Petersburg Boat Captain; Part Time

The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is seeking a 100-ton U.S. Coast Guard licensed Master Captain to serve on our team as a Boat Captain for our historic Petersburg Boat tours.

• Role: Petersburg Boat Captain
• Status: Part-Time (Non-exempt)
• Hours: Approximately [10-20] hours/week
• Compensation: $25.00/hour
• Reports to: Park Operations Ranger (Maintenance & Safety) I Business Operations Manager (Scheduling & Tour Operations) | Lead Boat Captain
• Location: Discovery Center, Gift Shop, Petersburg Boats, and Heritage Area Grounds

This position requires a 100-ton US Coast Guard licensed Captain and balances active vessel operation with team scheduling, administrative compliance, and passenger safety. As a primary public representative of the Augusta Canal, the Captain fosters a positive team atmosphere, ensures exceptional guest experiences, and maintains strict adherence to maritime safety standards.

Licensing Benefit: ACNHA will cover the costs associated with obtaining and/or maintaining your U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Captain’s License!

• Piloting the Petersburg Boat for scheduled tours, private charters, and public events.
• Overseeing safe passenger loading and unloading at the dock.
• Practicing proper navigation, observing rules of the waterway, and handling the vessel with care and precision.
• Maintaining direct, clear communication with the Discovery Center reservation staff before departure and upon arrival.
• Inspecting vessels daily and ensuring the boat, docks, and walkways remain clean, orderly, and presentable.
• Coordinating with the Lead Captain and Business Operations Manager to ensure coverage for all operational days, including weekends and holidays.
• Assisting with training new captains and tour guides on vessel procedures, safety policies, and emergency protocols.
• Conducting and logging regular safety drills (fire, emergency, and first aid) with crew members.

• Assisting the Park Operations Ranger with routine boat and dock maintenance, equipment checks, and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
• Assisting leadership in preparing vessels for annual and five-year USCG inspections.
• Maintaining passenger logs, daily tour logs, and incident report files.
• Participating in the USCG-compliant Drug Consortium program.
• Ensuring all USCG posting requirements, vessel certificates, stability letters, and crew credentials remain current and displayed.

• Education: Four (4) year college degree preferred.
• Licensure: Current U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s License (or eligibility/willingness to obtain-costs paid by ACNHA).
• Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certifications (or ability to obtain prior to hire).
• Compliance: Enrollment in the Augusta Canal Authority’s designated Drug Consortium program.
• Skills: Strong leadership, professional communication, basic mechanical troubleshooting, and exceptional boat-handling skills.

The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is an equal opportunity employer.

Designated by the U.S. Congress in 1996, the Augusta Canal National Heritage Area protects and interprets the unique story of the American South’s Industrial Revolution. Built in 1845 to harness the power of the Savannah River for transportation, water supply, and manufacturing, it is the only fully intact industrial canal in the nation still in continuous operation for its original purposes.

Today, the heritage area has transformed from a 19th-century manufacturing hub into a vibrant, multi-use green space. Visitors can explore history exhibits at the Canal Discovery Center (housed inside the historic Enterprise Mill), ride guided replica cargo boats, and enjoy…