Shipwright I
$58,240,000–$62,400,000 year
On-siteMystic, Connecticut, United States
Job Summary
Perform structural repairs to wooden boat and ship hull components, including frames, planks, beams, decks, and caulking. Build and repair wooden masts, spars, and deck furniture while documenting work through photos, written explanations, and drawings. Lead project teams and volunteers, maintain a clean jobsite, and operate powered equipment like forklifts and telehandlers. Assist with vessel docking, line handling, and launching, and conduct daily ship-keeping rounds for Mystic Seaport vessels. Requires five years of hands-on experience in traditional wooden ship construction, proficiency with stationery and electric woodworking tools, and the ability to safely lift 60 lbs in cold, wet weather.
Required Qualifications
- Owns and maintains personal shipwright hand tool kit, including caulking tools.
- Has five years' hands on experience of traditional wooden ship construction.
- Holds a standard driver's license.
- 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 handheld electric wood working tools.
- Working knowledge of vessel systems; traditional rigging, electrical, plumbing, and engine systems.
- Ability to self-start and collaborate with Shipwright II employees and volunteers.
- Ability to team lead small groups and teach advanced shipwright skills.
- Demonstrates extensive knowledge of traditional ship construction and vessel plans.
- Ability and willingness to record, log and document work performed using notes, drawings, photographs, spreadsheets, and smart phone applications
- Demonstrates and practices advanced visual spatial skills and a high level of ship joinery skills.
- Able to make excellent fits in a timely manner.
- Has the knowledge and skills to set up a traditional vessel for extensive repairs.
- Can ensure that the hull shape is not lost.
- Can properly block, support and cover vessels for storage on land.
- Can properly and safely operate and maintain a chain saw.
- Demonstrates the ability to fair a batten by eye either on a timber or around a section of hull framing.
- Has the ability to efficiently practice traditional ship caulking - shows the proper technique and tool knowledge to handling caulking mallet and irons.
- Practices hull reefing methods that protect the seams.
- Has the experience to judge the proper amount of oakum or cotton to be applied to a seam.
- Has the ability to prime and putty traditional seams properly.
- Has full knowledge of all the steps to hang a carvel plank on a vessel in a strong and tight manner.
- Demonstrates the ability to laminate and build spars, shaping them with traditional and or modern methods to scaled drawings.
- Can safely load and operate a truck / trailer setup for moving timbers and occasionally boats.
- 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.
- Has the knowledge to do daily ship-keeping rounds for Mystic Seaport vessels.
Desired Qualifications
- Boat School graduates are preferred.
- Metal working skills desired, but not required
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