Careers
Steward a Muskoka Icon
The Lake of Bays Marine Museum & Navigation Society is seeking a General Manager / Captain to lead the operation of the SS Bigwin, our restored 1910 steamship, and the Marine Museum in Dorset, Ontario. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is as comfortable on the bridge as in the office, and who wants to help bring the Bigwin back to the lake for the 2027 season.
General Manager / Captain
The General Manager / Captain has overall operational responsibility for the SS Bigwin and related duties for the Society: budgeting, cruise and staff scheduling, marketing, human resources, training, and ensuring the vessel is operated in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations.
About the Role
- Reports to the Board Chair, in cooperation with the Board’s designated representative.
- Full responsibility for the SS Bigwin’s crew, staff and volunteers, on the water and in the Museum.
- Operational period June 1 to September 30, with daytime, evening and weekend availability driven by public sailings, private bookings and Museum hours. Planning and maintenance work continues outside the season.
- Works alongside the Board of Directors, the Customer Service Team Leader, contract captains, deckhands and volunteers.
What You’ll Do
- Captain the SS Bigwin and manage all public, charter, event and private cruises and their scheduling.
- Ensure the vessel is operated in full compliance with Transport Canada requirements and all applicable laws and regulations.
- Engage, train and certify additional captains and crew, on contract or as volunteers, and ensure every sailing is adequately and safely staffed.
- Own budgeting, staff scheduling, hiring, training and day-to-day human resources, applying current best practices for a respectful, inclusive and safe workplace.
- Lead maintenance planning and the ongoing repair and improvement program for the vessel and the Museum.
- Maintain compliance with Township of Lake of Bays by-laws and dock agreements (Dwight and Baysville), LCBO regulations and Special Event Permit terms.
- Deliver an excellent, safe customer experience from the Museum door to the dock and back, and escalate any health, safety or operational concerns to management and the Board.
- Share the marine history of the SS Bigwin and Lake of Bays with passengers and Museum visitors.
- Plan and run the marketing and promotional program, special cruises and community partnerships, and support Board fundraising and community events.
What You Bring
- A Transport Canada Master, Limited certificate of competency appropriate to the SS Bigwin’s registered tonnage and sheltered-waters operation, endorsed or eligible for endorsement for the SS Bigwin on Lake of Bays. A higher master’s certificate (Master 150 GT Domestic or above) is also accepted.
- Current Domestic Vessel Safety (formerly MED A1/A2), Passenger Safety Management, Marine Basic First Aid and Restricted Operator Certificate (Maritime) training, plus a valid marine medical certificate, or the ability to obtain them before June 1.
- Experience managing a seasonal, customer-facing operation and leading a small team.
- Working knowledge of budgets, scheduling and safety management, with strong organizational and communication skills.
- Comfort with marketing, community engagement and speaking to the public.
- A genuine interest in maritime and Muskoka heritage. Familiarity with Lake of Bays is an asset.
Terms
- Full-time, year-round position with the Lake of Bays Marine Museum & Navigation Society, a registered Canadian charity.
- Based in Dorset, Ontario, with sailings from Dorset and Dwight.
- Applications are reviewed as they are received.
How to Apply
Email your resume and a short cover note to info@ssbigwin.com with the subject line “General Manager / Captain Application”. Applications are reviewed as they are received.