Employment Opportunities

Whale Channel, Great Bear Rainforest

Working with

Outer Shores Expeditions and Lodge

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 West Vancouver Island, based-from Outer Shores Lodge, and 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

Kitchen Assistant for Ocean-Front Wilderness Lodge

Closing date

February 5th, 2023

Companies

Outer Shores Lodge (www.outershores.ca/outer-shores-lodge)

About the Position

Our Prep Cook will work closely with our Head Chef at Outer Shores Lodge to help facilitate the workflow of the kitchen and help deliver daily meals and snacks, typically for up to 16 guests and 6 staff.

This position requires a person who has an eye for detail, is hard working, and is excited to learn all aspects of a lodge-based culinary program under the guidance of a professional and highly experienced Head Chef.

This is position is very well suited to persons who are currently in or planning to attend culinary school and/or apprentice for their Red Seal certificate.

Our culinary program features preparing and serving our guests delicious meals that are healthy, plentiful, beautiful, and immersed in the ecosystems and cultural traditions of coastal BC. 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. Whenever possible, we source and serve foods that are sustainably, locally, and organically grown, produced, raised, or caught in BC.

Seasonal Contracts

May-October, 2023

Location

Outer Shores Lodge, Bamfield, BC.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wage plus gratuities.
Meals, accommodation, plus the opportunity to explore and experience the amazing wildlife, wilderness and cultures of the British Columbia coast.
Access to spectacular local beaches and forests, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, SUP, free-diving, fishing, boating, and more.

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 typically high numbers of applications we expect, only those short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Minimum Qualifications/Certifications

High School Diploma.
Culinary school training an asset.
Positive, mature, and professional approach.
Ability to be well organized, manage time, and adapt to changing schedules and circumstances.
Must be able to work and live at lodge for 1-3 weeks at a time.

Duties

Keeping the kitchen clean and orderly.
Washing dishes and kitchen equipment.
Food preparation, including chopping and peeling fruits and vegetables.
Preparing and seasoning ingredients necessary for cooking with guidance from Chef.
Preparing some dishes, such as salads or other less complex menu items with guidance from Chef.
Organizing food storage.
Assist with meal plating, presentation, and table service.

What We Also Look For

Excellent communication skills and positive attitude.
Interest and enthusiasm for local sustainable seafood.
Interest and enthusiasm for preparing wild foods.
Experience preparing some plant-based meals.
Enthusiasm for occasionally preparing and delivering meals in outdoor dining venues (e.g., white-sand beaches or atop a spectacular lookout bluff at Outer Shores Lodge).
Strong conservation and sustainability ethic.

Job Title

Captains/Expedition Leaders for Expedition Sailing Vessel (Regular and Relief)

Closing Date

Open application period

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 2023 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

March to 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 plus gratuities.
Transportation to/from our ship or lodge from either Victoria, Nanaimo, 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 CVs and a short cover letter to Russell Markel c/o [email protected]

Due to our limited ability to reply to the typically high numbers of applications we expect, 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.

Job Title

Expedition Guides/Deckhands for Expedition Sailing Vessel and/or at Wilderness Lodge

Closing Date

Open application period

Companies

Outer Shores Expeditions (www.outershores.ca)

Outer Shores Lodge (www.outershoreslodge.ca)

About the Position

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and hard working Expedition Guide & Deckhand to join our fun, passionate, professional, and energetic team for our 2022 season. The successful candidate will play central and diverse roles at both our Outer Shores Lodge and on board our expedition sailing vessel Passing Cloud throughout our operating season.

Candidates must be self-motivated, have strong interpersonal skills, and enjoy working in a close-knit team-based environment. This role is highly diverse and provides candidates with a great work-life balance, job security and advancement, strong company culture, and an adventurous and fun lifestyle.

Candidates must be willing and able to spend a few weeks at a time at the lodge, and up to a few weeks at a time at sea, within a season. Candidates must also thrive in wilderness environments largely isolated from phone and internet access.

The Expedition Guide and Deckhand role is twofold. Primarily for this position, you will be responsible for guiding guests and small boat operations at both Outer Shores Lodge and when on board our expedition sailing vessel Passing Cloud.

Other duties include; maintenance and cleanliness of the lodge zodiac, expedition sailboat, support of captain and chef when onboard Passing Cloud and will work under the supervision of the Lodge Managers when working at Outer Shores Lodge. This position combines working at the lodge and onboard our sailing vessel during the operating season (April – October).

Critically, candidates must be genuinely excited to provide the hard work, attention to detail, service, and professionalism required to ensure that our guests have the best possible experience during their time onboard with us as we sail and explore some the most remote and spectacular regions of the BC coast and experience the beauty of west coast Vancouver Island at the Outer Shores Lodge.

Seasonal Contracts

April to October, 2023

Location

Onboard our 70’ classic wooden schooner Passing Cloud; multi-day sailing expeditions conducted primarily in Haida Gwaii and the Great Bear Rainforest.
Outer Shores Lodge, located in Bamfield, BC, on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive wage plus gratuities.
Transportation to/from our ship or lodge from either Victoria, Nanaimo, 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 CVs and a short cover letter to Russell Markel c/o [email protected]

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

Minimum Qualifications/Certifications

Experience operating small vessels, particularly inflatable skiffs with outboard engines and tiller steering.
Transport Canada Marine Emergency Duties A2 (MED A2)
Transport Canada Small Vessel Operators Proficiency (SVOP)
Transport Canada Radio Operator Certificate – Restricted (ROC-MC)
Wilderness First Aid (40 hour course minimum)
Commercial Bear Viewing Association - Level One Guide
Interpretive Guides Association - Apprentice Interpreter or Interpretive Specialist (preferred)

Duties at Outer Shores Lodge

Assist lodge manager with all aspects of lodge operation, including but not limited to guest services assistance, luggage handling, lodge zodiac maintenance, and guiding gear organisation.
Lead educational/interpretive activities, including but not limited to supporting shore excursions, inflatable boat excursions, wildlife viewing, and cultural site visits.
Lead evening ecology presentations for guests with the support and guidance of the Lodge Managers (Russell Markel, PhD and Scott Wallace, PhD).
Assist our lodge Chefs and host with culinary services, including but not limited to setting tables, serving meals, and washing dishes if needed.

Duties at Outer Shores Expeditions & SV Passing Cloud

Assist our Captains with all aspects of vessel operation, including but not limited to docking, anchoring, sailing, steering, deck duties, and vessel maintenance.
Assist our Captains and Expedition Specialists with our educational/interpretive activities, including but not limited to supporting shore excursions, inflatable boat excursions, wildlife viewing, and cultural site visits.
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.

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.