Join Our 2025 Crew.
DECKHAND
The SCHOONER ADVENTURE is the Flagship of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and one of the last operating Essex-built fishing schooners on the water. We are looking for seasonal crew members for the 2025 season between May 18, 2024- October 12, 2024. Shorter contracts will be considered on a case by case basis.
- Deckhands onboard Adventure are responsible for:
- safe and proper operation of the vessel during sailing evolutions;
- ongoing maintenance of the vessel;
- delivering educational curriculum;
- welcoming guests on board and proactively engaging with passengers;
- participating in dockside and community events.
As a deckhand, you must be willing to positively represent Adventure to the public, participate in all aspects of shipboard life such as chores, sail prep, sailing, interfacing with the public, merchandise, maintenance, stowing gear, drills and training, etc. You will be living and working aboard the historic schooner Adventure with up to 9 other crew members and volunteers.
Deckhands may be assigned ancillary roles such as Purser, Bosun, and Educational Liaison based on skills and interest. These roles will include additional pay and responsibilities.
All crew will report directly to the Captain and mate. Paid crew will work closely with volunteer crew and land-based staff members to create the overall Adventure experience.
Our Program
Adventure sails from June through September each year, doing a combination of public, educational charter and community sails. This summer we will be striving to offer free sails to local people from marginalized and underserved sectors of the community, as part of our belief that Adventure belongs to all of Gloucester and Cape Ann.
Adventure’s schedule is very dynamic, frequently shifting and evolving. In 2025,Adventure’s deck will be open for tours 4 days a week as well as sailing up to 6 days per week. Generally, sails are 2.5 hours with up to two sails/day with the occasional transit and 4 hour sail. Early season there are frequent full time and volunteer crew training sails and we strive to have a handful of crew only overnight trips to break up the day sail routine while in season.
Qualifications/Experience
The qualifications listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for the seasonal crew position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- 18 years or older;
- Physical ability to participate in activities, haul, climb, balance, lift, stoop, kneel, sit;
- Ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test;
- High level of responsibility and accountability;
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form;
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills;
- Ability to work in an outdoor environment with inclement weather conditions;
- Ability to work well both individually and as a team member, as well as independently with small groups;
- Ability to stay positive when working with crew and volunteers in the relatively confined spaces of the vessel;
- Proactive work ethic: willingness to help in any aspects of programming necessary and be flexible.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay starts at $375 per week and increases depending on role and experience. All meals are provided and crew have the option to live aboard. Crew are not required to live on board full time but are expected to stay on board for duty days, during inclement weather, be available for transits, and maintain full participation and involvement.
Time off is based on the needs of the vessel. We strive to give crew a minimum of a day and half off per week with opportunities for additional days off based on weather and volunteer availability. Working on a tall ship is inherently demanding so we put energy into balancing out the needs of the vessel with the needs of the crew.
Adventure strives to use its frequent sailing schedule to provide valuable training in tall ship sailing, fishing schooner history, and leadership during education programs. Deckhands do not require any previous sailing experience but must be willing to dedicate time on and off the clock to developing their skills as mariners.
To apply, please send a resume and introduction to yourself, your experiences and why you want to sail with us. Email to Captain Miller-Shelley at captain@schooner-adventure.org. Feel free to reach out with any questions as well.
