Deckhand Job 2023

We are looking for a fun, fast paced team, that enjoys outdoor work and being around new people. As Tall Ship MJ's crew, you will learn how to care for a traditional sailing ship (see photos here), set sail with ticketed guest on 2 hour cruises, and build an inviting and enjoyable team culture with your crew mates. 

You'll be lead primarily by Captain Megan, (the owner, see profile here) who loves training and having fun. You can expect a-lot of shenanigans as well as hard work. Megan will push you to new heights, while providing the opportunities to get that "win." It is both hard and jolly... and you get to be paid to sail, watch sunsets and play with boats. 

Scheduling: 

This position will run June 1st - October 8th (we ask that you be available the majority of that time, however, as proponents of education, we will work within your college or high-school schedules). 

We will have training days in May. We will work with the team to try and capture the best times and days for the group. 

Sailing: 

The deckhand is the heart of the ship. They act as the eyes, ears, hands and feet of the ship's needs and operations: 

• You will operate MJ's daily programs including classic sailing trips, and special edition themed sails (like Dress Like a Pirate). The majority of these trips will all be from the same dock and last about 2 hours each.
•  Under the captain's training and supervision you will be responsible to handle the ship's sails, dock lines, and equipment. You do not need to have sailing or boating experience, but you do need to be comfortable working out in the sun for long stretches of time. 

Safety: 

A large part your duties as a deckhand is safety. Watching over the well being of the ship, your shipmates, and the guest will be part of your daily routine and a learned mindset on board MJ:  

• You will be trained in how to respond to various emergency situations, take part in  drills and be CPR and First Aid Certified (we will provide this if you aren't already qualified).  
• You will perform safety checks throughout the day as directed. Ship maintenance is another aspect of safety. You will be taught how to perform traditional (and modern) task that help keep the vessel in "ship shape" and safe for the water! 
• As a U.S. Coast Guard Inspected Vessel, all crew will be enrolled in a random drug testing pool. No drugs, including marijuana, may be used while in employment . Additionally, no alcohol can be consumed a minimum of 8 hours before you arrive for duty. 

Customer Service: 

As part of the crew you will help create an amazing trip for guests onboard MJ. We want our guest to have a magical time - feeling the joy and adventure of the Inland Seas. Part of the magic is most definitely you as the crew. You are expected to interact with professionalism and warmth with our guest, always asking what you can do to make their experience better. But the real secret is to have a lot of fun everyday, invite guest to join in, and share an experience of a lifetime.

Ship Culture:   

The culture amongst mariners is special, and each ship has it's own style:

• Communication is unique onboard a ship and often strange to new-comers; a lot of focus will be put on how to communicate well.  
• We desire to uphold good seamanship in both traditional and modern aspects. An eagerness to learn and respond to good critic is expected.  Likewise, we expect crew to teach passengers as they feel comfortable.  
• Story-telling, history sharing, and maybe some singing is always encouraged. 
• Daily cleaning is a point of pride for any vessel, and MJ is no exception.  
• We expect each person to work collaboratively, feel safe, and comfortable sharing ideas and thoughts, while also listening to authority and crew mates. We expect authority positions to be respectful, reasonable, and kind.   

Along with all staff, this position will be responsible to uphold the mission of MAST: "We exist to bring the life changing influence of the world's waterways, it's exploration, culture, and skills to all who seek it. We connect people to boats, to water and to each other."