Lead Master Shipwright – Traditional Wood Boat Restoration

Landing School; Saint Michaels (MD); On-site; USD 37,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Saint Michaels, MD is seeking a Master Shipwright to lead traditional wooden boat construction and restoration in a working shipyard open to the public. The role reports to the Shipyard Manager and involves hands-on fabrication, project oversight, and mentoring volunteers while ensuring safety and craftsmanship.

Minimum ten years of experience, lofting and drawings interpretation required; forklift and crane skills preferred.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in traditional wooden boat construction/restoration.
• Lofting expertise and ability to read vessel drawings.
• Proficient with wood shop machinery and power tools.

Responsibilities

• Execute day-to-day tasks: produce templates and patterns from full-size drawings.
• Fit out internal and external components; position sections accurately.
• Prepare slipways and construct cradles used to support ships.
• Find and select quality lumber.
• Fabricate keel, futtocks, planking, and support structures with tools.
• Move large timbers safely using machinery and tackle.
• Direct installation and testing of mechanical systems.
• Participate in installation of rigging.
• Direct and organize Shipwrights in repair, refit, and construction.
• Interact with third party customers: plans, scope, vessel docs, training, sea trials.

Skills

Lofting

Vessel drawings

Wood components

Forklift experience

Crane experience

Rigging experience

Metal fabrication

Communication skills

Mentoring volunteers

Wood shop machinery

Job description

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in Saint Michaels, MD is seeking a Master Shipwright to lead traditional wooden boat construction and restoration in a working shipyard open to the public. The role reports to the Shipyard Manager and involves hands-on fabrication, project oversight, and mentoring volunteers while ensuring safety and craftsmanship.

Minimum ten years of experience, lofting and drawings interpretation required; forklift and crane skills preferred.