Second Mate: Lead Sail Training on a Historic Tall Ship

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room and board included

Job summary

The U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania's flagship, operates from the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA. This Second Mate position involves overseeing ship maintenance, leading drills, and teaching seamanship as part of a sail-training program through March–October 2027.

Candidates should have Coast Guard endorsements and significant traditional-rig sailing experience, including square rig, with supervisory responsibilities. The role carries room and board and follows a fixed seasonal schedule.

Qualifications

• Two years command experience aboard sailing ships of 100 ton rating or greater.
• This position requires possession of a United States Coast Guard Radar Observer Endorsement and a United States Coast Guard Marine Firefighting Certificate.
• You must have at least three years of experience sailing in traditional rig, including square rig and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance Oversight: Supervise care of mechanical systems, rigging, masts, yards, the hull, and the superstructure
• Crew Training: Lead drills and show crew members, volunteers, and trainees how to complete important tasks
• Navigation Support: Maintain charts, publications, and all navigation and communication equipment
• Watch Duties: Serve as officer of the deck or direct crew during sail operations
• Historical Interpretation: Help explain the ship history to guests and describe life on a nineteenth century sailing vessel

Skills

Command experience

Crew leadership

Maritime navigation

Safety drills

Education

200 ton Near Coastal Mates License

STCW 95

USCG Medical Certificate

TWIC

Tools

Radar Observer Endorsement

Marine Firefighting Certificate

Charts & Navigation equipment

Job description

The U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania's flagship, operates from the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA. This Second Mate position involves overseeing ship maintenance, leading drills, and teaching seamanship as part of a sail-training program through March–October 2027.

Candidates should have Coast Guard endorsements and significant traditional-rig sailing experience, including square rig, with supervisory responsibilities. The role carries room and board and follows a fixed seasonal schedule.