Relief Deckhand/purser

**LOYALIST TOWNSHIP**

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

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**POSITION TITLE: RELIEF FERRY DECKHAND/PURSER**

**DEPARTMENT: COMMUNITY & CUSTOMER SERVICE**

**REPORTS TO: FERRY CAPTAIN (MATE FOR DAY-TO-DAY DIRECTION)**

**CATEGORY**:TEMPORARY PART-TIME (EXTENSIONS EXPECTED)**

**UPDATED: MARCH 2023**

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This role is an integral part of service delivery to the residents of Loyalist Township, and especially those of Amherst Island. It contributes to the achievement of our Strategic Plan. The Relief Dekhand will work in unlicensed ferry positions. Jobs will include the duties of dock patrol and watchkeeping as well as relief deckhand and purser. General responsibilities include assisting passengers park at ferry terminals; the loading, passage, and unloading of passengers and vehicles; ensuring the security of the vessel; and to maintain the cleanliness and safe conditions of the vessel and termination facilities.

**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Secondary school diploma or equivalent certificate. Completion of a related degree or diploma is an asset.
- Able to obtain and maintain satisfactory CPIC (Criminal Record Check).
- Must be able to perform the physical requirements of the position including: climbing stairs, lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying objects weighing 50 lbs or less.
- Must demonstrate reliability and safety-conscious attitude
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills
- Successful completion of a Transport Canada approved boating safety course and experience using an outboard motor would be considered an asset
- Experience working on a commuter ferry would be considered an asset
- Valid First Aid/CPR certificate would be considered an asset
- Ability to work in adverse weather conditions
- Strong customer service and communication skills to handle daily interactions with the travelling public.

**Skills, abilities, & knowledge**:

- Demonstrated reliability and flexibility to meet the needs of the operation.
- Demonstrated good numeracy and literacy skills for continuous learning in pursuit of licensing and self-motivation to grow and develop as a licensed member of the Ferry team.
- Must have knowledge of and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and have a demonstrated safety-conscious approach to duties.
- Good communication and public relations skills, the ability to be courteous when interacting with the other staff and the public even in difficult situations.
- Basic computer skills, including the ability to perform basic work with MS Office suite.
- Good problem-solving skills with the ability to recognize when to elevate issues to management.
- Must be able to work independently and within a positive team environment.
- Strong customer service mindset and communication skills to handle daily interaction with the public.
- Competence in operating an outboard motor

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Maintain the vessel and terminals in a clean and neat condition by:

- Hosing and sweeping
- Scrubbing or painting deck and superstructure
- Replenishing supplies in passenger accommodation
- Loading supplies
- Storing gear
- Disposing of garbage
- Ensuring the safe and orderly direction of traffic at the ferry terminals
- Provide accurate information to tourists and commuters
- Assist the Mate in providing service to the travelling public by:

- Maintaining a neat and tidy appearance
- Answering inquiries from the public as an ambassador of Loyalist Township
- Maintaining a friendly, courteous, yet efficient manner
- Directing vehicles in and out of parking space on ferry deck
- Maintaining safe and orderly parking and flow of vehicular traffic at terminals
- Maintaining safe and orderly entrance and exit of pedestrian and cyclist traffic
- When acting as Relief Purser performs cashiering duties by:

- Ensuring correct fares are paid by all passengers and maintaining related records
- Selling bulk tickets
- Using payment terminal to collect electronic payments
- Providing cash handling services, providing change as needed
- Preparing accurate deposit records, securing deposits, and assisting the Ferry Clerk with any discrepancies
- Answer fare inquiries from the travelling public in a friendly and courteous manner
- Under direction of the Ferry Mate, perform seamanship duties such as:

- Handling lines on securing and casting off
- Splicing and replacing lines
- On occasion performing some of the duties of Mate for training purposes
- Under direction of the Ferry Mate, ensure safety by:

- Testing and maintaining firefighting and lifesaving gear
- Carrying out lifeboat and firefighting drills
- Chipping ice from decks and railings
- Observing operation of de-icing system and reporting any malfunction to the ship’s engineers
- Shoveling snow from decks and terminals
- Perform other general maintenance duties required such as:

- Painting dock-side buildings
- Assisting in construction, repair or maintenance of facilities or docks
- Cleaning shore facilities as req