Crew Job Descriptions:

First mate
The first mate is second in command to the captain, and assumes the responsibilities of the captain in his/her absence. The first mate is also expected to be a role model of initiative and leadership and to set a general tone on board reflecting that. He/she is directly responsible for deck safety and rig maintenance. He/she directs and supervises crew and volunteers in daily deck operations, per orders of the captain. In consultation with the captain, bos’un and engineer, the first mate coordinates and supervises all maintenance projects. He/she is responsible for volunteer training in deck operation and safety. A USCG 100-ton inland Master license is preferred (not required) and may allow the first mate to train and sail as relief captain.

Second mate/ Deckhand/ Educator
Under the direction of the first mate, the second mate carries out daily operations of the vessel, both during maintenance periods and underway, education or otherwise. He/she works closely with volunteers in this capacity. In addition, the second mate assumes the duties of the first mate in his/her absence, which includes directing and supervising the crew and volunteers in safe daily deck operations and maintenance, per orders of the captain. He/she also shares responsibility for volunteer training in the first mate’s absence. The second mate must also be prepared to act as designated engineer, in the engineer’s absence.

Cook
The cook is responsible for planning and serving three well-balanced meals per day for all crew and volunteers. The meals must be planned within the budget limitations and time constraints, taking into account special dietary needs. The cook must maintain adequate provisions, including keeping track of propane. The cook works closely with the captain and mate on meal scheduling and provisioning. The galley equipment must be properly maintained and the galley properly stowed. The cook is encouraged, but not expected to participate in the education program. The cook is expected to train the crew in relief cook duties. The cook is expected to develop a working knowledge of the vessel and emergency procedures.

Engineer/ Deckhand/ Educator
Under the direction of the first mate, the engineer is responsible for daily vessel operation as a deck hand, but is also responsible for the care and maintenance of the vessel’s systems. This includes daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of the main engine, the on-deck engine and fire pump system, the fresh water system, the bilge pumping system, the refrigerator system and electrical systems. The engineer is responsible for regular checks of the vessel’s safety and emergency gear. He/she is responsible for the maintenance of engineering tools and equipment, keeping the engine room properly stowed, maintaining engine room logs and reports inventory needs to captain. The engineer is expected to train the crew in relief engineer duties. At the end of his/her season, the engineer is expected to turn over a season’s end report.

Bos’un/ Deckhand/ Educator
Under the direction of the first mate, the bos’un is responsible for daily vessel operation as a deck hand, but is also responsible for deck maintenance. He/she maintains and monitors a list of maintenance projects and supplies. He/she maintains tools and equipment, keeps the bos’un’s locker properly stowed, and reports inventory needs to captain. He/she also works with first mate in implementing and supervising crew and volunteers in maintenance projects. At the end of his/her season, the bos’un is expected to turn over a season’s end report.

Deckhand
Under the direction on the first mate, the deck hand carries out the daily operations of the vessel, both during maintenance periods and underway, education or otherwise. He/she works closely with the volunteers in this capacity. As an entry-level position, the deck hand is expected to take initiative to educate him/herself in all aspects of vessel operations, safety and seamanship.

Sailing Apprenticeship positions last for one month, during which two hired apprentices live and work aboard the sloop alongside the professional crew. They participate in all crew activities, including sailing, maintenance and education, and are given the opportunity to contribute their own special talents to the overall effort. More Info.

About Joining the Crew:
Clearwater employs 6 professional crew on a seasonal basis to work closely with the onboard educators and with sailing apprentices, education interns, and new volunteers joining the sloop each week.

Expectations:

  • All crew members should have a thorough knowledge of the vessel, safety standards and emergency procedures
  • Crew participate in Clearwater’s onboard education program and work with volunteers, getting them settled when they arrive and maintaining good rapport throughout the week
  • All crew members are expected to work a five day work-week and must maintain track of their days off
  • Crew are expected to maintain a good working relationship and clear communication with the captain, mate, and educators
  • All crew are subject to pre-employment and random drug testing per USCG regulations

Interested parties should send a resume and letter of intent to: Captains, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Inc., 724 Wolcott Ave Beacon, NY 12508 or email Office@clearwater.org. 

Education Job Descriptions:

Onboard Educators live aboard Clearwater, on alternating weeks, and lead two three-hour education programs daily in the spring/fall with some multi-day programs in the summer. While aboard, Educators train interns/volunteers to teach learning stations, operate/maintain a trawl net and other education equipment. While in the office, Educators coordinate program content between schools, volunteers and staff. More Info

The Education Internship position encompasses a wide range of duties from sailing to maintenance, but with a focus on Clearwater’s prestigious education program. The Education Intern is expected to help the Onboard Educators set up and teach Clearwater’s curriculum, including ecology, water chemistry, physics, history and navigation. Interns will also be asked to perform sailing duties, including assisting with docking and undocking the boat, raising sail, and tending the sails. More Info