Deckhand

South Street Seaport Museum•New York, NY

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Join the South Street Seaport Museum Relief Crew! The 1885 Schooner Pioneer, TSA Sail Training Program of the Year in 2026, has a 60+ year history of advancing careers in tall ships and the maritime industry. On both Pioneer and the 1930 tugboat W.O. Decker (the last remaining wooden tug built in New York), the deckhand position is a chance to develop as a mariner in a challenging, supportive, and fast-paced environment. The Deckhand assists in day-to-day sail operations, including education, public, and charter sails on evenings and weekends. Willingness to work with volunteer crew, students, and the public is critical. Experience in tall ships and/or Experiential Education is desired. Continuous on-the-job training will be offered, but with multiple sails per week, some sailing experience is critical. The deckhand assists, at the direction of the Director of Historic Ships, the Waterfront Supervisor, the Vessel Operations Captains and Mates, in all aspects of the vessel's operation, handling, and maintenance of Pioneer and W.O. Decker. They serve as teachers and leaders of the volunteer crew. They create and maintain an atmosphere of inclusivity, healthy development, and freed of harassment. They maintain clear communication with the Mate and Captain. They serve as liaisons with visitors and the public.

Requirements

Some experience is required for this position.
Deckhands work under the supervision of Mate and Captain.
They participate in all aspects of ship maintenance and operation.
A clear willingness to work hard and learn good interpersonal skills, and a responsible and respectful outlook are required.
Participation in the USCG-mandated random drug testing program.
The professional crew leads volunteer trainees as well as the passengers.
A safe, healthy, collaborative, and respectful workplace is the cornerstone of our program.
Work effectively under a variety of conditions, including heat, sun, wind, cold, and darkness.
Move safely on the moving deck and in the confined spaces below with sufficient agility.
Haul on lines under strain and lift up to 40 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Experience in tall ships and/or Experiential Education is desired.
Teaching, particularly experiential education, sailing, sail training, carpentry, mechanical work, metalwork, painting, etc.

Responsibilities

Report for shifts on time and prepare for the workday
Learn, understand, and follow all Museum policies related to your job, particularly PPE and safety procedures as set forth in the employee handbook, training, and orientation.
Interact with guests to provide for comfort and safety; facilitate and encourage guest connection with the opportunities and experiences encountered on each sail.
Participate in USCG-required drug testing program.
Provide evidence of completion of NYC Sexual Harassment Prevention Training by June 15, 2026.
Maintain a clean, safe, and tidy work environment at all times.
Conduct regular boat checks while on watch and daily when no sails are scheduled.
Report and/or correct any issues found, and keep a general “sailor’s eye” out for unusual conditions and developing problems.
Provide ongoing training to crew through leadership, management, and delegation, including the use of PPE and other safety gear, the Pioneer Sail Training Manual, and other resources.
Have a thorough understanding of safety equipment and procedures.
Control heavy objects and their movement as well as work in environmentally challenging conditions (unstable, wet, cold, slippery, etc).
Maintain personal safety for themselves and others when dealing with these challenges.
Participate in at least one training sail per month when available.
Maintain current certification in First Aid and CPR/AED.
Assist fellow Museum staff in projects as needed on other vessels or the museum campus.
Conduct oneself in a manner that represents the professionalism of the ships and the museum in the best possible light while aboard and in other situations where there is a connection to the Museum and its fleet.