Tour Boat Operator

Date Posted: January 16, 2026

The Butchart Gardens is looking for individuals to fill the following position:

DEPARTMENT: VISITOR SERVICES
POSITION: TOUR BOAT OPERATOR

Visitor Services is a diverse front-line department that is responsible for delivering exceptional service to the visitors and staff of The Butchart Gardens. Tour Boat Operators shall provide passengers with an entertaining, 45-minute tour, while ensuring that all safety procedures are being strictly followed. Each tour will have a maximum of 12 passengers and will explore Tod Inlet and the Brentwood Bay shoreline from the Brentwood Bay Ferry terminal back to Butchart Cove.

Successful candidates will be required to:
\tbe 19 years of age or older
\ttake training for the required certificates: Small Vessel Operator Proficiency course, Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety Certificate (formerly MED A3), Restricted Operator Certificate for Maritime Radio and Marine Basic First Aid & CPR C.
\tsafely operate a 22-foot electric tour boat with passengers
\tencourage sales by speaking to Gardens visitors and encouraging them to go on a tour
\tassist with boarding and disembarking passengers
\toperate the boat professionally and in a safe manner
\toperate around other boats and floatplanes
\tprovide proper care and maintenance of equipment, referring repairs to the Maintenance department as necessary
\tkeep the boat clean and organized
\tmonitor the trim and balance and make adjustments
\tlearn to use the Galaxy POS admissions system
\tbe comfortable on the water and able to swim
\tphysically assist passengers with embarking/disembarking from dock
\tsign a contract promising to provide a full season of service following the training
\twork partial shifts in our Information Centre
\twork occasionally as a Visitor Services Wharf Attendant

Successful candidates will possess the following qualifications and demonstrated attributes:
\tability to communicate in an entertaining, knowledgeable and enjoyable manner, answer passenger questions – be aware of the historical and environmental details (waters, plants, animals etc.) concerning The Butchart Gardens and the local area and waterways
\tmaintain an outwardly consistent, positive and enthusiastic attitude that is demonstrated in friendly and energetic body language and facial expressions
\ta demonstrated excellent understanding of how to provide exceptional visitor service
\ta thorough knowledge of The Gardens and the services we provide
\texcellent verbal communication skills
\tthe ability to remain calm and professional under frequently changing and stressful circumstances
\tconsistently utilize a safety checklist

This job offers part time or full-time work from late May until September 15. It includes both shift and weekend work plus occasional overtime. We offer competitive wages up to $30.14 per hour depending on experience and qualifications.

Further information and copies of this posting are available from a Visitor Services Manager or Human Resources. Please submit a cover letter and resume (addressed to the Director of Visitor Services) to Human Resources. By mail: 800 Benvenuto Ave., Brentwood Bay, V8M 1J8, fax: 250-544-4455 or email: hr@butchartgardens.com. Posting closes February 28, 2026.

We sincerely thank all applicants, however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.