First Mate- Sweet Breeze

Job Description:

SUMMARY

Working under the direction of the Manager – Salomon Farm, Outdoor Recreation, and Boating, the incumbent is responsible for the daily operations and recreational activities while on board the canal boat Sweet Breeze. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with the City safety rules and operating regulations, policies and procedures as well as federal, state, and local regulations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the ability to interact with the public, City incumbents, and outside agencies with patience, tact, respect, and professionalism and the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Greets the public and answers questions in a professional manner;
• Ensures passenger comfort and safety;
• Monitors weather conditions to ensure tours are operated in safe conditions;
• Recognizes and addresses emergency situations as they arise including but not limited to passenger sickness/injury, man overboard, uncooperative/disruptive passenger(s), foul weather, smoke/fire/hazards, vessel breakdown, collision, and taking on water;
• Assists with the seasonal launching and hauling;
• Opens up Sweet Breeze which includes unlocking all hatches, cabins, lockers, and isinglass windows;
• Manages the entertainment and PA systems;
• Ensures the cleanliness of the boat and surrounding docking area before and after each tour which includes but is not limited to picking up litter, clearing debris in river from around boat while docked, sweeping the cabin, washing the cabin sole (floor) when needed, cleaning the head (bathroom), dusting cobwebs from inside and outside, and washing exterior appearance as needed.
• Handles cash and credit card ticketing and is responsible for monies until deposited, if needed;
• Routinely checks head for cleanliness during tours;
• Takes responsibility for all boat lines and fenders when leaving and returning to dock;
• Continuously stands as sentry for other boats to warn of Sweet Breeze’s approach, to push debris away from boat, or warn captain of immovable debris in river;
• Monitors and manages inventory of supplies/equipment and coordinates with Lawton Park or Parks Main Office;
• Assists Captain, Deck Hand, Docent, and other crew (Docent, volunteers, entertainers, etc.) as needed;
• Assists recreation supervisor with special events as needed;
• Enforces Park and Recreation Department and City of Fort Wayne rules and policies;
• Wears work uniform, and maintains uniform in a professional manner. May be required to wear themed attire for special events or tours as assigned.
• Attends meetings with staff, crew and supervisors.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

The incumbent is responsible to manage their performance in accordance with this job description and the performance expectations provided to them by management. If at any time the incumbent is unsure of their role or specific responsibilities, it is the incumbent’s responsibility to refer to their job description and ask for clarification from their supervisor. Management will work with the incumbent, as needed, to ensure performance expectations are clearly communicated and performance goals are achieved.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED);
• At least three years previous boating experience preferred;
• Experience with downtown Fort Wayne’s rivers preferred.

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively and/or professionally with the public;
• Must possess the organizational and communication skills conducive to maintaining an optimum working relationship with the staff and crew;
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends, mornings, evenings and holidays to suit program needs.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operation and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers or employees of organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Indiana Driver's License.
• Indiana Boating Safety Course Certificate;
• Certified First Aid and CPR.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job and due to the special circumstance of operating a canal boat, the employee is required to stand while operating Sweet Breeze, be able to crawl into small quarters such as engine rooms and holding spaces, and be able to see and look out at least 50 feet in all directions while operating Sweet Breeze. The employee will need to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl the employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed outside weather conditions, to wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Work requires some contact with changing conditions, some lifting or moderate labor involved. Incumbent is normally standing, walking or lifting light objects. Incumbent may require greater than normal physical abilities such as visual or hearing activity.