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Deckhand & ROV Assistant

Upcoming Underwater Wildlife Documentary Series

Contract Term: May 1 – October 31, 2026

• Term may be adjusted for a successful student applicant to end August 30, 2026
• There is strong potential for this role to extend into the 2027 field season and beyond

Estimated Workload: ~3 days/week, weather-dependent (up to a maximum of 100 days)

Location: Based out of the Miller Lake area, Saugeen Peninsula, Ontario, with travel throughout the Great Lakes region (including the United States)

About the Production

We are currently filming an upcoming underwater wildlife documentary series centered on the Great Lakes. The production explores extraordinary freshwater ecosystems using advanced underwater robotics and small research vessels.

The series blends wildlife filmmaking, scientific collaboration, and real-world exploration to document fish behaviour, underwater habitats, and submerged landscapes — often in remote and challenging conditions.

About the Role

We are seeking a Deckhand & ROV Assistant to join our field crew for the 2026 Great Lakes filming season.

This is a hands-on, outdoor role suited to someone who enjoys working on the water, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is curious about freshwater ecosystems, technology, and storytelling. Workdays are closely tied to weather windows and filming schedules, making flexibility, adaptability, and reliability essential.

You will support both boat operations and underwater robotics deployments, contributing directly to scientific exploration and documentary production.

Key Responsibilities

Boat Deckhand

• Trailering, launching, and retrieving vessels
• Line handling, docking, anchoring, and general seamanship
• Basic boat maintenance, cleaning, and daily safety checks
• Assisting the captain during operations, navigation, and filming activities
• Helping maintain a safe, efficient, and organized working deck

ROV Assistant

• Launch and recovery of remotely operated vehicles (ROVs)
• Tether management during dives
• Assisting with deployment and recovery of scientific sensors
• Backup ROV piloting (training provided)
• Supporting filming operations, troubleshooting, and equipment handling

Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Comfortable working on boats and in marine environments
• Physically capable of handling gear, lines, and equipment
• Not prone to seasickness
• Able to work long, irregular hours when weather and filming conditions require
• Legally eligible to travel to the United States, with a valid passport or equivalent travel documentation
• In possession of a reliable personal vehicle to travel around the Saugeen Peninsula

Training Provided

• Base-level marine safety certification — Small Non-Pleasure Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS) — will be provided if the successful applicant does not already possess this certification

Assets

• Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP), Restricted Operator Certificate – Marine (ROC-M), Marine First Aid, SDV-BS, or similar marine certifications
• Experience in fishing, boating, marine research, or fieldwork
• Familiarity with Great Lakes conditions
• Connections within the local fishing or maritime community
• Interest in freshwater ecology, science communication, filmmaking, and technology
• Members of Saugeen Ojibway Nations and individuals with ties to local Indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply

Compensation

• $250/day, up to a maximum of 100 days
• $80/day per diem when traveling overnight
• Half-rate for travel-only days
• Work is weather-dependent and scheduled around filming windows

Location & Travel

Primary base: Miller Lake area, Saugeen Peninsula, Ontario

Fieldwork includes travel throughout the Great Lakes region, including cross-border travel into the United States.

Applicants must be legally eligible to travel to the US and possess a valid passport or appropriate documentation.

Funding & Tax Credit Eligibility Questions

For funding and federal/provincial tax credit reporting purposes, applicants will be asked to confirm:

Ontario Residency: Are you currently considered a resident of Ontario for income tax purposes?

Canadian Citizenship or Permanent Residency: Under Canadian film tax credit regulations, qualifying personnel must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Do you meet this requirement?

(This information is collected solely for production accounting and tax credit compliance and does not affect hiring decisions.)

To Apply

Please email your resume and a brief introduction to:

Kiah — kiah@inspiredplanet.ca