I thought the name of this blog should be "If I had 5 Million Dollars" but I only know a couple hundred multi-millionaires and none of them have been given a second look at what we could create together.
So this look at Spike's Marine Station will be focused on the greater community we can create to serve the worlds most essential resource .... The Water.
I am under the delusion that a good idea multiplied by the aptitude to be of exceptional service with the experience of 25 plus years cultivating opportunities for all new and old in the recreational boating community equates to
A Vision That Requires Community: The Team to Build Spike’s Marine Station
Spike’s Marine Station is more than just a marine hub; it’s a movement toward environmental stewardship, cultural respect, and sustainable marine innovation. Building, launching, and operating this station will require a dedicated team, each playing a crucial role in making our vision a reality.
Here’s a look at the roles we’ll need over the next five years to bring Spike’s Marine Station to life:
Development and Construction Team (Years 1–2)
Total Team Size Estimate: 12–17 People
This team will cover essential roles for the first two years, balancing personnel to oversee, build, and support modular construction and eco-compliance, along with safety and logistical operations. Adjustments can be made based on project needs and timelines, but this core team ensures the foundational setup of Spike’s Marine Station.
Project Manager (1)Coordinates overall planning, budget, and construction activities to ensure all phases align with sustainability and safety goals.
Marine Engineer (1–2)Designs and oversees the floating infrastructure, focusing on eco-friendly and resilient construction.
Environmental Impact Specialist (1)Conducts environmental assessments and monitors potential impacts on local waterways and ecosystems.
Site Crew and Installers (6–10)Handles on-site assembly, modular setup, anchoring, and secure installation of each station component.
Construction Supervisor (1)Ensures construction activities are on schedule and meet quality standards, working closely with the Project Manager.
Health and Safety Officer (1)Oversees safety protocols to ensure compliance with health standards during construction and installation.
Supply Chain and Logistics Coordinator (1)Manages the timely arrival of materials, equipment, and modular units to the site.
2. Operations and Administration Team (Years 3–5)
Total Team Size Estimate: 7–10 People
This team size ensures coverage for administration, operations, visitor services, and community outreach, along with a marketing role to handle digital engagement. Adjustments can be made as visitor numbers and operational needs evolve.
Station Operations Manager (1)Leads overall station operations, manages day-to-day activities, and coordinates various departments to ensure smooth functioning.
Administrative Assistant (1–2)Provides administrative support, manages bookings and inquiries, and assists in scheduling events and station services.
Marine Services Coordinator (1)Acts as the main contact for boaters, brokers, and marine professionals, managing dock rentals, marine services, and collaborations.
Community Engagement Officer (1)Promotes Spike’s programs, organizes community outreach, builds local partnerships, and develops educational programs.
Visitor Services Staff (2–4)Handles visitor check-ins, provides customer service, and ensures a positive visitor experience.
Marketing and Social Media Coordinator (1)Manages online presence, social media, and digital communications to keep the public engaged and informed.
3. Environmental and Education Team (Years 3–5)
Total Team Size Estimate: 4–5 People
This team provides a solid foundation for educational programs, environmental stewardship, and the VR experience, allowing Spike’s to deliver meaningful, hands-on learning. Additional roles can be added as programs expand or if visitor demand increases.
Environmental Educator (1)Leads and develops educational programs on water conservation, sustainability, and indigenous traditions surrounding water protection.
Responsibilities: Conduct interactive workshops, create educational content, and lead hands-on activities for visitors.
Water Lab Technician (1–2)Operates and maintains the water lab, assisting visitors in testing water quality and gathering environmental data.
Responsibilities: Perform water tests, monitor lab equipment, educate visitors, and contribute to environmental reporting.
The Water Lab at Spike’s Marine Station offers a hands-on learning environment where visitors can engage with water testing and conservation science, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship
VR Experience Coordinator (1)Manages visitor experiences in the VR Friendship Centre, focusing on immersive storytelling and cultural engagement.
Responsibilities: Set up VR sessions, guide visitors through narratives, and maintain VR equipment for optimal performance.
Education Program Assistant (1)Supports the Environmental Educator by helping set up workshops, coordinating program materials, and assisting with visitor engagement.
Responsibilities: Prepare educational materials, assist in managing groups, and provide logistical support for educational activities.
4. Cafe and Retail Team (Years 3–5)
Total Team Size Estimate: 6–8 People
This team structure ensures robust coverage for both the cafe and retail operations, supporting a seamless visitor experience and reinforcing sustainability initiatives. We can adjust staff numbers based on visitor traffic, seasonal demand, or operational changes.
Cafe Manager (1)Oversees daily operations of the cafe, focusing on sustainability, customer experience, and waste reduction initiatives.
Responsibilities: Supervise staff, coordinate with suppliers for sustainable menu items, and manage the cash-back recycling program.
The café and lounge at Spike’s Marine Station offer a cozy, modern space for visitors to enjoy refreshments with scenic waterfront views Service Staff & Baristas (3–5)Provides high-quality service and fosters a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging visitors to participate in eco-friendly practices.
Responsibilities: Prepare and serve food and beverages, handle customer service, and assist with recycling programs.
Retail Coordinator (1)Manages the Marine Stock Shop, helping visitors with boating essentials and overseeing inventory for rentals and supplies.
Responsibilities: Maintain stock levels, advise visitors on marine products, and support rental services for boating and safety equipment.
Retail Assistant (1)Assists the Retail Coordinator with inventory, customer inquiries, and restocking to ensure smooth retail operations.
Responsibilities: Manage inventory, assist customers with purchases, and support maintenance of retail displays.
5. Maintenance and Sustainability Team (Years 3–5)
Total Team Size Estimate: 12–14 People (including part-time apprentices)
This setup ensures dedicated personnel for core facility needs, modular support, and sustainability leadership, with part-time apprentice roles providing operational flexibility and workforce development through hands-on training.
Facility Maintenance Technician (1)Focused on maintaining the station’s core infrastructure, ensuring that all facilities operate safely and efficiently.
Responsibilities: Perform regular maintenance on station facilities, handle troubleshooting, and ensure safety standards are consistently met.
Module Support Technician (1)Specializes in the upkeep of modular components, including VR equipment and garden systems, to keep each module functional and visitor-ready.
Responsibilities: Maintain and troubleshoot modular systems, provide equipment support, and collaborate with the facility technician as needed.
Aeroponic Garden Specialist (1)Oversees the health and care of indoor gardens, educating visitors and supporting sustainable gardening workshops.
Responsibilities: Manage garden upkeep, lead public workshops, and provide guidance on sustainable aeroponic gardening practices.
Boat Wash Technicians (8–10 Part-Time Apprentices)**A team of part-time apprentices operating the eco-friendly drive-in boat wash, offering hands-on experience in sustainable marine practices.
Responsibilities: Rotate shifts to operate the boat wash, adhere to eco-friendly practices, and educate boaters on chemical-free cleaning methods.
Sustainability Coordinator (1)Directs station-wide sustainability initiatives, focusing on recycling programs, waste reduction, and tracking environmental impact.
Responsibilities: Implement and monitor recycling efforts, manage energy efficiency programs, and report on environmental goals.
Cultural Content Creation Team Structure
Total Team Size Estimate: 7-9 People
This team structure ensures that each role contributes to the respectful, accurate, and ethical documentation of indigenous knowledge. It also allows for a range of multimedia outputs—video, audio, VR, and archival materials—that will serve as educational resources, capturing indigenous wisdom for future generations
Cultural Content Creation Team Coordinator
Role: Leads the team and oversees all content capturing, production, and relationship-building activities with indigenous communities globally.
Responsibilities: Coordinate content projects, build trust with communities, manage ethical standards, and ensure content aligns with the vision and respect for indigenous practices.
Field Producer
Role: Manages on-location logistics, working closely with communities to set up interviews, secure filming locations, and coordinate schedules.
Responsibilities: Ensure all fieldwork runs smoothly, oversee ethical guidelines during filming, and liaise with the Coordinator to meet project goals.
Videographers and Photographers (2-3)
Role: Capture high-quality visual content that authentically documents the teachings, practices, and stories shared by indigenous elders.
Responsibilities: Film and photograph elders during interviews and events, respecting cultural practices while creating immersive content for educational use.
Audio Specialist
Role: Captures and edits high-quality audio for podcasts, interviews, and VR experiences, preserving the elders’ voices and languages with clarity.
Responsibilities: Record and enhance audio, manage audio archives, and ensure that all audio recordings maintain cultural accuracy and respect for linguistic nuances.
Content Archivist
Role: Organizes, stores, and archives all content (video, audio, photography, written materials) to ensure easy access and long-term preservation.
Responsibilities: Manage metadata, ensure permissions and usage rights are documented, and organize content for future educational use in a culturally respectful manner.
VR Experience Designer
Role: Transforms recorded content into immersive VR experiences, focusing on indigenous teachings and environmental knowledge for educational engagement.
Responsibilities: Collaborate with videographers and the Coordinator to design VR environments, emphasizing authenticity and cultural sensitivity in the virtual experience.
Cultural Consultant (Indigenous Liaison)
Role: Provides cultural guidance, ensuring that all content accurately and respectfully reflects indigenous values and practices.
Responsibilities: Review content, advise the team on cultural protocols, and serve as a bridge between the team and indigenous communities, reinforcing trust and understanding.
"At Spike’s Marine Station, indigenous elders share their knowledge and practices for water protection, fostering intergenerational learning and cultural preservation."
A Community Effort for a Sustainable Future
Spike’s Marine Station (SMS) presents a unique human resources opportunity, fostering a workforce dedicated to sustainability, environmental education, and community impact. Through roles ranging from environmental educators and marine technicians to community outreach coordinators, SMS empowers employees with hands-on experience and knowledge in eco-friendly practices and water conservation.
The skills and values imparted at SMS don’t stop at the station—they ripple outward. Each team member becomes an ambassador of sustainability, sharing what they’ve learned with their families, friends, and wider community. This knowledge-sharing creates a cycle of positive environmental impact, as practical skills in water stewardship, sustainable gardening, and marine care are “paid forward” into daily life.
SMS will cultivate a community of environmentally conscious individuals who contribute to a healthier planet.
My day one: "To cultivate opportunities in the marine environment through to education and invigoration of all those old and new to the marine industry."
Spike.
Instead of waiting for your support on building Spike's Marine Station.
I built the Boaters Operating System.
Learn more at www.boatersos.ca or this blog
If I had a million dollars.
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