Job Description:

SUMMARY

Under direction of the Manager - Salomon Farm Park, Outdoor Recreation and Boating, the incumbent creates training materials and directs hands-on training of Sweet Breeze crew members and evaluates their performance for the ability to safely and efficiently operate the vessel according to their job duties. 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.

• Implements an effective, organized, and efficient established training programs for each crew position, including handout materials, demonstrative videos, and hands-on instruction in groups and for each individual separately, based on official job descriptions of each position;
• Provides recommendations for improvements to the training program;
• Communicates scheduling availability and training plan with Assistant Supervisor;
• Follows the established training program using all user guides and checklists to ensure completion of all topics to a satisfactory standard for all trainees;
• Carefully tracks and documents training progress of each trainee in detail;
• Submits training records to Supervisor;
• Works with Assistant Supervisor to schedule additional training time as necessary to cover all topics;
• Observes each trainee as they demonstrate each skill necessary to perform their job safely and effectively
• Completes evaluation forms regarding the abilities of each trainee at end of initial training program and reports results to Assistant Supervisor;
• Signs certificates of completion for those trainees who have proven ability to perform job duties safely and effectively;
• Fills out recommendation forms for trainees who did not demonstrate satisfactory abilities to perform job duties safely or effectively;
• Answers job-related crew questions in a timely manner throughout the season;
• Sends out updates and reminders to crew as needed throughout the season regarding protocols and processes related to their job duties;
• Assists supervisors and managers with investigating and correcting issues with the vessel, equipment, security system, processes, programs, or personnel as requested;
• Covers shifts as captain or first mate as needed, especially in cases of call-ins or no-shows;
• Occasionally rides along with crew members for extra guidance or assistance as requested, especially in cases of challenging river current or wind conditions;
• Monitors weather and river conditions and makes recommendations to Supervisor to adjust tour schedule, move vessel to high water location, or other modifications to secure vessel;
• Recognize 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;
• Monitors, preps, and schedules crew for flooding river levels for moving boat to high water position, as directed;
• Assists with the diagnosis vessel problems and provides recommendations for any mechanical issue as requested
• Provides recommendations for operational procedures, equipment, or other changes to enhance the Sweet Breeze operation as requested;
• Enforces Park and Recreation Department and City of Fort Wayne rules and policies;
• Attends meetings as requested by Supervisor;

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

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

OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and/or ABILITIES

• Have a basic understanding of engines, machinery, and other boat systems;
• 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, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak publicly effectively and efficiently. Problems during work causing questions about objectives and boundaries are discussed. Incumbent has contact with persons employed by other agencies, and with the public communicating routine information including the giving and receiving of factual information about work.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Incumbent makes choices and takes action performing a variety of relatively standardized assignments. Errors in decision or work are either readily detected or corrected through supervisory review. Work requires some analysis and judgment but is reviewed by supervisor upon conclusion. Work may involve some spot checking for compliance of procedural requirements.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Certified in First Aid and CPR by the American Heart Association within two weeks of employment (provided by the City’s Risk Management Department);
• Indiana Boating Safety Course Certificate;
• Valid Indiana Driver's License if City vehicle is used.

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.