Employment Opportunities

Whale Channel, Great Bear Rainforest

Working with

Outer Shores Expeditions

Outer Shores is an award-winning, fast-growing, niche adventure travel company that operates ship- and lodge-based expeditions throughout the British Columbia coast. Our guests travel from around the world to experience and learn about the wildlife, ecosystems, cultures, and communities of Vancouver Island, Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest while living and travelling onboard our 70’classic wooden schooner, Passing Cloud.

Outer Shores is a carbon-neutral certified and Green Tourism Gold rated company and is built upon our passion and conviction that helping our guests experience first-hand and understand some of the most spectacular wildlife and ancient cultures on Earth is key to their protection and preservation. We pride ourselves on our ability to provide unique, intimate, educational, fun, and authentic small-group experiences that allow our guests to enjoy the luxury and comfort of our ship and lodge, and the knowledge and professionalism of our crew team.

Current Opportunities

Job Title

Relief Chef aboard Expedition Sailing Vessel

Closing date

Open application period, please inquire for 2025

Companies

Outer Shores Expeditions (www.outershores.ca)

About the Position

Our passionate and professional chefs are culinary-school trained, Red Seal certified, and/or and have extensive experience creating casual spreads to multi-course fine dining experiences in unique and fun culinary environments.

Onboard the sailing vessel Passing Cloud, our chefs are responsible for delivering all daily meals and snacks for 6 guests and 3 or 4 crew, guided by our semi-set menu.

This position require a person who has an eye for detail, strong interpersonal skills, and experience and/or is excited about cooking in non-traditional environments. Effective organization of the galley involves a wide range of skills including but not limited to meal planning, provisioning, food safety and hygiene as well as administration and inventory. The ideal candidate can adapt to changing circumstances, and can work independently, often on tight time schedules.

Our chefs share a passion for enhancing our guest’s experiences by preparing serving delicious meals that are healthy, plentiful, beautiful, and immersed in the ecosystems and cultural traditions of coastal BC. Our meals emphasize local and seasonal produce, sustainably produced and harvested seafoods of our coast, and (to a lesser extent) ethically raised meats. Our food philosophy holds that the cultivation, distribution, preparation, and appreciation of the food we eat are critical to our individual well-being and the well-being of our environment.

Seasonal contracts

April through October, 2024

Location

Onboard our 70’ classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud; multi-day sailing expeditions conducted primarily in Gwaii Haanas and the Great Bear Rainforest.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wage ($275-$325/day) plus gratuities.
Transportation to/from our ship from either Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay/Comox, or Vancouver.
Meals, accommodation, plus the opportunity to explore and experience the amazing wildlife, wilderness and cultures of the British Columbia coast.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a short cover letter to Russell Markel c/o [email protected]

Due to our limited ability to reply to the high numbers of applications we may receive, only those short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Minimum Qualifications/Certifications

Broad culinary skills and with professional training, certification, and experience.
Proven ability to thrive in a team-based and customer service environment.
Proven ability to be well organized, manage time, and adapt to changing schedules and circumstances.
Ability to live aboard for 2-3 weeks at a time.
Must be able to work in a small galley, sharing the space with guests and crew.

Duties

Prepare, and execute three meals and two snacks each day within our semi-set menu for 6 guests and 3-4 crew members
Present and plate food in a professional, beautiful, and creative manner.
Adapt meals to various guest dietary restrictions as necessary, including vegetarian and vegan.
Menu planning and provisioning of all food items in a remote wilderness environment.
Manage galley/kitchen equipment and food inventory.
Manage galley/kitchen safety and sanitary standards.

What We Also Look For

Knowledge of local sustainable seafoods.
Experience foraging and preparing wild foods.
Experience preparing plant-based meals.
Enthusiasm for occasionally preparing and delivering meals in outdoor dining venues (e.g., beach picnic or dinner).
Knowledge of wine pairing is an asset.
Strong conservation and sustainability ethic.
Excellent communication skills and positive attitude.
Experience with boats and living/working in remote wilderness areas is an asset.

Job Title

Expedition Guide/Deckhand aboard Expedition Sailing Vessel

Closing Date

Please inquire now for 2025

Companies

Outer Shores Expeditions (www.outershores.ca)

About the Position

Outer Shores Expeditions is a small family-run company based on Vancouver Island, BC. We offer small-group (all-inclusive), multi-day, expedition-style, wildlife and cultural tours throughout the BC coast on board the classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud. Our tours are regulated in part by Transport Canada and are rooted in a deep appreciation for the natural world and respect for the Indigenous traditional territories in which we operate.

We are looking for enthusiastic and professional marine guides to join our expedition team in 2024 and beyond. In the role of Expedition Guide/Deckhand, candidates must be genuinely excited to provide the hard work, attention to detail, and service required to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience during their time on board with us as we explore some of the most remote and spectacular regions of the BC coast. Our Guides and crew have a high level of professionalism, attention to safety, and a genuine interest in natural and cultural history.

While Expedition Guides will lead most zodiac and shore excursions, this role works closely with our Captain/Expedition Leaders, cooperatively discussing and executing each adventure away from Passing Cloud. Frequently, both Expedition Guide and Expedition Leader will accompany excursions. From time to time, visiting Expedition Specialists will also participate in our tours, providing expert knowledge and insights for guests and crew alike.

Our expeditions are low-ratio mixed demographic groups and we strive for approximately 2 daily small boat/shore excursions about 2.5 hours each. In addition to also working alongside the Captain for daily operations of Passing Cloud, the Expedition Guide/Deckhand has hospitality responsibilities and works closely with the Chef to deliver culinary services.

Candidates must be willing and able to spend a few weeks at a time at sea and thrive in wilderness environments largely isolated from phone and internet access.

Seasonal Contracts

April through October, 2024

Location

Onboard our 70’ classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud; multi-day sailing expeditions conducted primarily in Gwaii Haanas and the Great Bear Rainforest.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wage ($250-$300/day) plus gratuities.
Transportation to/from our ship from either Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay/Comox, or Vancouver.
Meals, accommodation, plus the opportunity to explore and experience the amazing wildlife, wilderness and cultures of the British Columbia coast.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a short cover letter to Russell Markel c/o [email protected]

Due to our limited ability to reply to the high numbers of applications we may receive, only those short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Minimum Qualifications/Certifications

Transport Canada Marine Emergency Duties A3 (MED A2) AKA Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety
Transport Canada Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP)
Transport Canada Radio Operator Certificate – Restricted (ROC-MC)
Wilderness First Aid (20 hour course minimum)
CPR-C
Commercial Bear Viewing Association - Level One Guide

Required Skills & Experience

Proficiency in small passenger vessel operation with tiller steering
Basic small vessel maintenance
Experience guiding small groups in different wilderness environments on the BC coast
Ability to interpret surroundings and thoughtfully respond to guest questions
Self-motivated and strong interpersonal skills
Must be adaptable and enjoy working in a close-knit team

Preferred Experience & Certifications

Comfortable with the use of different digital media including digital photography
Operating small vessels around marine wildlife and a knowledge of wildlife viewing regulations
Guiding and supervising groups on foot amongst sensitive cultural sites
Interpretive Guides Association - Apprentice Interpreter or Interpretive Specialist
Transport Canada marine Emergency Duties A2 (MED A2)
Food Safe and Serving It Right

What We Also Look For

Additional training and experience with boating, sailing, and vessel repair and maintenance
Training and experience with guiding, interpretive wildlife viewing, and bear-viewing
Background/interest in local natural history, biology, ecology, coastal archaeology, anthropology, geography, or similar is an asset
Knowledge of and passion for the ecosystems, regions, cultures, communities, and conservation of the British Columbia Coast

Expedition Duties

Pilot RHIB to and from points of interest and near wildlife while managing passenger safety in dynamic and sometimes challenging environments, not limited to piloting through; shallow rocky intertidal areas, swift water from currents or rivers, and surf zone beaches. Although successful applicants will receive in-house and on-the-job training, a strong proficiency in tiller drive small boat handling is essential.
Primary responsibilities on shore include demonstrating and facilitating careful disembarkation, securing RHIB with sensitivities to prevailing conditions and tides, leading groups over slippery intertidal, rugged earthen trails, and through sensitive habitats and cultural sites.
Optimize the educational experiences of guests with a thoughtful and knowledge-based approach to interpretation, managing expectations appropriately, and proficiently “reading the group” to adapt where necessary.

Deck and Hospitality Duties

Ship board duties include assisting the Captain in all aspects of vessel operations including, watch keeping, anchoring, docking, sailing, vessel maintenance, and emergency duties as defined by the Captain, when necessary.
Assist our Chefs with culinary services, including but not limited to setting tables, serving meals, and washing dishes.
Assist with all Guest/Hospitality Services, including but not limited to daily cleaning of salon, cabins, and heads, and responding to the needs of our guests as required.

Administrative Duties

Using digital photography, capture guest moments, wildlife, and scenery memorable to the tour to be used for a slideshow and subsequently for marketing purposes by Outer Shores Expeditions. Photography equipment may be your own or borrowed from OSE.
Create slideshows for viewing at the end of each tour and upload images to appropriate OSE online portals using media on board.
Record daily tour entries into Expedition Permitting Form (Excel spreadsheet or Google Doc) and fill out any other relevant BC Parks, Parks Canada, or Indigenous Nation Protocol Agreement documentation.
Fill out and submit post tour Expedition Guide Checklist including pertinent hand-over notes for incoming Guides.
Deliver one or two educational slideshows per tour and facilitate follow up discussion.

Job Title

Captain/Expedition Leader for Expedition Sailing Vessel (Regular and Relief)

Closing Date

Open application period, please inquire for 2025 and beyond.

Company

Outer Shores Expeditions (www.outershores.ca)

About the Position

We’re looking for a Captain and Expedition Leader to join our professional, passionate, and energetic team for our 2024 expedition season and beyond. The successful candidate will captain our 70’ expedition sailing vessel, the classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud, and work closely with our crew to lead and deliver exceptional wilderness, wildlife, and cultural expeditions throughout the BC Coast. This position requires a unique combination of marine industry qualifications, practical knowledge and experience of sailing, seamanship, vessel operations and maintenance, extensive knowledge of the BC coast, a strong environmental and educational ethic, exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills, and guest services. Critically, candidates must thrive in a close-knit team-based environment and be genuinely excited to provide the hard work and attention to detail required to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience during their time onboard. This position is seasonal and typically involves being onboard for 1-3 weeks at a time during our March through October expedition season; however, this position also includes the possibility of work during our off-season (Nov-Feb) participating in vessel repair, maintenance, and upgrades.

Seasonal Contracts

April through October

Location

Onboard our 70’ classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud; multi-day sailing expeditions conducted primarily in Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wage ($375-$425/day) plus gratuities.
Transportation to/from our ship or lodge from either Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay/Comox, or Vancouver.
Meals, accommodation, plus the opportunity to explore and experience the amazing wildlife, wilderness and cultures of the British Columbia coast.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and a short cover letter to Russell Markel c/o [email protected]

Due to our limited ability to reply to the high numbers of applications we may receive, only those short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Minimum Qualifications/Certifications

Transport Canada 60 GRT Master Limited
Transport Canada Small Vessel Machinery Operator (SVMO) Restricted
Transport Canada Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP)
Transport Canada Radio Operator Certificate – Commercial
Formal sailing certification and/or equivalent experience
Wilderness First Aid and Marine First Aid

Duties

Assume responsibility for the safety of passengers, crew, and vessel at all times.
Assume responsibility for expedition planning, leadership, and delivery.
Work closely with the owner to realize Outer Shore’s standards and visions for safety, vessel operations, support of crew, expedition success, and guest experience.
Work closely with all crew members (deckhands, expedition specialists, chefs, and guest services) to plan, coordinate, lead, and deliver exceptional expeditions throughout the BC coast, particularly Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest.
Work closely with the owner, oversee, participate in training, and ensure that the duties, roles, responsibilities, and aspirations of all crew members (mates, deckhands, expedition specialists, chefs, and guest services) are being supported and achieved.
Work closely with the owner to ensure that all agreements, rules, regulations, and guidelines with First Nation communities and governments, provincial and federal governments and regulatory agencies, and various associations/affiliations (e.g. Commercial Bear Viewing Association; Whale-Watching Guidelines) are strictly followed and adhered to.
Maintain, troubleshoot, and repair as necessary vessel hull and machinery, onboard systems, inflatable skiff, outboard engine, and sails and rigging (typically with the support of numerous specialists and service providers).

What We Also Look For

A detailed description of all experience relevant to this position.
Additional/higher marine industry certifications and experience (e.g. Transport Canada, sailing certifications and experience, Canadian Coast Guard training, Search and Rescue training, etc.)
Training and experience maintaining wooden boats, diesel engines, sails and rigging, and small vessel systems/machinery.
Training and experience operating rigid hull inflatable boats and outboard engines.
Training and experience in Marine Tourism.
Wilderness Guiding and Leadership training and experience.
Interest, knowledge, or training in biology, ecology, natural history, cultural history, environmental studies, and conservation biology.
Experience and knowledge of, and passion for, the regions, cultures, communities, and conservation of the BC coast.