Boatswain, U.S. Brig Niagara (Coxswain, Flagship Niagara)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania•Erie County, PA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is hiring a Boatswain to serve aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, a traditionally rigged sailing school vessel based at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania. The ship sails on Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes and conducts sail training and historical interpretation. The Niagara program preserves and shares the traditions of life aboard an early-19th-century square-rigged sailing ship through the vessel’s rigging, maintenance, operation, and seasonal preparation. The Boatswain leads deck work and supports ship operations by guiding crew members in seamanship and maintenance. The role includes hands-on rigging and sail work, care of tools and supplies, training support for less experienced crew and volunteers, public engagement, and maintaining an orderly, safe, and ready ship, shop, and berthing areas. This limited-term seasonal position is expected to begin in mid-March 2027 and end in mid-October 2027. The regular schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday, with a 60-minute lunch; the schedule may vary according to ship and programming needs. Telework is not available. Room and board are provided, with an $11.00 daily charge ($154.00 per bi-weekly paycheck) deducted for the duration of employment. Applicants must meet the stated sailing, rigging, and certification requirements and be able to perform the essential job functions. Employment is subject to initial, ongoing random, and reasonable-cause drug screenings, as well as required criminal history clearances under Pennsylvania’s Child Protective Services Law.

Requirements

At least one year of experience working aboard a sailing vessel, including six months of experience as a ship’s carpenter.
Eligibility for a United States Coast Guard Able-Bodied Seaman’s Sailing Card.
Possess a USCG Able-Bodied Seaman Certification.
At least one year of experience sailing in a traditional rig.
At least six months of experience as a rigger.
Ability to perform the essential job functions.
Successful completion of an initial drug screening upon appointment and compliance with ongoing random and reasonable-cause drug screenings.
Submission and approval of required criminal history clearances, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse history, and FBI Fingerprint clearances.

Responsibilities

Lead deck work and guide crew in daily seamanship tasks and shipboard operations.
Perform hands-on rigging, sailing, and vessel upkeep.
Care for tools and maintain an inventory of needed supplies.
Teach less experienced crew members and volunteers through supervised tasks.
Help visitors understand life aboard a 19th-century sailing ship.
Maintain a neat and orderly ship, shop, and berthing areas to support safety and readiness.