Captain of Commercian Fishing Vessel (Lobster et al)

Wasoqopa'q First Nation
Millbrook, NS

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Job details

Seasonal | Full-time
2 days ago

Qualifications

CPR Certification
Heavy lifting
Slack
High school diploma or GED
First Aid Certification
Leadership
IV Certification

Full job description

CAPTAIN OF A COMMERCIAL FISHING VESSEL (LOBSTER ET ALL) LFA 33

POSITION TITLE Captain of a Commercial Fishing Vessel (Lobster et all)
DEPARTMENT Kespuwick Resources Inc.
SALARY Share
TERM Seasonal/Full-Time
LOCATION LFA 33
ESTIMATED START DATE September 2026

Wasoqopa’q First Nation Kespuwick Resources Inc., was founded, developed and incorporated in
September of 2011. Kespuwick Resources is an established right based harvest fishery operating
within the Atlantic Maritimes region. Operations span from Yarmouth to Lunenburg Counties, with
main onshore facilities and assets located in Yarmouth. Kespuwick Resources hold access to 46
harvesting licenses, with a focus on lobster, in Lobster Fishing Areas (LFA) 33 and 34 in addition to
Atlantic blue fin, tuna, snow crab, scallops, gaspereau and swordfish.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVE
Kespuwick Resources Inc. is currently recruiting for a Captain of a Commercial Fishing Vessel, for
LFA 33, reporting to the Director of Fisheries, responsible for the overall navigation, management,
and operation of a Kespuwick Resources Inc. owned commercial fishing vessel that ensures safe
and successful fishing activities. The captain is also responsible to ensure that the crew is safe,
maximize the time on the water, as applicable, and is aligned with all catch quotas and other
requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES
• Manages overall fishing operations of the vessel, including environmental conditions for safe

vessel operation, location, duration, landings, supervising and assisting crew members

Hires, trains and manages crew members, setting expectations and targets and addressing

performance issues and or conflict

Adheres to all sustainable fisheries program practices
Assists, coordinates and oversees all fishing vessel activities including overall operation of the

vessel, loading and unloading, general repair and maintenance in accordance with the Fleet
Maintenance Repair Program

Works with other crew members to move, hoist, and position loads
Schedules and conducts routine inspections of the vessel’s gear and equipment for continued safe

operation

Prepares and has readily available all landing and safety reports
Maintains information on all gear and equipment assigned to the vessel by Kespuwick Resources

Inc.

Maintains an inventory of supplies necessary for the regular and safe operation of the vessel
Coordinates the storage of gear and equipment, when not in use
Completes and sustains fishing vessel logbooks daily in accordance with Kespuwick Resources

Inc. and Fish Safe Nova Scotia guidelines

Reports on a regular basis to Director of Fisheries on all aspects of fishing vessel operations and

reporting

Implements and adheres to all Occupational Health and Safety procedures and safe boating

practices

Ensures all health, medical and safety needs of the crew are attended to and documented
Records and reports all Occupational Health & Safety concerns and or incidents
Adhere to all Wasoqopa’q First Nation (WFN) Policies, Procedures and necessary procedures, as

required

Other duties, training and activities related to the position of the Captain, as required

QUALIFICATIONS
• High school diploma (GED or equivalent will also be accepted)

MED A1 – Basic Safety Marine course certification
Advanced First Aid and CPR Certification
Fishing Master-Class IV Certification
Restricted Operator Certificate - Marine Commercial
Ability to read navigational electronic devices
Completion of certification to operate a fishing vessel as captain
Minimum 2 years of experience working on a commercial vessel
Knowledge and experience working in a Mi’kmaw community is considered an asset
An understanding of Mi’kmaq culture and traditions is considered an asset
First Aid CPR, WHMIS and OHS are considered an asset
Criminal Record Check required

REQUIRED ABILITIES, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Kespuwick Resources staff

and crew members

Strong leadership skills and ability to communicate effectively
Strong stress management skills, ability to deal with unpredictable weather conditions, slack tide,

shortage of crew, and unstable vessel, etc.

Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, ability to solve unique situations and

problems

Good physical condition and manual dexterity, ability to lift heavy equipment and quickly move

hands and arms to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects

A commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion
Ability to pay attention to small details and quickly detect errors
A commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion

WORKING CONDITIONS

During fishing season, the boat will be on the water every day when the weather is acceptable
Hours of work are determined by the captain, balanced with weather conditions and safety
A typical working environment for this job is in all-weather conditions and slack tide

Required to endure harsh weather conditions while performing work duties
There may be instances of working at sea in poor weather conditions such as rain, heavy

winds, snow and freezing temperatures

Due to the distance which the boats will be required to travel long hours (and or days)

will be required

Upon returning to port the boats will be required to be unloaded by all of the crew members

Intense physical labour is required, lifting, carrying, climbing, balancing, bending, pulling, and

handling materials and fishing equipment of at least 100 lb may be required frequently

Standing for an extended time can occur

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to [email protected] **Please quote CAPTAINCFV# on your
cover letter and indicate your salary expectations for this position.

WFN appreciates the interest of all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be
contacted. WFN does not assume candidate expenses related to this recruitment process.

In accordance with the Aboriginal Employment Preference Policy of the Canadian Human Rights
Commission, if all qualifications are equal, preference will be given to persons of Aboriginal
ancestry and if a Wasoqopa’q First Nation Band member.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

Deadline to Apply: July 24, 2026

Wasoqopa’q First Nation is committed to fostering a safe workplace that provides an equitable,
diverse and inclusive environment, where employees are treated professionally and with dignity and
respect. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring equal
opportunity and participation as part of the WFN team.

We are a community. We make a difference.

Apply Now

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