Job ID #31850: Tour Boat Captain/Guide
Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31850: Tour Boat Captain/Guide
- Union: Non-Union
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on March 25, 2026.
- Duration: May - September 2026 (Seasonal Position)
- Vacancy type: This posting is for an existing vacancy (4-5 vacancies).
- Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicants are considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
SUMMARY OF DUTIES
Reporting to the Superintendent Waterfront Operations, the Tour Boat Captain navigates the Hamiltonian boat safely through designated routes while providing captivating and informative commentary on points of interest to passengers.
GENERAL DUTIES
Conduct pre-tour safety briefings and ensure all passengers understand safety protocols.
Navigate the boat safely through designated routes while providing commentary on points of interest.
Deliver engaging narratives from a preset script.
Answer passengers’ questions and provide additional information as requested.
Maintain a friendly and professional demeanor at all times to ensure a positive guest experience.
Assist passengers with boarding, disembarking, and any other needs they may require.
Fill out the daily log to ensure safety, cleanliness and maintenance of the Hamiltonian.
Handle any emergencies or unexpected situations calmly and effectively.
Promote the waterfront attractions and services; encourage passengers to provide feedback and reviews.
Work in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
Perform other duties as assigned which are directly related to major responsibilities of the job.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must have Small Domestic Vessel – Basic Safety (SDV-BS), Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) and Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC-M) certifications.
- Knowledge and experience with Marine Basic First Aid or willingness to complete.
- Demonstrated knowledge of safety equipment, emergency procedures and regulations.
- Excellent public speaking and storytelling abilities.
- Customer service-oriented with a passion for delivering exceptional experiences.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Able to assist with tasks such as boarding and securing the boat.
- Possess and maintain current certification in “Standard” First Aid with CPR Level “C” or be able to obtain within 60 days of employment. (This must be clearly identified on your resume.) All “Standard” First Aid certificates must be issued by a training agency recognized by the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB). Please refer to the WSIB website www.wsib.on.ca for approved providers. At time of assessment (which could be as early as days after the posting closes), you will be asked to provide “proof” that you possess the required certificate(s).
HOURS: 0 - 24 per week
NOTE: As a condition of employment, the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain a satisfactory Criminal Records Check (CRC) at their own expense, prior to beginning work in this location.
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy. Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.
