Captain, M/V Mildred Belle

Captain, M/V MILDRED BELLE 

The Living Classrooms Foundation is a non-profit corporation operated for the benefit of the community at large, providing hands-on educational experiences emphasizing history, ecology, economics, and personal development through outdoor experiences. The Foundation is an educational innovator, especially relating to at-risk students and groups from diverse backgrounds featuring maritime settings and historic ships. 

Summary: The Captain position aboard the buyboat MILDRED BELLE is a full-time job that requires skill, experience, knowledge, and a dedication to operate the vessel to the benefit of the hands-on education program. The Captain is an important component of Living Classrooms’ Maritime Education program and serves as a leader and role model for the ship’s crew and students. The Captain must insure that all persons on board are knowledgeable in ships systems, safe operation of the vessel, passenger safety, and the ships education program. The vessels upkeep, maintenance, and general professionalism is overseen by the Captain. 

Essential Functions: Responsibilities of the Captain include, but are not limited to: 

1. Responsible for safe and professional operation the vessel. 

2. Making sure that MILDRED BELLE meets and/or exceeds USCG regulations as a small passenger vessel. 

3. Dealing with the USCG in arranging for certification and yearly safety inspections 

4. Assisting in the development and implementation of the education program. 

5. Routine maintenance projects and daily up-keep of the vessel 

6. Implementation of capital projects and improvements as directed by Director of Shipboard Operations 

7. Working closely with the mate to be assured that he/she is familiar with foundation policies and is comfortable and effective in all vessel operations. 

8. Have shipboard emergency procedures in place (STATION BILL) and perform and log drills on a regular basis. 

9. Work closely with the Education Coordinator to assure program goals are met during daily and overnight programs. Clearly and effectively communicate these to the crew. 

10. Work directly with students and be willing to teach a helm station during programs. 

11. Being an effective leader that promotes good morale among shipmates. 

12. Participate in regular meetings with the Director of Shipboard Operations to discuss goals and to review results. 

13. Manage a vessel budget per instruction from the Director of Shipboard Operations and reconcile monthly. 

14. Ensuring that before boarding, all passengers have signed a waiver form. 

15. Such other duties assigned as necessary for the operation of the Foundation or as assigned by the Director of Shipboard Operations 

16. Maintain professionalism at all times as an important representative of the Living Classrooms Foundation 

17. Maintain a neat, orderly, presentable appearance while working whether in or out of uniform 

(Minimum Requirements: current USCG license rated for 50-ton Inland Master, with Auxiliary Sail, valid TWIC card, Marine Radio Operator Permit, and current CPR and First Aid training, participation in drug pool to test for dangerous drugs.) 

Minimum Requirements/Experience: 

· Valid USCG license, 50-ton Inland Master 

· FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit 

· Current CPR and First Aid training (we’ll provide training to those in need) 

· Valid driver’s license 

· Excellent communication and public speaking skills. 

· Dedicated to working with children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities in an informal setting. 

· Must be willing to submit to pre-employment drug testing and background check, with negative results. All crewmembers will be enrolled in a random drug testing program for the duration of employment. 

· Must be willing to submit and pass a criminal background check to work with students. 

Desired Qualifications: 

· Familiarity with diesel engines and related systems 

· Familiarity with 12v and 110v electrical systems 

· Previous experience working with youth. 

· Experience working in environmental science, education, or related field. 

Additional Information: 

· Housing may be available for interested parties. 

· Lunch is provided during programs. 

· Will be expected to lift moderately heavy objects and work outside in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, cold and hot weather. 

· It is essential that crewmembers understand that shipboard life is demanding of both one’s energy and time and that it may often be necessary to work extra hours until a project is completed or until a reasonable stopping point is reached. 

Position Start Date: January 4, 2027 

Job Duration: Full-Time

Compensation: $2,058 to $2,115 (Bi-weekly)

Benefits: Health insurance, 401k, life insurance available. Opportunities for further trainings (WFR, Radar, etc.) 

Living Classrooms Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities, Women, Handicapped Persons are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap status, Vietnam era or disabled Veteran’s status. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by personnel assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.