As a 6 month, live-aboard, the deckhand is constantly learning and evolving. And has the privilege to help the world develop a closer relationship with the ocean, through the course of our discovery-based school sails, fun adventures during summer camps, and all types of other public and private events.

The crew is called on to learn a wide range of skills to help run our ships, interact with the public as ambassadors of maritime excitement, and help our students to grow throughout their time with us.

Responsibilities 

• Support the Captain and Mate in ensuring that all deck operations are carried out in a safe and orderly manner.

• Live and work aboard a tall ship while learning shipboard maintenance, including: sanding, varnishing, painting, cleaning, replacing rigging, and decking.

• Instructing and overseeing students and volunteers in proper vessel operations.  The ships are learning vessels so crew members are required to teach volunteers the duties and responsibilities of being crew members onboard the vessels.

• Teaching educational sails: sail handling, water chemistry, marine ecology, navigation, ocean plastic pollution, mechanical advantage, knots, maritime history, and the physics of sailing.

• Being a leader and role model during programming.  It is our expectation that staff members maintain a professional attitude, work as a member of a team, enjoy working in an outdoor setting, and assist in creating a positive caring environment for all of our participants.

• Willing to work long days, stand night watches, and be on-call 24/7 to help with ship needs

• Other duties as assigned by Captains or Mates.

Qualifications

• Experience or interest in teaching students

• Sufficient physical strength and agility to carry out the essential duties of the role, including all boat-based activities, and lifting and carrying gear.

• Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, Education, or related field, preferred

• Experience or desire to work in outdoor education, sail training, or informal education

• Experience working aboard a traditionally rigged sailing vessel, preferred

• Ability to pass DOT background check and drug test

Required Certifications

• Medical: first aid/CPR, preferred

• Lifeguard Certification, preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs

• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on the boat

• Ability to swim

• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile, and ensure safety of the ship

• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun, and some office conditions.

*The schedules of the vessels vary greatly. Offering a dynamic program of single-day experiences and residential programs, we strive to reach all youth in new and innovative programming models. Varying schedule that includes weekends and some holidays.

Compensation

• Shared room and board

• Scholarship and paid day (1)/wk

As a full-time, live-aboard mate, you will be responsible for overseeing the crew in the Captain’s absence, assists the captain in management of the ship’s operations, and instruction/teaching students.  This position is an opportunity for professional mariners to develop in a leadership position.  Enthusiasm for sailing and working with school age youth and the public is essential, with the focus of traditional vessels.  

Responsibilities

• Works with the captain to manage programs and the safe operation of the vessel.
• Oversees training of the ship’s crew and volunteers.
• Manages the vessels rigging, departments, daily schedule, safety systems, personnel, and maintenance.
• Attends to operational details of the vessel to ensure the seaworthiness of the ship and crew.
• The continued education and interest of tall ship seamanship and sail. 
• Knowledgeable about the points of interest that are sailed past so one can help point out sights or answer guests’ questions about them, and facilitate community.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• A 100 ton Master’s License with Aux. Sail endorsement, and FCC MROP preferred. Candidates should have solid sailing experience, with demonstrable boat handling skills in tight quarters. Small boat sailing experience a plus. Prior education and/or hospitality and/or passenger boat experience is a plus.

Required Certifications

• License Required: Master
• Tonnage: 100t
• Where Sails: near coastal
• Medical: CPR, preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs, and to assist adults and small children on and off the boat
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on the boat
• Ability to swim
• Ability to stare at a computer/monitor for long periods at a time 
• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile, and ensure the safety of all passengers and property  
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• Room and board
• Full benefits package 
• Competitive wages

As a full-time, live-aboard Captain, you will be responsible for all elements of your vessel including: safety, crew, training, education programs, maintenance, and repairs. Enthusiasm for sailing and working with school age youth and the public is essential. 

Responsibilities

• Captains are responsible for doing and overseeing daily checks, working with the crew on various tasks, being a gracious host and helping provide a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for all.  Many of our crew have become captains so teaching and mentoring crew is vital.
• Captains must learn and adhere to arrival and departure schedules for our boats and others we share the dock with.
• Learn the boat, pay attention to sail trim, tides, and current. Sail the boat well enough that you get it where it needs to go, so you deliver what’s described, meet and manage guests’ expectations.
• Knowledgeable about the points of interest we sail past so you can help point out sights or answer guests’ questions about them. And able to educate and engage passengers, have conversations, answer questions, and facilitate community.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• A 100 ton Master’s License with Aux. Sail endorsement, and FCC MROP preferred. Candidates should have solid sailing experience, with demonstrable boat handling skills in tight quarters. Small boat sailing experience a plus. Prior education and/or hospitality and/or passenger boat experience is a plus.

Required Certifications

• License Required: Master
• Tonnage: 100t
• Where Sails: near coastal
• ability to maintain valid driver’s license
• Medical: CPR

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs, and to assist adults and small children on and off the boat
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on the boat
• Ability to swim
• Ability to stare at a computer/monitor for long periods at a time 
• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile, and take a commanding presence to ensure the safety of all passengers and property 
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• • Room and board
  • Full benefits package
  • Compensation: Dependent on Experience. 
    • Competitive salary

• or Relief  Captain*

• • • room and board
    • Pay per day

The ideal candidate is energetic, passionate, and organized with the ability to communicate and connect the Outdoor Equity Program with ideal youth in underserved areas.

Our programs include: Maritime Youth Leadership Ambassadors, Summer Camp, Topsail STEM Program, Youth Crew Program, Topsail Youth Program, and Explore the Coast.  In the 30 years since the Los Angeles Maritime Institute was founded, more than 130,000 young people from throughout Southern California have had the opportunity to directly benefit from participation in hands-on learning experiences through the TopSail Youth Program. LAMI continues to give “real life” context to subjects like science, mathematics, engineering, history, and literature, and to raise awareness about environmental impacts to our oceans and local waters.

Responsibilities

• Be mission driven and prepared for positive outcomes

• Understand Topsail programs to be able to communicate the benefits

• Represent the organization in a professional manner that builds trust with people and the community

• Build relationships with a purpose

• Attend appropriate and assigned fairs and community events

• Set up LAMI booths with materials provided

• Be company representative for assigned areas/schools

• Be the LAMI ambassador for the community

• Engage target audiences/public with advertising, promotions, etc.

• Opportunity to sail with our programs, not required

• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Preference given to Banning High School graduates or those in the Wilmington area**

• focus/AA/Bachelors: Education, Marine Biology/Conservation, Maritime, or related field, preferred

• Organized, detail-oriented and motivated to follow through

• Ability to work individually or with a team

• Ability to work with diverse populations

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to lift 15-20 lbs.

• Bilingual (Spanish), desirable but not required

• Reliable transportation to attend fairs and events

• Available to work Saturdays, and occasionally evenings and entire weekends

• Familiar with MS Office/Google Suite

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to 20lbs

• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on the boat

• Ability to stare at a computer/monitor for long periods at a time

• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile

• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• Approximately 20-35 hours per week, and depending on need.

• Flexibility in hours will be required for events, including weekends and evenings.

• Full Benefits package, qualifying 

• Compensation: Grant funded for 3 years and thru 9/2026

  • Hourly/Paid biweekly

  • $17.00 or DOE

As a full-time, Shipwright, you will be responsible for completing the restoration of the Swift of Ipswich, as well as repairs and upgrades to other LAMI vessels as needed.  Enthusiasm for sailing and working with school age youth and the public is essential.

Responsibilities

• Build wooden masts and other spars according to approved drawings..

• Install masts, other spars and rigging to vessel.

• Install bilge and firefighting pumps, and other plumbing.

• Order materials and negotiate prices.

• Find and select quality lumber.

• Replace planks in LAMI vessels as required.

• Coordinate haulouts with vessel captains and other LAMI personnel.

• Apply paint and other finishes.

• Coordinate work schedules, time frames, and budgets.

• Other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of woodworking/carpentry; boat and tall ship experience a plus/Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) Degree preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs, and to assist adults and small children in learning

• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on/in boat

• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile

• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to warehouse and office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• Regular, full-time (non-exempt) role based in our San Pedro, LA

• 8 am – 5 pm hours with an hour for lunch, totaling 40 hours per week,

with some Saturdays as needed

• Full Benefits package

• Dependent on Experience.

• Hourly/paid biweekly

General Laborer with boatyard experience to perform various assistance to all Team members. Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and assigned to the Shipwright, Laborer responsibilities include, but are not limited to, build-out and hull planking, caulking, sanding, and painting; clean up and removal of debris; physically loading and unloading of tools and materials; prep tools, materials and/or job site as required. Keep work area clean, organized, and safe for all employees; clean up and return materials and tools to the required area at end of every job, etc.

Some knowledge of tools is required. Must have the ability to follow oral and/or written instructions; follow and understand Naval Architect drawings and USCG CFRs;  work alone or with others; also must be willing to work with volunteers; learn new work quickly and the desire to do so. Any previous experience or knowledge of boat repair would be beneficial. Pay will be commensurate with experience

As a full-time Project Manager, the role will be responsible for developing project plans and deliverables for Building G, directs all project phases and acts as primary project contact on the boatyard and Swift/ships moderate complexity or secondary project contact on medium to large projects. Ensures that goals or objectives are accomplished within prescribed time frame and funding parameters through project team members and organizational sponsors/stakeholders. Projects will encompass the following major components: planning, staffing, implementation, control and evaluation.  Enthusiasm for sailing and working with school age youth and the public is essential.

Responsibilities

• Defines and creates project plans considering time frame, funding limitations, staffing requirements, regulations, resource availability and customer contractual requirements.
• Acts as primary liaison between customer, project staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors and internal company personnel.
• Manages development of project execution strategy including planning, vessel selection, vessel modification, vendor and subcontractor support requirements, contractual requirements, Health, Safety, Security and Environmental impacts and mitigation measures.
• Ensures compliance with overall Health, Safety, Security and Environmental standards for the project.
• Coordinates staffing for each phase of the project; obtains approval and arranges for recruitment or assignment of project team members and consultants/contractors.
• Confers with project staff to outline work plan and assign duties, responsibilities, and scope of authority; provides or facilitates technical advice and problem resolution support.
• Coaches, mentors, motivates and directs project team members, volunteers, and contractors, and influences them to take positive action and accountability for their work to ensure project progresses on schedule and within prescribed budget.
• Provides recommendations, with documented business cases, on whether to perform work in-house or subcontract.
• Ensures company performance against contractual commitments with customers and ensures customer satisfaction with projects of low to moderate complexity and risk.
• Follows established processes for monitoring and integrating all project elements and communications concerning change management processes and decisions.
• Advises Head of Technical on project expenditure decisions.
• Reviews status reports prepared by project personnel and modifies schedules or plans as required.
• Coordinates the operational aspects of ongoing projects and serves as liaison between project teams and other parts of the organization.
• Proactively identifies dependencies between teams and ensures communications to align on project delivery criteria.
• Uses financial reporting, trend and variance analyses and other performance measures to develop/modify project plans to mitigate risk.
• Negotiates small to medium project or contract changes and incorporates changes into project control systems to maintain work statements, cost and schedule baselines.
• Ensures all projects adhere to project methodology compliance standards set by the company.
• Tracks project deliverables using appropriate tools and prepares project reports for management, customer, or others to ensure appropriate project cadence.
• Evaluates projects upon close-out and documents lessons learned.
• Manage Building G staff/work.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Understanding of maritime business/industry and ship construction, including objectives, donor base, and company protocols and relevant technology platforms.
• Understanding of project management methodologies, tools and techniques.
• Microsoft Project or other project management software proficiency.
• Proficient use of Google/MS Suite(Word, Excel, SharePoint, PowerPoint, Visio), Zoom
• Knowledge of the maritime industry required.
• Proven project management track record driving projects to 100% completion, on schedule and to stakeholder satisfaction.
• Ability to communicate technical/complex information to non-technical people both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal relationship skills to effectively interact with customers.
• Strong leadership qualities including diplomacy and ability to interface with cross-functional teams such as Finance, IT and Supply Chain.
• Comfortable creating and making presentations to all levels of the organization.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperation, understanding, trust and credibility.
• Ability to meet budget requirements and track/contain expenses.
• Excellent time management and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and accomplish work through others.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of similar work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in marine transportation, mechanical engineering, science & technology, or a related field, preferred
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs, and to assist adults and small children in learning
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on/in boat
• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to warehouse and office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• Regular, full-time role based in our San Pedro, LA Waterfront Office.
• 8 am – 5 pm hours with an hour for lunch, totaling 40 hours per week, with some Saturdays as needed
• Full Benefits Package
• Compensation: Dependent on Experience.
• Salary/paid biweekly
• Range: $60k min. – $70k med.- $80k max.

The full-time Marine Electrician installs and repairs wiring, fixtures, and equipment for all electrical services aboard ships and in shipyard facilities, following drawings/blueprints and wiring diagrams as needed.  Enthusiasm for sailing and working with school age youth and the public is essential.

Responsibilities

• Installs conduit to bulkheads with brackets and screws, using hand tools, and threads wires through conduit to terminals, for example connection boxes, circuit breakers, voltage regulators, and switch panels.
• Strips insulation from wire ends and solders ends to terminals, using stripping pliers and soldering iron. Connects power-supply circuits to radio, radar, sonar, fire control, and other electronic equipment.
• Tests electrical characteristics, for example, voltage, resistance, and phase angle, in circuits, using voltmeters, ohmmeters, and phase rotation indicators.
• May also construct instrument panels, using hand tools, rulers, dividers, and power drills, following specifications.
• Troubleshoots electrical equipment and circuits using appropriate test equipment to detect and effect required maintenance, repairs, or replacement requirements.
• Performs maintenance and repair of generators, switchboards, controllers, circuit breakers, electrical motors, distribution panels, alarm and lighting circuits.
• Conducts insulation resistance measurements of electrical cables to determine condition and effects repairs or replacements as required.
• Supervises and participates in the installation and/or alteration to electrical systems aboard ships.
• Maintains adequate inventories of electrical spare parts and requisitions replacements as required.
• Maintains electrical system maintenance histories notating date, and extent of repairs and/or alterations.
• Coordinate work schedules, time frames, and budgets.
• Other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of similar work / electrical engineering ; boat and tall ship experience a plus
• bachelor’s degree in related field preferred

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs, and to assist adults and small children in learning
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on/in boat
• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to warehouse and office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• Regular, full-time (non-exempt) role based in our San Pedro, LA Waterfront Office.
• 8 am – 5 pm hours with an hour for lunch, totaling 40 hours per week, with some Saturdays as needed
• Full Benefits Package
• Compensation: Dependent on Experience.
• Hourly/paid biweekly
• Range: $43/21 – $60K/29

The full-time Bosun will inspect, service, and repair marine engines used in our operations. As a lead marine mechanic, you will be responsible for traveling to the dock or seaport where the vessel is located, inspecting and servicing engine equipment, troubleshooting, and making minor repairs. You may also be required to address problems with boat steering and hydraulic systems.  And expertly diagnose and fix problems with marine mechanical systems of any size.

Enthusiasm for sailing and working with school age youth and the public is essential.

Responsibilities

• May require travel to other locations/docks where the vessel is located.
• Testing the performance of marine engines and electrical systems.
• Carrying out services and minor repairs on outboard, inboard, and ship engines.
• Conducting raw water, intake, exhaust, and other plumbing repairs.
• Troubleshooting engine and electrical problems.
• Replacing broken or worn-out engine parts.
• Repairing hydraulic and steering systems.
• Rigging maintenance and repair.
• Conducting electrical AC system maintenance.
• Completing service records and repair documents.
• Other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of bosun / marine mechanic experience
• At least two years of traditional sailing experience, tall ship experience a plus
• High school diploma/GED
• Degree in mechanical engineering preferred
• Welding experience a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to lift and carry weights up to  60lbs, and to assist adults and small children in learning
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods and perform tasks that require bending, stooping, kneeling, bending, twisting, crouching, climbing, reaching, standing, sitting, carrying, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and accessing small spaces on/in boat
• Ability to communicate effectively – including visual, auditory and tactile
• Ability to work evenings, holidays, and weekends. Exposure to warehouse and office conditions and outside inclement weather conditions including summer sun.

Compensation & Benefits

• Regular, full-time (non-exempt) role based in our San Pedro, LA Waterfront Office.
• 8 am – 5 pm hours with an hour for lunch, totaling 40 hours per week, with some Saturdays as needed
• Full Benefits Package
• Compensation: Dependent on Experience.
• Hourly/paid biweekly
• Range: $16.87 – $25