Hotel barging is a wonderful opportunity to explore beautiful regions in unique detail, and to meet some interesting people from around the world along the way.
If you are interested in any of the vacancies below please contact Isabelle Price HR Manager with your C.V. at recruitment@europeanwaterways.com
Employment as a crew member of European Waterways is best suited to team players who recognise that hard work, enthusiasm and people skills all play vital roles which help ensure our passengers have an excellent holiday and return home good ambassadors of the unique and special world hotel barging really is.
For over 35 years, we have been operating vessels on the enchanting inland waterways of Europe. Please take a look at our video below to see what we are all about.
Captain
The Captain is the key figure on any hotel barge. With overall responsibility for the vessel, crew and passengers, the Captain needs to be an energetic person, able to motivate their crew and have excellent leadership, communication and inter-personal skills. They need to be able to liaise at all levels and have a first-class knowledge of both their vessel and the cruise area.
The Captain is responsible for the overall management of the barge, ensuring that their vessel is always in good working order and maintain the highest of standards on board. As team-leader, they must ensure that every crewmember is carrying out their duties correctly and be prepared to take part in any crew duty where necessary.
Apart from driving the barge, the Captain may lead some of the excursions together with the Tour Leader. Through their excellent customer service skills they need to be able to make their passengers feel safe and relaxed, and should always be easily accessible to them. Guests often enjoy joining the Captain in the wheel-house and experiencing the cruise from the “driving seat”. The last evening is the Captain’s dinner at which the Captain is host.
In France a French canal passenger licence is required and fluent French is recommended. This is a challenging role requiring a dynamic and flexible individual who is confident and at ease in company, and can use their initiative to solve problems.
Pilot
A passion for barging and a genuine interest in hospitality are the two key elements required in a European Waterways Pilot. As the crewmember central to navigation and responsible for the appearance and effective operation of the hotel barge, they will need to have good mechanical skills and an eye for detail as well as lots of energy and a dynamic personality.
The principal job of the Pilot is to steer the vessel, negotiating the most intimate canals and rivers, securing it through locks, and mooring. A high level of responsibility and careful piloting skill is required, with regard to the passenger’s safety, other crewmembers, and yourself.
An important part of the Pilot’s role is the maintenance of the barge. Working knowledge of the engines and generators is essential as mechanical checks need to be regularly undertaken in the engine room, as well as first line repairs where necessary. General maintenance includes cleaning the decks, securing deck furniture, and lifting and carrying items such as gangplanks.
Ideally, a hotel barge pilot should already have the appropriate country or regional specific or European barge driving licence with a passenger carrying endorsement. Applicants without a barge driving licence can join as a trainee pilot and study for the appropriate licence which takes 1-2 years. A clean driving licence is also required. An ability to speak French and English is desired.
Tour Guide
The post of Tour Guide requires a dynamic and flexible individual who is a good communicator and has a genuine love of history, culture and gastronomy. The Tour Guide must have a genuine interest in the region, and the subjects of the visits. Specific knowledge of the set tours must be learnt prior to the start of the season.
The Tour Guide is the principle van driver in the team, and must take this responsibility very seriously. Passenger safety is paramount, at all times. A good knowledge of French and English, a clean driving licence and an enthusiastic approach to work are desired.
Chef
The Chef must have a good working knowledge of food in general, French cuisine in particular, and have an active interest in the food of the region. They will need to be able to demonstrate good presentation skills and all cooking methods.
The Chef is responsible for selecting the weekly menu, shopping, stock management and bookkeeping. A driving licence, a good knowledge of French (where appropriate) and good spoken English are desired.
Host/Hostess
A barge Host / Hostess is organised and untiring, ensuring guest comfort and performing housework and upkeep of the boat interior. A high level of customer service experience is essential. Responsibilities include serving at mealtimes, preparing drinks, and daily cleaning of cabins and bathrooms.
Contact us
If you are interested in any of the vacancies above please contact Isabelle Price HR Manager with your C.V. at recruitment@europeanwaterways.com
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