Ship Maintenance
- Leads and oversees the maintenance and repairs of the ship
- Records maintenance and repairs in Ship’s Log
- Carries out or supervises scheduled maintenance
- Sees that sufficient fuel and water are aboard as needed and holding tanks are pumped as needed. Records tankage data in log
- Determines needed equipment and supplies
Secondary Responsibilities
- Serves as an ambassador to the community
- Contributes to the organizational culture that will attract, retain, and motivate a diverse staff of quality employees and volunteers
- Mentors crew and other individuals in the organization. Provides regular performance feedback according to established performance objectives
- Displays passion and optimism: inspires respect and trust, mobilizes others to fulfill the vision and mission, provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates
- Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives
Note: While living aboard the ship, all persons (ISEA staff, interns, and volunteers) are expected to participate in basic daily chores and tasks related to living and working in a small, shared space. These tasks occur before and/or after the scheduled programs, extending the work day during this time.
ISEA fosters a community of learning. All seasonal employees and interns are encouraged to take on tasks that will help them reach their education and employment goals.
Skills/Prerequisites:
- Three years of experience as a crew of a large sailing vessel
- Preference given to candidate who hold a Auxiliary Sail endorsed USCG Master or Mates license of at least 100 GRT upon Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans
- Must be able to pass a criminal background check
- Must be able to participate in ISEA’s drug and alcohol testing program
- Enthusiastic about teaching and learning
- Ability to work well with youth and adults
- Willingness to learn and teach
- Good communication skills
- Strong team player
- Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed, especially July and August
- Ability to travel and live aboard vessel up to three weeks at a time
- Able to climb ladders and use companionways aboard the vessel
- Able to work 40+ feet aloft in rigging
- Able to lift 40 lbs and haul halyards, dock and anchor lines
- Physically able to perform duties required of emergency operations aboard the vessel
- Not subject to severe motion-sickness
- Ability to work in turbulent waters and challenging weather conditions
Term:
April – mid-October (5.5 months)
The ideal candidate would begin no later than April 15, 2026 to begin up-rig for our spring programming, which begins May 5, 2026. Options to start earlier in April may be available. The ideal candidate would be able to stay through October 30, 2026
Compensation:
Expectations:
This position is expected to work approximately 45-50 hours per week on ship-related duties and tasks. In the summer season, work hours are extended while traveling and working in away-ports. In addition to ship keeping and sailing, working well with others and instructing students are also requirements of this position.
Room & Board:
This position lives aboard the ship. Cooking facilities are provided on board. Shower and laundry facilities are provided at our education center. Aboard the ship, it is customary for lunch to be provided on sailing days, and for all meals to be provided on overnight transits and when working at away ports (summer). When delivering programs outside of the Grand Traverse Bay area, the candidate will share living space aboard the ship with other ISEA staff and volunteers.
