Chief Mate, U.S. Brig Niagara; Chief Mate, Flagship Niagara

Overview

THE POSITION

Are you a licensed officer with square rig experience? Have you been seeking an opportunity to serve as the executive officer aboard one the nation's finest tall ships? If so, we have just the position for you!

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working, and experienced individual to serve as the Chief Mate aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania's Flagship. As Chief Mate, you will work hand in hand with the Captain to oversee ship operations and maintenance as well as the delivery of ship-based educational programs. You will supervise the professional crew and trainees, teaching them the discipline and skills of traditional seamanship and building upon the leadership skills you have already acquired in your maritime career.

If you are an energetic leader who is passionate about keeping traditional square rig seamanship alive for current and future generations, apply today to serve aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara!

Sailing from her homeport at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA, 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.

As Niagara's Chief Mate, you will serve as the executive officer, assisting the Captain in the overall execution of the Niagara program, including but not limited to ship preservation and maintenance, operation of the vessel, voyage planning, and delivery of educational programs. You will directly supervise crew, trainees, and volunteers in the maintenance and day-to-day operation of the ship. This supervision will include oversight of professional development through the delivery of training, the performance of drills, and the implementation of shipboard routines, practices, and procedures.

You will serve as the watch officer of the deck when the ship is underway and direct the crew at sail stations.

As Chief Mate, you will be responsible for supervising the overall maintenance of the ship, including mechanical systems, rigging, masts and yards, the hull, and the superstructure. This oversight will include the preparation of written reports, short and long-term maintenance plans, budgets, and material purchasing specifications. You will ensure the crew are adhering to proper protocols and techniques for conducting maintenance per industry and safety standards.

Additionally, as Chief Mate, you will assist in the historical interpretation of the ship while sailing and dockside, offering trainees and museum guests a glimpse into life aboard a 19th century sailing vessel.

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday - Sunday, with a 60-minute lunch. Work schedule will vary based on operational needs of the ship and programming.
• Telework:
  You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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.

• Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: Five years of experience on a traditionally rigged sailing vessel serving as an officer licensed by the United States Coast Guard.
• Special Requirements: 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.
• Additional Requirements:
  • You must have the following USCG certifications: STCW 95, USCG Medical Certificate, TWIC
  • You must have at least two years of experience sailing in square rig with at least one year in a supervisory capacity.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.
• Legal Requirements:
  • This position is subject to initial, ongoing random, and reasonable cause drug screenings. Employment in this position is conditioned on successfully passing an initial drug screening upon appointment to the position. Ongoing employment will require compliance with ongoing random and reasonable cause drug screenings in alignment with US Coast Guard Regulation: CFR Title 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, Part 16. and Commonwealth procedures.
  • This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.
• How to Apply:
  • Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be…