Northumberland Ferries Limited crosses between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia. The ferry service operates from May to December with two vessels.
“We have up to 175 employees from March to December,” says Andrea Bird, Human Resources Director.
“Employees return to work each year based on their seniority and we hire new people as well. We hire for the service-oriented positions in the spring and throughout the summer. Many Engineering and Navigation Officers are hired year-round.”
Job categories:
Office positions
There are approximately 15 office employees in areas such as accounting, payroll, human resources, information technology, purchasing, and marketing.
Shore operations
This includes jobs such as Toll Booth Cashiers, Terminal Attendants, Parking Lot Attendants, and Maintenance.
Duties include responding to customer inquiries, directing traffic in the parking lot, selling tickets, directing vehicles on and off the ship, accepting deliveries, stevedoring, and maintaining the terminal.
When hiring, the company looks for people with math skills and good communication skills who are personable and can provide good customer service.
Job titles
- Toll Booth Cashier
- Cook
- Electrician
- Marine Engineer
- Parking Lot Attendant
- Navigation Officer
- Captain
- Deckhand
- Steward
Jobs on the ship
Customer service-oriented jobs
This includes jobs such as Cooks, Lunch Counter Servers, and Stewards.
When hiring, the company looks for people with math skills, basic computer skills, and customer service experience. For Cooks, a cooking certificate is also desired.
Deckhands
Deckhands assist with getting vehicles on the ship, directing parking, and maintaining the ship. The position has a strong focus on safety and emergency management and requires employees to complete a four-month Bridge Watch Rating program with an on-ship training component.
Engineering and Navigation Officers
Engineering and Navigation Officers positions require a university or college education. “There will be a huge shortage of engineering and navigation officers in the coming years for Northumberland Ferries Ltd. and in the shipping industry generally,” says Andrea.
“We invest in our employees with training and support to staff wanting to progress to higher-level positions in the company. You can start at an entry-level position and work your way up to become the Captain of the ship.”
For more information about Northumberland Ferries Ltd., visit www.ferries.ca.
Northumberland Ferries Ltd. – Hiring practices
June 6, 2019
Northumberland Ferries crosses between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia. The ferry service operates from May 1 to December 20, 2019, with two vessels.
At peak season, 180 people are employed. “We are very busy during the summer, which results in hiring opportunities for skilled workers and for entry-level positions,” says Don Cormier.
“Twelve employees work out of the main office in Charlottetown, doing administrative support, accounting, purchasing, marketing, and IT support. We also have shore operators at Wood Islands, which involves ticketing, stevedoring, and terminal maintenance. Other positions include food service, deck hands, and engineering.
“Entry-level positions are casual work, so you have to be flexible and available to work on short notice,” adds Guy LeClair.
Job titles
- Entry-Level Service Staff
- Host
- Cashier
- Ticket Collector
- Cook
- Electrician
- Human Resources Manager
- Navigational Officer
- Marine Engineering Officer
- Captain
- HR Manager
- Bridge Watch (Deck Hand with a Bridge Watch certificate)
“Wages for entry-level positions start at just under $20 an hour,” says Don. “We are also searching for Navigational Officers for year-round employment who could earn up to $100,000 a year.”
How to apply
- Submit a resumé or application online at www.ferries.ca/careers
- Email [email protected]
- Drop off a resumé at 94 Water Street, Charlottetown
For more information about Northumberland Ferries Ltd., visit www.ferries.ca.