Canadian Coast Guard on hiring spree in BC

Apr 4 2017, 5:28 am

“Anything but ordinary.”

That’s how David Heap describes employment with the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).

Heap is the regional director of integrated business management services with the CCG, which is currently looking to fill a number of positions across the country.

“We are looking to fill a number of front line first responder requirements over the next few years and we know now that we will need to fill many positions,” Heap told Daily Hive.

The need for increased recruitment efforts is due to a number of factors, not least of which is the addition of new ships.

He said other factors include the future opening of new lifeboat stations, retirements, and federal funding for the Ocean Protection Plan.

‘Building a diverse workforce’

“We are building a diverse workforce of dedicated individuals from across the country and all walks of life,” Heap furthered. “As our Commissioner says, if you can serve, you are welcome in the Canadian Coast Guard. We want people from all corners of this sprawling nation to become part of something meaningful.”

Every year, Heap said, the CCG attends career fairs across the country to recruit new talent to its workforce. “We have been recognized as an employer of choice for young people and we are truly looking for the best and brightest.”

Current available positions within the Coast Guard include mariners, navigators, marine engineers, radio operators, and environmental response personnel. There’s also the need for technicians and engineers to work on infrastructure, such as radar sites or aids to navigation.

The officer training program for marine engineering and navigation is one particular area where Coast Guard recruiters are looking for applicants. Based out of Sydney, Nova Scotia, the program requires a high school diploma with advanced math and science credits.

In total, the organization of 4,500 members oversees 114 ships of all types, 21 helicopters while protecting 243,000 km of “Canada’s vast and rugged coastline.

Applications are open online, and Heap encouraged everyone from recent high school graduates to those fresh out of post-secondary to check out the organization’s offerings.

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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