Deckhand

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established organization dedicated to experiential education is seeking a Deckhand to ensure the safe operation of a passenger ferry in Boston Harbor. This role involves assisting with the loading and unloading of cargo, maintaining a safe environment for passengers, and performing various maintenance tasks. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a commitment to fostering growth in young people. This position offers competitive daily pay and the opportunity for continued employment, making it a rewarding experience for those passionate about education and outdoor adventure.

Benefits

Earned Sick Time

401K Retirement Plan

Access to Professional Discounts

Temporary Housing Provided

Qualifications

• Ability to arrive at work on time is essential.
• Professional presentation and communication skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with safe operation of a passenger ferry.
• Maintain a safe environment for passengers.
• Perform maintenance tasks on and off the vessel.

Skills

Marine Industry Experience

Communication Skills

Safety Awareness

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Job description

START DATE: ASAP - December 2025

DURATION: Full time (40+hrs/week), Seasonal

Who are we?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School is a National and State Park located in the heart of the Boston Harbor Islands, With a 200-year legacy of serving children in Boston and a 48-year partnership with the Boston Public Schools (BPS), the Island is a beacon for experiential education, empowering young people through hands-on learning and skill building and outdoor adventure and exploration. We are a proud member of the network of 11 Outward Bound schools in the U.S., with a shared mission to change lives through challenge and discovery.

Education is at the forefront of our work. Funded by a combination of philanthropy and a robust private events business, our outdoor educational programs are offered at no cost to families.

What is our mission and how do we achieve it?

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School's core mission is to build stronger, more equitable school communities by delivering free experiential learning programs that boost academic success and foster personal growth. Our research-based programs blend STEM, social-emotional, and challenge-based learning, giving students a unique opportunity to build life skills alongside academic ones.

Whom do we serve (students, clients, customers)

We offer programs for Boston Public School middle school and high school students, fee-for-service programs for school and youth groups, and leadership development programs for professionals. We also fund our transformational programs by hosting private and corporate events and weddings.

What is the OPPORTUNITY?

In conjunction with the Captain, the Deckhand is responsible for the safe operation of a 65’ passenger ferry in daily runs to and from Cathleen Stone Island and around Boston Harbor. This position reports directly to the Captain on Duty while the vessel is in use.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 
  Throw mooring lines and assist with safe berthing and securing of vessel
• 
  Assist in the loading and unloading of cargo
• 
  Assist with the maintenance and cleaning of the vessel
• 
  Maintain a safe environment for passengers and communicate safety concerns to passengers
• 
  Count passengers as they board and insure vessel remains under passenger capacity
• 
  Keep Captain informed of safety concerns while vessel is running
• 
  While vessel is not in operation, assist with various maintenance tasks and projects on and off the vessel.
• 
  During extended maintenance/haul-out periods, Deckhand may assist Bosun/Captain with shipyard work in Gloucester.

QUALIFICATIONS

• The ability to arrive at work on time is a requirement
• 
  High School Diploma desired but not required
• 
  Prior marine industry experience desired but not required
• 
  Professional presentation and demeanor, to include clean appearance and professional communication with supervisor, peers, and clients
• 
  Comfortable interacting with students and clients from a diverse background
• 
  Desire to contribute, by way of fulfilling job duties, to the organizational mission of providing character development for Boston’s young people.

WORK CONDITIONS

• 
  Must be comfortable working outside, on the water, in all weather conditions
• 
  Overtime hours periodically required
• 
  Occasional weekend and regular evening work required
• 
  Must be able to pass a pre-employment and random drug screening

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• 
  Must be able to lift 70 lbs unassisted.
• 
  Must be able to ride a ferry daily and traverse an island of varying terrains.
• 
  Must be capable of standing for 5+ hours per day.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive daily pay commensurate with experience. Earned Sick Time. 401K retirement plan with a competitive match once prerequisites are met. Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Accident Insurance. Access to professional discount programs for gear and clothing. Temporary housing is provided on Cathleen Stone Island for positions that necessitate. Possibility for continued employment, depending on experience, interest, and qualification.

Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School is an equal-opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect. Protecting our minor students against abuse and neglect is of the highest priority.