Elk Lake – Where Champions Are Made

Elk Lake has a proud and enduring rowing pedigree. From first-time novices—young and old (sometimes really old)—to Olympic champions, it has been home to generations of rowers for decades. Widely regarded as one of the premier rowing venues in North America, Elk Lake offers a unique blend of high-performance sport and natural beauty.

The Victoria Rowing Society (VRS) is a non-profit organisation which manages the Elk Lake Boathouse and facilities that support rowing programs for the following member organizations:

• Greater Victoria Youth Rowing Society
• Rowing Canada Aviron / Rowing BC
• University of Victoria
• Victoria City Rowing Club

These clubs rely on a well-run, dependable boathouse to deliver exceptional programming—from grassroots development to high-performance training.

At VRS, we are proud to provide a high-quality home for our members and their athletes. Our mission is to offer a professional, welcoming facility where training and racing lead to success, while respecting and protecting the natural environment of Elk Lake.

About the Role

The Boathouse Manager plays a central leadership role in the daily operation of one of Canada’s most respected rowing facilities. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys responsibility, problem-solving, and working closely with a diverse and passionate rowing community.

Position Summary

The Victoria Rowing Society (VRS) contracts the management and operation of the Elk Lake Boathouse to a member organization or individual. The Boathouse Manager is responsible for the day-to-day management, maintenance, and operation of the Elk Lake Boathouse and related facilities. Working closely with the VRS Executive, Vice President (Operations), Safety Officer, Treasurer, and the VRS Operations Committee, the role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant operations in support of VRS member organizations and stakeholders.

Education and Experience

Education / Training - Administrative or facilities management training considered an asset - Basic rowing knowledge or background considered an asset

Experience - Facilities and/or property management - Contract and vendor management - Budgeting and financial tracking - Project coordination and supervision - Grant research and application (asset) - Staff and volunteer supervision

Skills and Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Effective time management and task prioritization
• Ability to perform basic maintenance and repairs and coordinate qualified trades as required
• Knowledge of occupational health and safety standards (e.g., WorkSafeBC) and industry best practices
• Strong administrative and organizational skills
• Sound judgement, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory capability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Comfortable working with a wide range of rowing experience levels
• Adaptable, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and assess risk
• Clear Criminal Record Check
• Satisfactory completion of Safe Sport screening as required
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or commitment to obtain
• Valid Driver’s License
• Approve expenses up to established limits
• Manage contracts and service agreements
• Supervise direct reports
• Represent the VRS Boathouse to external parties and stakeholders
• Conduct regular, methodical walkthroughs of the facility to identify maintenance and safety needs
• Schedule and oversee maintenance, servicing, and repairs for all infrastructure, including:
  • Boathouse and docks
  • Fire and security systems
  • Lift systems
  • HVAC and heat recovery units
  • Septic systems
• Coordinate annual inspections and ensure fire extinguishers are serviced and certified
• Oversee the use, maintenance, and storage of the VRS race course
• Maintain inventory of janitorial and operational supplies
• Organize and oversee work parties and facility clean-ups
• Liaise with external service providers, including:
  • Security and fire alarm services
  • Lift servicing
  • Internet and utilities
  • Janitorial services
  • Waste and recycling services
  • Other contractors as required
• Accurately track and report working hours
• Accurately track and reconcile credit card expenditures
• Review accounts receivable and payable in coordination with the Bookkeeper and Treasurer
• Ensure invoices and payments are coded correctly and submitted in a timely manner
• Maintain facility inventories and administer the private boat storage program
• Maintain and update the Boathouse Operations Handbook
• Document and manage daily, weekly, and monthly operational procedures and checklists
• Serve as first point of contact for member organizations
• Maintain active communication with internal and external stakeholders
• Support member operations, events, and regattas within the scope of the role
• Serve as the public-facing representative of the Elk Lake Boathouse
• Liaise with Rowing BC, Rowing Canada Aviron, Capital Regional District (CRD), and municipal services (e.g., fire and police)
• Coordinate with CRD Parks staff and other user groups as required
• Liaise with regatta organizing committees to ensure compliance with VRS and CRD policies
• Serve as a member of the VRS Operations Committee
• Organize and facilitate Operations Committee meetings
• Report regularly on boathouse and on-water operations
• Support the VRS Board as requested, including:
  • Assisting with grant applications
  • Identifying emerging operational risks, issues, and trends
  • Attending Board meetings as required
• Support larger projects outside the normal scope of this role, with remuneration negotiated based on scope
• Perform other related duties as required

Personal Characteristics

• Sound judgement, analytical thinking, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory capability
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Comfortable working with a wide range of rowing experience levels
• Adaptable, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and assess risk

Requirements

• Clear Criminal Record Check
• Satisfactory completion of Safe Sport screening as required
• Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC) or commitment to obtain
• Valid Driver’s License

Authorities

• Approve expenses up to established limits
• Manage contracts and service agreements
• Supervise direct reports
• Represent the VRS Boathouse to external parties and stakeholders

Key Responsibilities and Duties
1. Facility and Operations Management
2. Contractor and Vendor Coordination
3. Financial and Administrative Oversight
4. Stakeholder and Member Relations
5. External Liaison
6. Governance and Committee Support
7. Special Projects and Other Duties Additional Information

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibility for the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. The Boathouse Manager may be required to perform additional tasks as operational needs arise.