Job Opportunities
Just how does one run an 18th-century ship in the 21st century? Do you know how? Would you like to bring your expertise and skill to our vessels and programs? The Los Angles Maritime Institute provides a unique workplace, even among other organizations doing similar programs. While our peer organizations are built around one ship, the Institute has three tall ships running daily programs and another being restored in our boat yard as we speak. Needless to say, there is plenty to be done.
Below you can find current employment opportunities at the Los Angeles Maritime Institute.
Operations Department
We need the following Skilled Marine Technicians to perform the restoration project on the Swift of Ipswich.
- Electrician with Marine experience. Installation of Marine navigation & electronics, install A/C & D/C wiring systems and components. 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
- Wood craftsman with Marine experience to perform general woodworking repairs on vessels, with experience using all typical wood shop machinery and hand tools. 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
- Shipwright with Marine experience in planking hulls, installing keel ballast, decking work, repairing dry rot areas, fabricating, and installing bulkheads. This project will include the build-out of all internal areas of a 61’ Tall Ship, cabinetry, galley, head, and bunks fabrication. 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 have the desire to do so. Any previous experience or knowledge of boat repair would be beneficial. Pay will be commensurate with experience
- Painters with experience in Marine paint products with wood, fiberglass, and metal coatings. Knowledge of prep, prime, and painting skills. 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
- 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
Hiring Manager: Jeff Dwyer. Email: volunteercrewleader@lamitopsail.org. Phone: 310.833.6055.
Deckhand/Educator Positions
Aboard Los Angeles Maritime Institute vessels: American Pride, Exy Johnson, Irving Johnson. Located in Los Angeles and Long Beach.
Our Crew members have a job that is constantly evolving. We get to help the world develop a closer relationship with the ocean, through the course of our discovery-based school sails, wacky adventures during summer camps, and all sorts 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.
Ideal Qualifications
- Degree in Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, Education, or related field
- Experience or desire to work in outdoor education, sail training, or informal education
- Experience working aboard a traditionally rigged sailing vessel
- First Aid/CPR, Lifeguard Certification
Position
Contracted Position of 6 months. Summer Positions are also available. The position includes many aspects that vary depending on the season and programming but will include:
- Living and working aboard a tall ship. Including shipboard maintenance: sanding, varnishing, painting, cleaning, replacing rigging, and decking.
- Carrying out voyaging programs as a watch officer and camp counselor, including snorkeling, hiking, swimming, cooking, playing games with students, teaching navigation, and climbing.
- Teaching during 3-5 hr educational sails. Lessons include sail handling, water chemistry, 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.
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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. Please expect to work a varying schedule that includes weekends and some holidays.
Compensation
A combination of wages and a scholarship stipend of $978 per month. Room and Board are provided, aboard one of our tall ships.
Hiring Manager: Jeff Dwyer. Email: volunteercrewleader@lamitopsail.org. Phone: 310.833.6055.
