Mate/Educator, S/V SIGSBEE

Job Description 

Mate/Educator, S/V SIGSBEE  

The Mate’s job onboard the educational vessel Sigsbee is a crucial one. The efficient completion of its responsibilities is essential for the smooth operation of the vessel. The Mate answers to the Captain and is second in command of the vessel.  

Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

1. Support staff for the Captain of the S/V Sigsbee 

2. Performing routine maintenance projects as directed by the Captain.  

3. Performing daily chores - making sure that duties are carried out properly and in a timely manner. 

4. Assisting in development and implementation of onboard education programs. 

• Assist the Educational Coordinator and Educator with planning as needed 

• Work with the program director to ensure smooth program implementation. 

• Assist with teaching on-board and land-based portion of programs (land/sea, shoreside camping, virtual programs, charters)  

• Become familiar with the responsibilities of the role of educational staff to substitute when necessary  

• Become familiar with instructing groups with diverse needs and learning abilities  

• Welcome, communicate with, and encourage participation of clients in programs   

• Assist with the maintenance and care for education supplies to keep in good condition and supply  

5. Provisioning and providing for ship’s crew when in port and away and assisting with provisioning for overnight camping expeditions. 

6. Maintaining Passenger comfort and safety - making sure that they follow the rules of the ship as outlined by the Captain in the Safety Orientation and crew manuals. 

7. Making sure that work is performed in a safe manner. 

8. Staying on task and working constructively during shipboard education programs or maintenance periods and following through on tasks to completion. 

9. Being familiar with and observing STANDING ORDERS and the EMERGENCY STATION BILL as posted and described by the Captain. 

10. Knowing vessel systems, how they work, and being able to explain routines to others.  Also being able to affect repairs to vessel systems in case of breakdown. 

11. Assisting the Captain with vessel operation.   Opportunity will be given to develop these skills. 

12. Proper greeting of volunteers and making sure that they feel useful. 

13. Proper greeting of passengers and the general public showing the vessel, program, and the Living Classrooms Foundation, in a positive light. 

14. Maintaining professionalism at all times as an important representative of the Foundation 

15. Vessel security - Gate closed - Guests must ask permission before boarding and Captain must be notified of their arrival. 

16. Such other duties as are necessary for the operation of the programs or the Foundation or as assigned by the Maritime Education leadership   

Additional Requirements and Notes: 

• This is a seasonal position, from March through November.  Daily working hours for ships personnel will be from 0800 to 1630 unless otherwise directed or if operating an evening trip.   

• Responsible for working ten day-programs and two evening programs during the two week pay period, including occasional weekends and/or evenings.  Additional programs may be required for additional pay. 

• 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. 

• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered.  Proof of vaccination will be required. 

• 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. 

• This is an unlicensed position. However, previous experience aboard traditional sailing vessels is highly desired.  Experience working with students in a non-traditional setting is also preferred. 

• Excellent communications and organizational skills with an emphasis on attention to detail. 

• 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. 

Position Start Date: March 3, 2025

Job Duration: Seasonal Full-Time 

Salary: $1320/bi-weekly ($16.50/hr)

All ship’s personnel and educators are expected to work six trips per week over the course of a five day work week during the daysail season. This will include five day trips and one evening trip. Extra trips and days worked will be compensated for with Comp Pay. When working in daysail mode, but away from Baltimore, compensation and working hours shall be the same as when sailing in Baltimore. When the ship is out of town, crewmembers shall continue to live aboard (i.e., leaving “for the weekend” shall be discouraged and is permissible only after prior arrangements have been made with the Captain.)  If aboard a vessel operating extended overnight trips with students living on board or camping ashore, additional compensation will be given in the form of Comp Pay. See the crew manual for a further explanation of Comp Pay. 

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 Veterans 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.