USCG Licensed Captains

USCG Licensed Captains

FULL SEASON: May 14 - October 14

COMPENSATION: Minimum $796.17/week, Exempt

NOTE: Applications for USCG Licensed Captains will be reviewed in the order they are received after February 10, 2023.

This is a paid, contracted position without benefits. Employees receive rustic housing for the entirety of their contracted employment and meals are provided when on Hurricane island. Wages are commensurate with experience.

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership (Hurricane) is seeking Captains for the 2023 island season. The position requires living and working on Hurricane Island or self-commuting from North Haven or Vinalhaven. Our Captains are essential to the daily programmatic and staff operations on Hurricane Island. The primary responsibilities are to serve as an operator of one of several vessels owned by Hurricane for the safe transportation of program participants, staff, supplies, the maintenance of said vessels, and management of the waterfront operations on Hurricane Island. When not operating vessels the Captains assist the Island Operations Director and Facilities Manager in the daily operations and maintenance of the island’s facilities and sustainable systems that support island programming. The Captain is expected to be integrated into the day-to-day operations of the island and help Hurricane maintain our collaborative and intentional community. A successful candidate must be well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment. Additional responsibilities to those described here may be required, as needed.

Responsibilities & Expectations

• Safely operate and maintain Hurricane’s vessels.
• Operation of motor vessels for the purpose of transporting program participants, island guests, and other staff from Hurricane to Rockland and Vinalhaven, Maine.
• Routine operational duties, including transportation of gear/supplies.
• Transport participants and staff for aquaculture and fisheries purposes, including hauling lobster traps.
• Daily, weekly and monthly maintenance of Hurricane vessels including oil and fuel systems, navigation systems, and electrical systems.
• Inspect and ensure the safe operation of all safety equipment onboard all Hurricane vessels (PFD’s, fire extinguishers, VHF radios, etc). 
• Oversight and safe management of waterfront activities, including participants, while in small rowing vessels. 
• Occasional maintenance and repair of fiberglass and wooden vessels, and island mooring systems.
• Work collaboratively and professionally with other Captains for informational handoffs regarding vessels or other pertinent island operations information.
• Dock and mooring management, including assisting other vessels with landing and securing boats, and managing a well organized and safe dock environment.
• Assist the Island Operations Director and Facilities department with infrastructure and operational systems (water, solar power, etc.) maintenance and repairs. 
• Occasionally assist Educators with program delivery..
• Participate as a full member of Hurricane’s intentional community, including following and enforcing campus policies and community expectations, welcoming visitors to the island and communicating about Hurricane’s mission and work, participating in community tasks including daily and weekly chores, performing other duties relating to the organization’s goals and mission as required.

Essential Qualifications

• Valid United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Certificate with a minimum licensure  of 100 Ton Inland license.
• Documented sea service on waters and conditions similar to Penobscot Bay from the months of May to October. 

• Documented sea service time on power driven vessels up to 30’ in length. Appropriate references required.
• Experience in non-power driven vessels, including rowing in small and large vessels, up to 30ft in length.

• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision. 
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Outgoing, well-organized, flexible, and able to function in a dynamic working environment.
• Ability to use Radar/VHF radio, familiarity operating vessels in fog.
• Ability/willingness to use online boat and program management system to stay up to date on schedule/passenger information.

• Certification in basic CPR/First Aid, Wilderness First Aid, or Wilderness First Responder. 
• Capable of safely lifting 50lbs of weight and working on unstable surfaces.
• Ability to work in a noisy, energetic environment while remaining welcoming to community members.
• Ability and willingness to work and live in a remote island community with rustic and off-the-grid accommodations where all staff share living and work spaces.
• Interest and enthusiasm for working with youth.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Demonstrated initiative to identify and complete projects and work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• U.S. Citizen or non-citizen permanent resident.

Preferred Additional Qualifications

• Experience with maintenance and repairs of vessels, including but not limited to: outboard mechanics, fiberglass and wood repair, marlinspike seamanship.
• Experience with facilities maintenance, including but not limited to: basic carpentry, understanding of small engines, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Ability to obtain a State of Maine Recreational Lobstering License. 
• Experience engaging with students while teaching and/or working in an educational environment.
• Knowledge of New England marine and/or terrestrial environments and wildlife.

• Working experience with racial and ethnic minority groups, English language learners, urban youth, low-income communities, immigrant communities, LGBTQ communities, people with special needs, and other groups that are underrepresented in the field of environmental education.

The Hurricane Island Center for Science and Leadership is a transformative learning community on Hurricane Island in Penobscot Bay, Maine. Our mission is to integrate science education, applied research, and leadership development through year-round educational programs and a seasonal, environmentally-sustainable island community. Through experiential education programs and research opportunities in STEM disciplines we aim to excite people about doing science and about being leaders in the next wave of scientific discovery and environmental conservation.

Required Application Materials: Applications are due on a rolling basis unless otherwise indicated in the specific job description. We will continue to review applications until the position has been filled. 

• Cover letter explaining your interest in this position and your relevant experience
• Resumé or CV, which includes contact information for two references. We want a complete picture of you so don’t be afraid to include details that may not pertain directly to this job.
• Copies of any relevant certifications or training experience.

In March of 2023, Hurricane Island will assess the risk factors associated with COVID-19 and determine if a staff testing protocol will be necessary.

Hurricane Island Foundation is dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on any basis including race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, or national origin. Because we work with middle and high school students, we are required to do background checks on all staff.