“BC Ferries is a special place to be”

I started at BC Ferries in 2008, fresh out of high school. Right from the beginning, it felt like its own little community. I started in Horseshoe Bay, then moved over to Tsawwassen, and it was the same feeling, just good people and a great environment. I love what I do, and I just keep coming back.

Right now, I’m the office administrator for terminal maintenance under the regional manager. A lot of what I do is behind the scenes. People don’t always realize how much goes into keeping things running. When something breaks or needs fixing, I help get that process moving. The process is all started by creating a service request, that will create a work order, then create a purchase order and that lets the job actually get done. Without that, nothing moves forward. It’s invisible work, but it matters.

One of the moments that really stuck with me happened just a few months ago. Some of the guys I work with went out during a storm to help with a capsized boat near the marine terminal. They saved someone’s life. I didn’t go out there, but I helped support them behind the scenes and I was so proud to be part of that team.

Right now, we’re going through a leadership change, transitioning to a new regional manager. That’s always a bit of an adjustment. Things are getting busier too, and that just means we’ve got to stay sharp and stay on top of everything.

Honestly, there’s not a lot I’d change about my job. I’m proud to be here. I’m honored to work with such a great team of people. BC Ferries is a special place to be.

Melissa Harper, Local 3, First Nations Vision Committee