Educator / Deckhand

If you are enthusiastic about combining your love of sailing with a passion for education, we invite you to join our crew as Educator/Deckhand aboard Mystic Whaler.  This is an exciting opportunity to inspire the next generation of sailors, historians, and STEM enthusiasts while experiencing the adventure of a lifetime on the open seas.  Apply now to embark on this rewarding journey with us.  Please send a cover letter and resume to Captain/Executive Director Christine Healy at [email protected].

Job Overview

Central Coast Ocean Adventures Foundation, Inc., a 501C non-profit based in Channel Islands Harbor, CA, is accepting applications for Educator/Deckhand aboard the 110’ Schooner Mystic Whaler for Spring 2024.  We are seeking a dynamic and passionate individual that will play a vital role in creating immersive learning experiences that promote Living History, Experiential Learning and S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

Founded in 2021, Mystic Whaler was brought to the Central Coast of California to provide a very important mission; to utilize adventure through sailing and the sea to promote S.T.E.M comprehension, environmental stewardship, teamwork, self-confidence, and nautical skills for the communities of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties with a special focus on youth.  We believe that our local environment is a launchpad for personal growth and offer a diverse range of educational programs to engage our community in our region’s greatest natural resource, The Santa Barbara Channel.

This position is responsible for preparing the vessel to sail, monitoring passenger safety, following the direction of the captain; and participating in routine vessel maintenance. You are expected to offer high customer service to all passengers. During educational programming, you will welcome, orient, and assign watch groups to each class. You will ensure that small group lessons are taught accurately and to a high standard. You will also ensure that each member of the crew is well-versed in the vessel’s history and able to interpret that history for members of the public.

Responsibilities:

• Providing outstanding educational and fun experiences to individuals of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds.
• Working in unison with our Educational Manager to bring forth our unique hands-on experiences.
• Assisting with the sailing, mooring, anchoring, and docking of the schooner.
• Knowing and following all policies and procedures, and especially emergency protocols.
• Assisting with various maintenance projects and maintaining education equipment.
• Sharing in daily chores (cleaning and custodial tasks of the vessel)
• Maintaining and adhering to a safe and drug-free environment.

Program & Itinerary:

• Half and Full day sails with students and local companies teaching marine ecology, climate science, marine biology, and other relevant topics.
• 3 hour public sails
• Deck Tours
• Fundraising Events

Special Benefits

• Room and Board
• Meals
• Jones Act medical emergency coverage
• Transportation

Minimum Requirements

• Previous education experience and working with youth is preferred.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be comfortable working in a variety of outdoor weather conditions.
• Must be a positive co-worker capable of living in close quarters.
• Must enjoy working with people and be able to effectively interact with the passengers of all ages.
• Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills that exude positive energy.
• Must be willing to submit to pre-employment drug testing and background check with negative results. All crew members will be enrolled in a random drug testing program for the duration of employment.
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination will be required.