Deckhand (Tancook Ferry)

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Closing Date : 04-Feb-26 (Applications are accepted until 11 : 59 PM Atlantic Time)

About Us

Building and maintaining our provincial infrastructure is no small job.

The Marine Services division of the Department of Public Works maintains and operates the provincial ferries including : Englishtown, Little Narrows, Country Harbor, LaHave River, Tancook Island, and Digby Neck. Our Marine staff help to further connect and expand Nova Scotia’s transportation network; all the while ensuring the safe and efficient operation of our Ferries. Our provincial ferries operate 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

If you’re looking for an exciting and challenging career, with a daily view of our beautiful Atlantic waters, then we have your perfect opportunity.

About Our Opportunity

As the Deckhand, you represent the Department in a professional and courteous manner while playing a critical role in operation and safety of the Ferry.

Daily responsibilities include :

• Assisting the Mate with loading and unloading cargo and maintenance of lifting gear;
• Assisting the Marine Engineer in regular maintenance and inspection of the ferry (including engines, hydraulic systems, cables, winchdrums, wire falls, hinge pins, and fire and lifesaving equipment, etc);
• Keeping the ferry clean and tidy (including snow removal, salting and tidiness of wharfs);
• Assisting with berthing and unberthing the ferry; and
• Assisting the Mate with maintaining ships' mooring equipment.

This is an excellent opportunity to network and explore the many different career opportunities our Marine Services has to offer. At Marine Services, we provide you with opportunities for professional development and in-house training related toequipmentinspections, engines, fireand boatdrills, and more.

Qualifications and Experience

Grade 12 or equivalent plus seafaring experience; or an acceptable equivalent combination of training and experience.Any marine certificate of competency would be considered an asset.

You must have your :

As the ideal candidate you are :

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools : written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as aDefined Benefit Pension Plan , Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, click here : Benefits for government employees .

Working Conditions

This positionislabour intensive requiring physical strength, dexterity and the ability to work in an elevated work site and on water. Ordinary hazards of ferry operations and adverse weather conditions such as snow andrain make working conditions difficult at times.

Additional Information

You will be asked for proof of qualifications and to provide copies of your certificates, should you be selected for an interview.

In this position you will be required to work one (1) week (80 Hours) on and one week off.

Boarding on the Island is provided by the Departmentas the ferry remains on Tancook overnight.

What We Offer

Salary Range : $1,663.99- $1,695.56Bi-Weekly

Note : The salary rates shown reflect the new Civil Service Agreement, effective April 1, 2025. Implementation in our HR system will occur on February 5, 2026. Until then, the current rates will apply. Employees hired during this period will receive retroactive pay adjustments in accordance with the new agreement and applicable policies.

Employment Equity Statement :

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the citizens we serve. The Government of Nova Scotia has an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from Indigenous People, African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Womenin occupations or positions where they are under-represented. If you are a member of one of these equity groups, you are encouraged to self-identify on your electronic application.

Accommodation Statement :

We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Candidates may request accommodations based on any grounds protected by the Human Rights Act.If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please contact us at competitions@novascotia.ca.

This is a bargaining unit position initially restricted to current civil service employees represented by the Nova Scotia Government Employees Union (NSGEU). If applying from outside a government office, employees must apply correctly via this link :

Failure to apply correctly means that your application will not be given first consideration as a bargaining unit applicant, and will only be included if external applications are pursued.

External applicants and current casual employees will only be considered if there are no qualified civil service bargaining unit candidates.PLEASE NOTE : Candidates will not be considered for an interview if applications are incomplete or are missing information.

Offer of employment is conditional upon the completion of all applicable background checks and confirmation of credentials, the results of which must be satisfactory to the employer. We thank all applicants for the interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All questions and concernsmay be directed to Competitions@novascotia.ca.

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