The Kingston Yacht Club (KYC) Sail Training Centre is hiring for the 2026 season. KYC has a great history and the Sail Training Centre has become renowned as an exceptional program for all levels of sailing from beginners to advanced racers. We offer programming for Juniors and Adults, including persons with disabilities.
We are seeking applications for a Marine Mechanic & Bosun who will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of the Kingston Yacht Club’s entire motor boat fleet.
Reports to: General Manager
Key Responsibilities
- Fleet Maintenance: Perform regular inspections and repairs on sailboats, including fiberglass work, gelcoat repair, rigging replacement, and hardware installation.
- Engine & Powerboat Care: Conduct routine maintenance on outboard engines (oil changes, spark plugs, propeller checks) and ensure RIB tubes are properly inflated and cleaned.
- Dock Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance and inspections of all docks and slips to ensure they are safe and in good repair.
- Facility Management: Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the KYC workshop and storage sheds.
- Safety Compliance: Ensure all coach boats carry the legally required safety equipment (flares, bailers, life jackets) and that fuel is stored safely according to club protocols.
- Inventory Tracking: Maintain an organized log of spare parts, tools, and consumables (epoxy, line, fuel), and submit purchase requests to the General Manager.
- Teamwork Act as a positive role model and collaborate effectively with the entire instructor/coach and leadership team.
- Professionalism Maintain a professional appearance and act as a positive role model and ambassador for Kingston Yacht Club at all times.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Technical Skill: Proficiency in fiberglass repair and small engine maintenance
- Sailing Knowledge: Understanding of keelboat systems
- Pre-requisites:
- Standard First Aid & CPR-C.
- Pleasure Craft Operator’s Card (PCOC)
- Police Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
All offers of employment are subject to the provision of a current and satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Screening Report, prior to the first day of employment.
Competencies
- Teamwork – Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness.
- Initiative – Does the right thing at the right time without being asked.
- Organizational Skills: Ability to work independently and prioritize a "maintenance queue" to minimize downtime for classes.
- Mechanical Asset: Experience with trailer maintenance and basic electrical systems is a strong asset.
Physical Demands
- Strength & Stamina:
- Ability to lift, carry, and maneuver equipment and parts weighing up to 50 lbs independently.
- Ability to stand and remain active for the duration of an 8-hour shift.
- Sufficient core strength and balance to work safely on moving vessels and floating docks.
- Mobility & Agility:
- Capability to work in confined or cramped spaces (e.g., inside boat lockers, under consoles, or within engine compartments).
- Frequent bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and reaching overhead to perform mechanical repairs.
- Ability to climb ladders and move between docks and varying boat types (dinghies to keelboats) safely.
- Manual Dexterity:
- High degree of fine motor skills for precision work, such as rope splicing, wiring, and handling small mechanical fasteners.
- Comfort and proficiency in safely operating power tools (drills, grinders, sanders) and hand tools for extended periods.
- Environmental Resilience:
- Willingness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions common to the Kingston waterfront, including extreme heat, high winds, heavy rain, and high humidity.
- Tolerance for common marine environmental factors, including exposure to dust, fiberglass, fuel/oil vapors, and cleaning chemicals (with provided PPE).
- Vision & Coordination:
- Strong hand-eye coordination for boat handling, docking, and backing up trailers in tight spaces.
- Specific vision abilities required include close vision (reading manuals/wiring), distance vision (on-water safety), and depth perception (navigating crowded boat parks).
Pay: $20.00-$26.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
