Boat Builder/Educator
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The Boat Builder / Educator works with the Director of Maritime Programs to develop and run the Champlain Longboats program at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum. Champlain Longboats is an innovative boat-building and open-water rowing program at Lake Champlain Maritime Museum that partners with regional schools and community organizations. The primary goal is to develop positive, healthy behavior in middle and high school students at a critical time in their lives by exposing them to the innate team and self-esteem building nature of boat building and rowing. More information about the program can be found here.
The position is the lead boatbuilder on an annual boat building project working with middle and high school students in the construction of a traditional Cornish Pilot Gig or similar boat. Reporting to the Director of Maritime Programs, the Boat Builder / Educator will help design best methods for integrating related curriculum into a hands-on boat building experience. They will also be the lead instructor in a three-week summer kayak building program for teens.
Additional duties will include facilitating maintenance projects on the museum’s active fleet of twenty-two rowing gigs, working with boat shop volunteers, working on the repair of donated boats, and assisting in on-water rowing programs including trailering, hauling/launch rowing gigs, travelling to out of state rowing races, and coaching youth rowers.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead boat builder and teacher in youth boat building programs
- Works with students of all skill levels teaching them to build a significant traditional wooden boat from start to finish.
- Helps develop and teach engaging hands-on curriculum for boat building related subject areas
- Teaches teen kayak building program in the summer
- Fleet Maintenance
- Assists with supervising volunteers and students in the maintenance of the museum fleet and does some of the repair work as needed
- Rowing Program support
- Helps move/haul/launch rowing gigs and support boats
- Fills in as rowing coach when possible and on occasion leads rowing outings on Lake Champlain with youth and adults
- Supports rowing races/events and expeditions.
- Share photos and documentation of work with marketing team.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Experience building wooden boats preferred or excellent aptitude and desire to learn.
- Experience working with middle and high school students of all abilities or a desire to do so. It is essential that the applicant wants to and enjoys working with adolescents.
- Intellectual curiosity about subjects related to boat building and on-water environments and a desire to teach.
- Hands on skill and aptitude for working with boats, tools, equipment, trailers etc.
- Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, including a strong ability to work under the pressure of multiple deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills.
- A commitment to collaboration and an enthusiasm for Lake Champlain, its history, and its future.
Hours & Working Conditions
This is a full-time, year-round position. The role will include onsite, offsite, and on water work. Work outside will occur in all weather conditions.
Wages & Benefits
$22–$24.50 per hour ($46,800–$50,960 per year) depending on experience. Benefits include five weeks paid time off per year (for first two years)
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 references to Nick Patch, Director of Maritime Programs. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employment: Lake Champlain Maritime Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. The Museum prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Vergennes, VT 05491