We’re hiring for our 2024 sailing season!  

If you would like to apply, please email your resume and cover letter to captains@clearwater.org with the name of the role you are applying to in the subject line.

General information about all roles:

All crew will be required to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines as set by the CDC and USCG. Vaccination for COVID-19 is required.

Applicants must enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and be able to maintain a work environment that challenges gender stereotypes and is LGBTQ+ affirming. Applicants also must have experience working in, sensitivity to, and appreciation for ethnically diverse viewpoints and different communication styles. 

Winter Trainee

Winter Maintenance Trainees join the Clearwater crew for a period of 4-10 weeks during the repair and maintenance season. Under the direction of the captains and mate, trainees will assist in various aspects of winterizing, maintaining, and repairing the Sloop Clearwater and caretaking of the workshop. This includes, but is not limited to, sanding, painting, varnishing, assisting shipwrights, shoveling snow, and cleaning. This is an entry level position. Housing in a shared apartment and food is provided. Crew works approximately 40 hours per week. Stipend is $160/week.

First Mate

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of First Mate for the 2024 season. Under the direction of the captain, the first mate carries out daily operations of the vessel directing and supervising the crew in safe daily deck operations and maintenance. The first mate is also responsible for the management of the crew and ships resources in the longer term. This includes, but is not limited to, managing supplies, safety and deck training, and days off for the crew. The first mate is always a model member of the Clearwater community and should serve as an example of good conduct when interacting with the public, passengers, and crew. 

This is a live aboard position. Compensation starts at $600 per five-day work week.   

Second Mate

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Second Mate for the 2024 season.Under the direction of the first mate, the second mate carries out daily operations of the vessel as a deckhand and educator, during maintenance periods and underway, education or otherwise. In addition, the second mate assumes the duties of the first mate in their absence. This includes directing and supervising the crew in safe daily deck operations and maintenance, per orders of the captain. The second mate must also be prepared to act as designated engineer, in the engineer’s absence. The second mate may act as a relief cook.

This is a live aboard position. Compensation is based on experience and starts at $520 per five-day work week.  

Engineer

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Engineer for the 2024 season. Under the direction of the Captain, the Engineer is responsible for the care and maintenance of the vessel’s mechanical and electrical 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. They are responsible for the maintenance of Engineering tools and equipment, keeping the engine room properly stowed, maintaining engine room logs and reporting inventory needs to the Captain. The Engineer is expected to train the crew in relief Engineer duties. At the end of their season, the Engineer is expected to turn over a season’s end report. While not performing engineering duties they are responsible for daily vessel operation as an educator and deckhand.

This is a live aboard position. Compensation is based on experience and starts at $520 per five-day work week.

Bosun

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Bosun for the 2024 season.Under the direction of the first mate, the bosun is responsible for daily vessel operation as a deckhand and educator and is also responsible for deck maintenance.  They maintain and monitor a list of maintenance projects and supplies.  They maintain tools and equipment, keep the bosun’s locker properly stowed, and report inventory needs to the captain. They also work with the first mate in implementing and supervising crew in maintenance projects. At the end of their season, the bosun is expected to turn over a season’s end report. The Bosun may act as relief engineer or relief cook.

This is a live aboard position. Compensation is based on experience and starts at $520 per five-day work week.

Cook

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Cook for the 2024 season. The Cook is responsible for planning and serving three well-balanced meals per day for all crew. Meals must be planned within budget limitations and time constraints, taking into account special dietary needs and with a preference for local and sustainable food. The Cook maintains adequate provisions including propane supplies. They work closely with the Captain and Mate on meal scheduling and provisioning. The galley equipment and cooking utensils must be properly cleaned and maintained and the galley properly stowed. The Cook is expected to participate on deck when necessary. They are expected to train the crew in relief Cook duties. The Cook is expected to develop a working knowledge of the vessel and emergency procedures.

This is a live aboard position. Compensation is based on experience and starts at $560 per five-day work week.

Deckhand

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Deckhand for the 2024 season. Under the direction of the First Mate, the Deckhand is responsible for the daily vessel operations, during maintenance periods and underway. The Deckhand takes part in the implementation of education programming. The Deckhand is expected to take initiative to educate themselves in all aspects of vessel operations, safety and seamanship. The Deckhand may act as relief Engineer or relief Cook and is encouraged to train to become a relief mate.

This is a live aboard position. Compensation is based on experience and starts at $500 per five-day work week.

Educator Deckhand Trainee

Seasonal, starting Spring 2024 – Fall 2024

Category: Deck: Unlicensed

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Sailing Trainee for one month periods during the 2024 season. Under the direction of the First Mate, Sailing Trainees carry out the daily operations of the vessel, both during maintenance periods and underway, education or otherwise. They work closely with the volunteers in this capacity. As an entry-level position, Sailing Trainees are expected to take initiative to educate themselves in all aspects of vessel operations, safety and seamanship. Trainees are encouraged, but not required, to advance their skills and learn the skills of the professional crew (Mates/ Engineer/ Bosun/ Deckhand).

This is a live aboard position. Compensation starts at $160 per five-day work week.