Captain, U.S. Brig Niagara; Captain, Flagship Niagara)
Pennsylvania, USA
Listed on 2026-10-12
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Transportation
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Management
Are you a Master of 200 or greater tons skilled in square rig and experienced in commanding a sailing school vessel? Have you been looking for an opportunity to command one of the nation's finest tall ships? If so, we have just the opportunity for you! The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) is looking for a passionate, hard-working, and experienced individual to serve as Captain of the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania's Flagship.
Sailing from her homeport at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA, Niagara operates as a sailing school vessel in Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes. The U.S. Brig Niagara is a fully functional, traditionally rigged brig engaged in sail training and historical interpretation. Through the up rig, maintenance, operation, and down rig of the ship, the Niagara program preserves, interprets and passes on the traditions of what life was like for sailors living, working, and fighting aboard a square-rigged sailing ship in the early 19th century.
You will perform the following duties:
- Safety Oversight: Maintain the safety of the vessel, crew, trainees, and visitors across all operations
- Preservation and Maintenance: Oversee the ship’s maintenance program and major repairs, upholding her historic and functional integrity
- Vessel Operations: Operate the ship and oversee the delivery of sail training and other educational programming aboard Niagara
- Crew Leadership: Guide, develop, and supervise professional crew members, trainees, and volunteers to ensure work meets or exceeds industry standards
- Collaborative Planning: Work with senior management and other PHMC colleagues to develop annual and long-range plans for the Niagara program and deliver the mission of the Erie Maritime Museum
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to maritime regulations and Commonwealth policies
This is a year-round, full-time position with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Niagara's sailing season is March through October, and she conducts a full schedule of sail training (day sails and voyage programs) from May through September.
Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday - Sunday, with a 60-minute lunch.
- Occasional evening and weekend work for meetings and special events will be required.
- Telework:You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) ad-hoc. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Erie. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.
Additional details may be provided during the interview. - Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
- Five years of experience commanding a tall ship as a chief mate or captain, including two years commanding a traditional square-rigged vessel.
- This position requires possession of a Master of 200 or greater tons, Near Coastal with Auxiliary Sail endorsement or a Master of 200 or greater tons, Oceans with Auxiliary Sail endorsement, issued by the United States Coast Guard.
- You must possess a valid Class C Driver’s License.
- You must have at least five years of experience overseeing the development and implementation of a sailing school program focused on traditional sail…
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