Shipwright II

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform structural repairs to wooden boat & ship hull components; frames, planks, beams, knees, decks, etc.
• Assist with the fabrication and repair of wooden masts and spars, solid and laminated construction.
• Build and/or repair wooden deck furniture and hardware.
• Hull and deck caulking
• Assist with Vessel docking, Line handling, hauling and launching
• Document work through photos, written explanations, and/or drawings
• Proper and respectful use of shipyard tools and equipment
• Maintain a clean jobsite
• Material handling with powered equipment (fork trucks, telehandler, man lifts, hoists, etc.)
• Occasional interaction with museum visitors about shipyard activities and at all times represent Mystic Seaport Museum in a professional manner.
• Occasionally assist other museum departments with their duties

Qualifications:

• Has three years of hands-on experience of traditional wooden ship construction and/or have a certificate from a boatbuilding school. Holds a standard driver’s license.
• Owns and knows how to use a boatbuilder’s / shipwright’s hand tool kit. Can sharpen edge tools and drill bits.
• Physical ability to work outdoors year- round in cold and wet weather. Ability to safely lift 60 lbs. Comfort with working from elevated OSHA approved staging platforms, floats, and Man-lifts.
• Proficient use of stationery and hand-held electric wood working tools.
• Is a self-starter, team player, and can collaborate with Shipwright I employees and volunteers. Willingness to learn advanced shipwright and trade related skills. Must communicate effectively with coworkers.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of traditional ship construction and vessel plans.
• Assist shipyard documentarian to record, log and document work performed through the use of notes, drawings, photographs, spreadsheets, and smart phone applications.
• Demonstrates and practices advanced visual spatial skills and basic ship joinery skills.
• Can effectively create accurate patterns to pick up shape, lift bevels and choose an appropriate piece of timber stock for the task at hand. Has the ability to layout this information onto the stock.
• Can properly and safely operate and maintain a chain saw.
• Demonstrates the ability to fair by batten and/or by eye.
• Some ability to practice traditional ship caulking and willingness to learn advanced techniques.
• Has full knowledge of all the steps to hang a carvel plank on a vessel in a strong and tight manner.
• Working knowledge of producing larger and/or shaped parts through the process of glued laminations.
• Holds the ability to drive and dock a small shipyard work boat around the MSM’s waterfront and willingness to obtain a CT Safe Boaters Certificate.
• Is able to perform daily ship-keeping rounds for Mystic Seaport vessels.
• At all times, will represent Mystic Seaport Museum in a professional manner.
• Will have line handling skills with the ability to tie a bowline, clove hitch, and half hitches as needed for vessel tie ups.