Third Mate, U.S. Brig Niagara (Sailmaker, Flagship Niagara)
About The Position
The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is seeking a Third Mate aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania’s Flagship. Based at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, Pennsylvania, the traditionally rigged brig operates as a sailing school vessel on Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes. The Niagara program preserves and interprets early 19th-century square-rig seamanship through ship operations, maintenance, sail training, and historical interpretation. The Third Mate is a junior, unlicensed officer who supports the safe operation of the ship and helps guide crew members in daily seamanship tasks. The role includes ship maintenance and operation, crew training, safety support, and interaction with museum guests. This limited-term seasonal position is expected to run from mid-March 2027 through mid-October 2027. Work is scheduled Wednesday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a 60-minute lunch; the schedule may vary to meet ship and program needs. Telework is not available. Room and board are included, with an $11 daily charge deducted from each biweekly paycheck.
Requirements
- One year of experience working aboard a sailing vessel, including six months of experience as a ship’s sailmaker.
- Eligibility for a United States Coast Guard Able-Bodied Seaman’s Sailing Card.
- Possess a USCG Able-Bodied Seaman Certification.
- At least two years of experience sailing in traditional rig, including at least one year sailing in square rig.
- At least one year of experience in a supervisory capacity.
- 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 satisfactory criminal history reports, including Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Child Abuse history, and FBI fingerprint clearances.
Nice To Haves
- First Aid Training
Responsibilities
- Direct crew during sailing, docking, and undocking activities.
- Lead drills and demonstrate proper seamanship techniques.
- Monitor ship upkeep tasks and help prepare reports and work lists.
- Maintain first aid supplies and support safe practices aboard the ship.
- Help interpret the ship’s history and welcome museum guests.
- Keep the ship, shop, and berthing area clean and ready for public viewing.
- Support ship operations, training, maintenance, and the up-rig and down-rig of the vessel.
Benefits
- Room and board are included; an $11.00 daily charge, totaling $154.00 per biweekly paycheck, is deducted for the duration of employment.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
