What are the responsibilities and job description for the Master Captain position at New England Science & Sailing Foundation?
Position Summary
The Master Captain will operate New England Science & Sailing’s twenty-seven-foot inspected vessel NESSie. NESSie is an open, flat bottomed, Carolina Skiff certified for carrying up to eighteen passengers. The Master Captain will operate NESSie in support of educational programs, public tours, and private charters. Cruising area includes Stonington, Fishers Island Sound, Mystic, Watch Hill, RI and the Pawcatuck River.
This position will work in a dynamic outdoor education environment as a key member of the NESS team. This individual must be personable and comfortable interacting with students and adults of varying ages and experience with boats and the surrounding water. The Master Captain must be a self-starter and able to work effectively within a team as well as on their own. They must be capable and at ease working in local weather and sea conditions. This is a non-exempt, seasonal position that has the potential to be full or part time.
The Master Captain will be employed at NESS for a maximum of 13 weeks from June 9th through September 5th, 2025. A mandatory training week for all staff runs from June 9th-June 13th and summer programming begins on June 16th and runs through September 5th. Schedules and end dates are flexible at the discretion of the Director of programs.
Duties and Responsibilities
Vessel Operations
• Responsible for the safety of the vessel, crew, and passengers in compliance with all United States Coast Guard rules, regulations and laws.
• Ensure proper operation and maintenance of the vessel
• Make safety announcements and demonstrate location / operation of safety devices
• Make clear and appropriate weather decisions
Education Support
• Safely operate NESSie to field locations for NESS summer camp programs, including anchoring vessel, and assisting in the disembarking of students on to a dock, beach, or rocky shore
• Assist NESS educators in choosing the right location for the purpose of the lesson, taking into consideration weather, and other navigational factors
• Ensure safe operation of boat with various activities happening on board, i.e. fishing, scientific equipment deployment etc.
Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• Standing for long periods of time
• Lifting and or moving up to 75 lbs.
• Use hands to handle, and control objects, tools, or controls
• This position is very active walking, bending, balancing, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing
Education/Certifications/Requirements
• Current US Coast Guard Master of Steam License. Minimum 25 ton inland
• Current American Red Cross CPR/AED and First Aid ** May be able to attain this at NESS
• Random Drug Testing
Skills/Knowledge/Experience
• Demonstrated skill operating small passenger vessels
• Minimum 2 years’ experience operating vessels in educational or commercial environments
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Demonstrates confidence and composure
Compensation commensurate with experience.
New England Science & Sailing Foundation is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at our organization without regard to age, color, gender expression, genetic information, disability status, race, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran. NESS welcomes individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas who uphold our core values of inclusiveness, stewardship, personal growth, and experiential learning.
About NESS
New England Science & Sailing Foundation (NESS) offers a unique education model that empowers students with leadership, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving skills to ensure academic success. We do this by creating a love of learning through ocean-based experiential programs that serve schools, teachers, and families. This STEM-based curriculum includes marine science, sailing, power boating, and adventure sports. NESS is the first, and only, program of its kind to be accredited by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). Our goal is to advance academic opportunities for K-12 students of all backgrounds in both urban and suburban markets. We hope you will play a role in helping us continue this important educational mission—in person, online, or on the water! For more information, visit www.nessf.org
