Shipwright I

Mystic Seaport Museum; Mystic (CT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

Mystic Seaport Museum seeks an experienced shipwright to perform structural repairs on wooden hulls and to build and repair masts, spars, and deck fittings. You will lead small teams, document work, and ensure safety and quality in a historic shipyard environment.

The role requires five years of hands-on traditional ship construction, Boat School preference, and the ability to work outdoors year-round. You will work with vessels, interact with visitors, and maintain a clean, efficient shore

Qualifications

• Five years hands-on experience in traditional wooden ship construction.
• Boat School graduates preferred.
• Ability to work outdoors year-round in cold and wet weather.
• Owns and maintains shipwright hand tool kit, including caulking tools.
• Proficient use of woodworking tools (hand and electric).
• Working knowledge of vessel systems; traditional rigging, electrical, plumbing, and engine systems.
• Ability to self-start and mentor volunteers; lead small groups and teach advanced shipwright skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural repairs to wooden hull components; frames, planks, beams, knees, decks, etc.
• Build and repair wooden masts and spars, solid and laminated construction.
• Build and/or repair wooden deck furniture and hardware.
• Hull and deck caulking to ensure watertight integrity.
• Assist with vessel docking, line handling, hauling and launching.
• Document work through photos, explanations, and drawings.
• Lead project teams and/or volunteers as required.
• Proper and respectful use of shipyard tools and equipment; maintain a clean jobsite.
• Operate and maintain shipyard equipment and power tools as needed.
• Record and log work performed using notes, drawings, photos, spreadsheets and apps.
• Interact with museum visitors about shipyard activities; represent the museum professionally.

Skills

Traditional shipbuilding

Woodworking

Rigging knowledge

Team leadership

Documentation

Education

Boat School graduate

Tools

Caulking tools

Hand and electric woodworking tools

Job description

Description

• Perform structural repairs to wooden boat & ship hull components; frames, planks, beams, knees, decks, etc.
• Build and repair wooden masts and spars, solid and laminated construction.
• Build and/or repair wooden deck furniture and hardware.
• Hull and deck caulking
• Assist with Vessel docking, Line handling, hauling and launching
• Document work through photos, written explanations, and/or drawings
• Lead project teams and/or volunteers as required
• Proper and respectful use of shipyard tools and equipment
• Maintain a clean jobsite
• Material handling with powered equipment (fork trucks, telehandler, man lifts, hoists, etc.)
• Occasional interaction with museum visitors about shipyard activities and at all times represent Mystic Seaport Museum in a professional manner.
• Occasionally assist other museum departments with their duties.

Requirements

• Owns and maintains personal shipwright hand tool kit., including caulking tools.
• Has five years’ hands on experience of traditional wooden ship construction. Boat School graduates are preferred. Holds a standard driver’s license.
• Physical ability to work outdoors year- round in cold and wet weather. Ability to safely lift 60 lbs. Comfort with working from elevated OSHA approved staging platforms, floats, and man-lifts.
• Proficient use of stationery and handheld electric wood working tools.
• Working knowledge of vessel systems; traditional rigging, electrical, plumbing, and engine systems.
• Metal working skills desired, but not required
• Ability to self-start and collaborate with Shipwright II employees and volunteers. Ability to “team lead” small groups and teach advanced shipwright skills.
• Demonstrates extensive knowledge of traditional ship construction and vessel plans.
• Ability and willingness to record, log and document work performed using notes, drawings, photographs, spreadsheets, and smart phone applications
• Demonstrates and practices advanced visual spatial skills and a high level of ship joinery skills. Able to make “excellent fits” in a timely manner.
• Has the knowledge and skills to set up a traditional vessel for extensive repairs. Can ensure that the hull shape is not lost.
• Can properly block, support and cover vessels for storage on land.
• Can properly and safely operate and maintain a chain saw.
• Demonstrates the ability to fair a batten by eye either on a timber or around a section of hull framing.
• Has the ability to efficiently practice traditional ship caulking - shows the proper technique and tool knowledge to handling caulking mallet and irons. Practices hull reefing methods that protect the seams. Has the experience to judge the proper amount of oakum or cotton to be applied to a seam. Has the ability to prime and putty traditional seams properly.
• Has full knowledge of all the steps to hang a carvel plank on a vessel in a strong and tight manner.
• Demonstrates the ability to laminate and build spars, shaping them with traditional and or modern methods to scaled drawings.
• Can safely load and operate a truck / trailer setup for moving timbers and occasionally boats.
• Holds the ability to drive and dock a small shipyard work boat around the MSM’s waterfront and willingness to obtain a CT Safe Boaters Certificate.
• Has the knowledge to do daily ship-keeping rounds for Mystic Seaport vessels.