly customer service and valuable information to enhance the overall visitor experience
Perform other duties as required

Organizational Excellence and Wellbeing

Contribute to inspiring and immersive experiences at the Park through your roles and responsibilities by engaging in Heritage Park initiatives that align with the overall mission and vision of the Park
Demonstrate commitment to workplace health and safety by complying with Heritage Park's Health, Safety and Environment Management System (HSEMS), following safe work practices, reporting work-related incidents, injuries and hazards, participating in employer training, and adhering policies including the Code of Conduct and the Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy
Actively support a positive work environment through creating an atmosphere of inclusion, engagement and fulfillment in line with Heritage Park values
Demonstrate responsible stewardship of our people, collections and financial assets by ensuring that they are handled with integrity, sustainability, and a focus on long-term benefits for the organization and its stakeholders


Required Qualifications:
Completion of secondary school education is required; completion of related post-secondary education in Nautical Science is preferred
Appropriate Transport Canada certification of competency for the "Mate" position on a passenger vessel of more than 150 GT is mandatory
Minimum 3 years' related work experience is required
Knowledge of marine safety procedures is essential
Strong knowledge of rules and regulations surrounding the operation of a marine passenger vessel, including the CSA and STCW
Must be certified with Marine Basic First Aid (training is provided by the Park)
Problem identification and solving, as well as organizational skills, are required
Public Speaking
Good English language proficiency is required for effective communication, both verbally and in writing, to interact with park visitors provide clear and helpful information
Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills in a client-faced setting
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills in a client-faced setting

All successful candidates (over the age of 18) will be required to go through a Police Information Check as a condition of employment.

Special Clothing and Equipment:
Appropriate costuming and safety equipment will be provided by Heritage Park;
Washing and maintaining Costumes in a presentable fashion will be the employees' responsibility
Footwear, as designated by the Heritage Park Costume Department, will be provided by the employee.


Special Working Conditions:
The position will be exposed to weather extremes and will work both indoors and outdoors, and

This position is physically demanding, and the incumbent must have the ability to lift heavy items, stand for long periods of time and walk throughout the Park for extended periods.

Hours of Work:
The position has various scheduled hours of work, including weekends, statutory holidays, fluctuating hours and overtime as required.