Looking to light the way?
Ocean lovers and jacks-of-all-trades seeking a new line of work are in luck as the Canadian Coast Guard is hiring assistant lightkeepers to keep watch of lighthouses across British Columbia.
The stations are scattered throughout the province, including on Vancouver Island in Cape Scott and Quatsino, with Victoria, Port Hardy, Tofino, Bella Bella and Prince Rupert points of departure for the more remote locations.
It’s a unique job that, best of all, comes with a view.
“Western Region Lightstations ensure the safe passage of mariners in the most beautiful, remote, and rugged locations on British Columbia’s breathtaking coastline,” reads the job posting.
“The Aids to Navigation section is seeking effective communicators, with confidence and problem-solving abilities to keep watch and maintain the lightstations.”
But the role likely won’t be for everyone as professional experience in isolated or semi-isolated locations is encouraged, along with working in a marine environment, the Coast Guard says.
The rate of pay ranges from around $45,000 to just under $61,000, and preference will be given to veterans first, “then to Canadian citizens and permanent residents,” according to the Coast Guard’s posting.
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Ideal candidates must also speak English, provide security and medical clearance, and maintain a Standard First Aid certificate or Occupational First Aid Level 1 with a transportation endorsement.
Possession of a valid Restricted Operators certificate is also a condition of employment, and candidates must be willing to travel by helicopter or boat, work shifts in a 24/7 environment and “live in isolated or semi-isolated crown-owned accommodations,” the Coast Guard reiterates.
The full job description and application are available online here, with applicants asked to submit a resume in addition to references, certifications and training certificates.
“When you apply to this selection process, you are not applying for a specific job, but to an inventory for future vacancies. As positions become available, applicants who meet the qualifications may be contacted for further assessment,” read the post.
The deadline to apply is Dec. 31, 2023.
Ethan Morneau
