About the position
Work environmentWest Coast Marine Services (WCMS) is a full-time frontline marine policing unit based in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The unit performs a wide range of policing and operational duties, including providing law enforcement support to coastal communities throughout British Columbia, enforcing federal and provincial legislation, assisting specialized RCMP units such as the Under Water Recovery Team and the Emergency Response Team.
West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) personnel, consisting of regular RCMP members and Marine Engineers, are assigned to one of three patrol vessels ranging from 19 to 22 meters in length. Employees work on a seven-days-on, seven-days-off rotation completing 80 hours over a two-week period.
Employees are responsible for reporting to the Nanaimo base of operations at the start of each scheduled shift, from that point, the RCMP is responsible for providing transportation to the assigned patrol vessel, regardless of its location along the coast of British Columbia. There will be occasions when a Marine Engineer is required to report and perform duties at the Nanaimo base rather than aboard a patrol vessel.
The Marine Engineer position at West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) provides a unique opportunity to work in one of British Columbia’s most remote, dynamic, and scenic marine environments. Operating along the coast, engineers are exposed to a diverse range of waterways, weather conditions, and operational challenges that require professional, adaptability, and sound technical expertise.
This position provides regular opportunities to visit remote and culturally diverse coastal communities, many of which are accessible only by water. These communities offer a distinctive perspective on the region and contribute to the variety and significance of the work.
Unlike many marine engineering positions that involve repetitive routes or routine operations, this role is characterized by continual change and operational diversity, Marine Engineers are required to respond to evolving conditions, support a broad range of marine operations, and apply their technical skills in a challenging and rewarding environment.
Every patrol provides a new experience, and there are never “two days the same”.
West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) provides a good work life balance for their Marine Engineers. Although crews are away from their residences while on duty, they are compensated with a robust Annual Leave compensation package. In addition, while on duty away from the Nanaimo base the crews are compensated for meals and incidentals as per Federal Government Treasury Boards guidelines.
The RCMP provides a generous compensation package for their Marine Engineers which includes competitive salaries, medical service and pension entitlements. Marine Engineers at West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) are members of “The Canadian Merchant Service Guild”.
The policing environment often presents tough realities, and personnel need to be prepared for situations that may be challenging or uncomfortable. Marine Engineers at West Coast Marine Services (WCMS) can be exposed to variety of difficult scenarios relating to emergent situations, the management of disorderly behavior from the general public and body-recovery operations.
Intent of the process
The immediate need is to staff one permanent vacancy. A qualified group of candidates may be identified and may be used to staff future permanent and temporary vacancies in similar-level positions.
Should a Civilian Member (CM) be found qualified and selected for appointment, the appointment will not result in a change of status to the Public Service (PS) category for the CM.
Positions to be filled
1
Important messages
PLEASE NOTE, WE WILL ONLY ACCEPT ON-LINE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED VIA THE Canada.ca SITE. If you are unable to apply online, you are asked to contact the individual noted at the bottom of this advertisement.
If you do not fully complete the screening questions as instructed, you may be screened out. It is not acceptable to put “see resume” in the space provided to answer the questions. You MUST clearly demonstrate in writing how you meet the Essential Education, and Experience requirements. Provide examples and describe the work/duties you have performed. Failure to do so may result in your application not being considered further during the screening process.
Applicants are encouraged to apply ONLY if they are willing and able to work in Nanaimo, BC. All positions are located at 4412 Boban Drive, Nanaimo B.C.
Original proof of your education will be requested and must be provided during the selection process, in order to verify that candidates meet the education requirement. Candidates who are unable to provide proof that they meet this essential qualification as requested may be eliminated from the process. Also note, if the name on your education credentials does not match the name on your current photo identification, you will need to provide proof of your name change. Education obtained outside of Canada must be evaluated. Please contact The Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials as soon as possible to initiate the evaluation process http://www.cicic.ca/
Random selection may be used to identify which applicants will be assessed or appointed in this appointment process. Top-down selection may apply. Incorrect or fraudulent information provided by a candidate during the application or assessment process will result in elimination from the process.
In accordance with the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS) Directive on Security Screening, effective January 6, 2025, Canadian citizenship is a requirement for a Top Secret clearance. Please note that while a Top Secret clearance is not required at the time of application, all conditions of employment, including security clearance, must be met prior to appointment and maintained for the duration of employment in the position. Please refer to the TBS Directive on Security Screening for more information: https://www.tbs-sct.canada.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=32805#annA1
Once established, the qualified pool will be valid for a period of 12 months and may be extended.
All communication relating to this process, including e-mail correspondence, application, cover letter, and resume will be used to assess the following merit criteria: Ability to communicate effectively in writing. Candidates must complete all application materials, including screening question responses, resume, and cover letter, independently and without external assistance. This includes assistance from another person or the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as Copilot, ChatGPT, or similar technologies. Candidates may be required to validate, explain, or elaborate on information provided in their application during subsequent stages of the assessment process. Any concerns regarding the authenticity of application materials may be investigated and could result in the application being removed from further consideration.
Candidates must meet the conditions of employment and continue to meet these same conditions during their employment.
PLEASE NOTE: Where an e mail address is provided, the Selection Board may choose to communicate with candidates by e mail to provide/request information and to invite candidates to attend any portion of the assessment. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
You need (essential for the job)
Your application must clearly explain how you meet the following
A secondary school diploma or an acceptable combination of education, training and/or experience.
Learn more about degree equivalency.
Must be in possession of a Transport Canada Third Class Marine Engineer Certificate of Competency with sufficient/documented Transport Canada approved watch keeping sea time to act as Third Class Marine Engineer*.
* Sufficient/documented Transport Canada approved watching keeping sea time is defined as six months of qualified sea service to maintain the certification of a 3rd. Class Engineer. **
** Applicants must hold a valid STCW 3rd Class Motor Engineer Certificate of Competency issued by Transport Canada.
Applicants holding a valid STCW 4th Class Motor Engineer Certificate may be considered only if they have successfully completed a recognized Marine Engineering Officer program at an accredited Marine College, have graduated from the Canadian Coast Guard College Marine Engineering Officer Cadet Program, or can provide proof that they have successfully completed all Part A exams towards their 3rd Class Certificate.
Candidates who hold a valid non-STCW 4th Class Certificate obtained through non-academic or sea service only pathways are not eligible for this position.
Experience:
1. Recent experience* in the maintenance and repair of various marine vessels and associated mechanical systems including but not limited to propulsion engines, generators, purifiers, pumps and safety systems.
2. Experience in watch keeping, preventative maintenance and reporting.
3. Experience in engine room and deck machinery maintenance, repair programs and procedures.
4. Experience in computer-based machinery, automation and control systems.
5. Experience using computer programs including Microsoft Word and Excel, and Adobe Acrobat.
*Recent experience is defined as the performance of duties within approximately the last 5 years.
Applied / assessed at a later date
Knowledge:
1. Knowledge of the operation of marine mechanical, hydraulic and electrical equipment and systems.
2. Knowledge in ship construction and the application of the Classification Society Rules.
3. Knowledge of international and national associated regulations, including STCW Convention, SOLAS, MARPOL, Marine Personnel Regulations and ISM Code.
4. Knowledge of shipboard safety practices, emergency preparedness and procedures.
Note:
• STCW Convention: The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers
• SOLAS: International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea
• MARPOL: The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
• ISM Code: Internation Safety Management Code
Abilities:
1. Ability to direct a predictive/preventative maintenance program
2. Ability to maintain equipment, stores, and material inventories
3. Ability to perform repair and maintenance work on marine vessels and prepare reports
4. Ability to operate the internet and computer software applications for record keeping and communication
5. Ability to communicate effectively orally
6. Ability to communicate effectively in writing
Personal Suitability:
1. Flexibility
2. Dependability
3. Judgement
4. Initiative
5. Teamwork