Chief Mate, U.S. Brig Niagara (Chief Mate, Flagship Niagara)

About the Department

Are you a Master of 200 or greater tons with square rig experience? Have you been seeking an opportunity to serve as the Chief Mate aboard one of the nation's finest tall ships? If so, we have just the position for you!

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working, and experienced individual to serve as Chief Mate aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania's Flagship. As Chief Mate, you will work hand in hand with the Captain to oversee ship operations and maintenance as well as the delivery of ship-based educational programs. You will supervise the professional crew and trainees, teaching them the discipline and skills of traditional seamanship and building upon the leadership skills you have already acquired in your maritime career.

If you are an energetic leader who is passionate about keeping traditional square rig seamanship alive for current and future generations, apply today to serve aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara!

Position Duties

Sailing from her homeport at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA, the U.S. Brig Niagara is a fully functional, traditionally rigged brig engaged in sail training and historical interpretation. Through the up rig, maintenance, operation, and down rig of the ship, the Niagara program preserves, interprets, and passes on the traditions of what life was like for sailors living, working, and fighting aboard a square-rigged sailing ship in the early 19th century. 

This position supports the overall execution of the Niagara program through supervision, ship operations, training, and historical interpretation. It offers a central leadership role in maintaining the vessel and guiding those who learn and work aboard. As the Chief Mate, you will perform the following duties:

• Crew Supervision: Direct crew, trainees, and volunteers in daily ship operations and training
• Ship Maintenance: Oversee upkeep of mechanical systems, rigging, hull, and superstructure to meet safety standards
• Voyage Planning: Support navigation preparation and ensure smooth and safe vessel operation
• Historical Interpretation: Provide information to trainees and visitors about life aboard a 19th century sailing vessel
• Safety Oversight: Guide proper maintenance techniques and adherence to established protocols

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a year-round, full-time position with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday - Sunday, with a 60-minute lunch. Work schedule will vary based on operational needs of the ship and programming.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of experience on a traditionally rigged sailing vessel serving as an officer licensed by the United States Coast Guard.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a Master of 200 or greater tons, Near Coastal with Auxiliary Sail endorsement or a Master of 200 or greater tons, Oceans with Auxiliary Sail endorsement, issued by the United States Coast Guard.

Additional Requirements:

• You must have the following USCG certifications:
  • STCW 95
  • USCG Medical Certificate
  • TWIC
• You must have at least two years of experience sailing in square rig with at least one year in a supervisory capacity.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: 

• This position is subject to initial, ongoing random, and reasonable cause drug screenings. Employment in this position is conditioned on successfully passing an initial drug screening upon appointment to the position. Ongoing employment will require compliance with ongoing random and reasonable cause drug screenings in alignment with US Coast Guard Regulation: CFR Title 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, Part 16. and Commonwealth procedures.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). 
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.  
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.htmland click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. 

Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* 

Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

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Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov