Join Our 2025 Crew.
DECKHAND
SCHOONER ADVENTURE is the Flagship of Gloucester, Massachusetts, and one of the last operating Essex-built fishing schooners on the water. 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 2026 season between August 4, 2026- October 13, 2026. 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 2026 Summer Sailing Program
Adventure sails from June through September each year, offering a combination of public, educational, and community charters. This summer, we continue our commitment to accessibility by providing free sails to local residents from marginalized and underserved communities, reflecting our belief that Adventure belongs to all of Gloucester and Cape Ann.
Adventure’s schedule is dynamic and frequently evolving. In 2026, Adventure’s deck will be open for tours four days a week, with sailing up to five days per week. Most sails are 2.5 hours, with the option of two sails per day, and occasional longer transits and four-hour sails. Early in the season, frequent full-time and volunteer crew training sessions will be offered to support safe and engaging sailing experiences.
Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Participate in all aspects of shipboard life: independent duty days, chores, sail prep and sail
handling, stowing of ship and personal gear, anchor watch, and ship maintenance;
• Positively represent Schooner Adventure’s to public, and teachers through upholding vision, mission,
and values;
• Uphold shipboard culture of inclusivity, intentionality, safety, and care for people and the
environment. Create a supportive learning platform and a welcoming community;
• Always use prudent judgment concerning the safety of participants and crew and serve as a role
model;
• Utilize appropriate motivation and discipline techniques as discussed in training;
• Participate in ship and sail handling maneuvers as directed by the Captain and Mate;
• Know the emergency response protocols and respond to all shipboard emergencies and emergency
drills as assigned;
• Interact and engage volunteers and members of the public on a daily basis;
• Promote Adventure in public including during street fairs and other events;
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Experience:
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: $375 to $600 Weekly
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.
Required Certifications
Where Sails: Inland, Near Coastal
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.
