Thursday, February 19, 2026
Job Description
The Rideau Canoe Club is hiring a Waterfront Safety & Equipment Operations Lead to play a key leadership role in maintaining a safe, well-organized, and high-functioning waterfront environment.
This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who is safety-focused, confident supervising young staff, and comfortable working outdoors in a fast-paced sport environment while supporting national-level racing events and daily club operations.
WATERFRONT SAFETY & EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS LEAD ROLE
This position leads the daily safety and operational needs while overseeing dock operations, racecourse setup, and on-water equipment.
Working under the direction of the Equipment Manager, this role involves significant hands-on, on-water work combined with leadership responsibilities. You will supervise and mentor Dock Duty staff, coordinate volunteers, and ensure safety protocols are followed at all times.
This role is well suited to someone who takes pride in leading by example, coaching others, and creating a culture where safety comes first. Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions.
WHY WORK AT THE RCC?
This is not a typical summer operations job. It’s a leadership role with real responsibility while gaining experience and making an impact.
- Play a leadership role in maintaining a safe waterfront for athletes, staff, and visitors
- Supervise, train, and mentor young staff in on-water safety and operational best practices
- Gain hands-on experience supporting national-level sprint canoe/kayak and dragon boat events
- Build leadership and supervision skills applicable to careers in emergency services, marine operations, outdoor leadership, and recreation management
- Join a respected paddling organization known for excellence, safety, and community leadership
We are invested in developing strong leaders. If you bring professionalism, a strong safety mindset, and a willingness to mentor others, we encourage you to apply even if you are still building technical experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Dock Duty staff and volunteers, ensuring safety is always the top priority
- Assist in recruiting, interviewing and training Dock Duty staff
- Mentor young staff in waterfront safety, operations, and teamwork
- Set up, maintain, and remove racecourse and waterfront equipment
- Assist with boat, motor, and dock maintenance
- Support national-level regattas and daily club operations
SCHEDULE
May-October, approximately 20 hours per week outside of peak summer; summer has increased hours (some variation depending on season and club needs). Evenings, weekends and regatta attendance required.
Required Qualifications
- Must know how to swim
- Strong safety awareness and ability to supervise/mentor young staff
- Mechanical aptitude and basic carpentry/tool skills
- Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a team
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Bilingual (English/French) and prior staff supervision experience are assets
- Relevant post-secondary studies or recent graduate in Small Engine Repair, Marine Technician, Engineering, or related field is an asset
REQUIRED TRAINING (By time of hire)
- Pleasure Craft Operator Card
- Safe Sport Trained
- First Aid and CPR Certified
Contact Information
If you think you fi t the description above and are interested in joining our team, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@rideaucanoeclub.ca