The Boat Shop Educator and Technician is an ambassador to discovery, learning, and safety in the Independence Seaport Museum's Boat Shop. The Educator and Technician reports primarily to the Director of Boat Shop and Waterfront Operations. This staff member will lead instruction of the SAILOR Program from fall through winter. In the summer, they will assist with on-water fleet maintenance, implementation of shop programming, and assist with interpretive projects in the boat shop and on the ships. The Seaport Boat Shop is an active and engaging place for both students and daily visitors to the museum. The Educator and Technician will assist with engaging the public and teaching all who visit about the traditions and importance of boatbuilding along the Delaware River. Based on a set schedule, the Educator and Technician will also work on the Historic Ships, reporting the Shipboard Preservation Manager. The dual role allows the Educator and Technician to preserve and care for the historic ships alongside the maritime trades of the Boat Shop.
Qualifications :

• Experience with boatbuilding, traditional techniques preferred
• Experience in an active shop or similar work environment with knowledge of job safety practices, to safely and accurately use various tooling, both hand and power-operated, and handling of ship maintenance materials

• Must be able to properly store materials and provide status updates on projects.
• Experience and confidence in teaching all ages, children, teens, and/or adults, in a non-traditional setting
• Be willing to learn and apply historic preservation standards. An understanding of curatorial practices, maintenance, and interpretation of artifacts or historic sites is a plus.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written; comfortable and confident public speaker
• Must be comfortable working on and around the water; On-water teaching experience is a plus
• Must be comfortable with working around potentially hazardous materials given appropriate protective equipment
• Must have the ability to work with a team, or independently, with initiative
• Have willingness to undertake other shipboard duties and special projects as assigned
• Knowledge of basic math and physics concepts
• Flexibility, patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution is preferred
• Basic computer skills in Windows, Altru (or similar platform) and Excel is a plus
• Ability to stand and work for long hours outdoors in the summer and winter weather (breaks given)

• Requires the ability to lift 50 pounds, safely handle ladders and staging, operate at heights, and work in confined spaces.

• Must have current valid driver's license and a clear driving record. PA Child Abuse History Clearance and State Criminal Record Checks are required (Museum paid)

Essential Duties :

• Lead instruction and evaluation of the SAILOR Program
• Engage the students and visitors through traditional boatbuilding demonstrations and programs.
• Assist with shop programming such as the SAILOR Program, adult, and family education
• Assist with interpretative traditional shop and ship preservation projects relating to ISM's mission.
• Follow and ensure compliance with all boat shop and shipboard policies, practices, and procedures in accordance with training and safety standards for visitors, students, and staff
• Performs routine duties regarding the preservation and restoration of the historic ships

• Performs routine maintenance tasks including regular ship or boat cleaning, snow removal, safety patrols, painting, damage control, machine maintenance, electrical maintenance, artifact handling, woodworking, and steel work. Flexibility needed as there may be times they are called in to assist for major emergencies on scheduled hours off.

• Develops knowledge of the history of the historic ships and historic trades in the boat shop; delivers information to the public consistent with the museum's mission for the ships.
• Assists with the supervision of volunteers and contractors.

The Independence Seaport Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity, inclusion, and equity as matters of fairness and effectiveness. We are committed to hiring and retaining a staff that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve, fostering an inclusive working environment where staff of all backgrounds feel welcomed and engaged in our mission. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
To apply: Upload a brief cover letter and your resume to . No phone calls.
Independence Seaport Museum allows visitors to discover Philadelphia's river of history and world of connections. For more information, please visit .
We are located on Penn's Landing at 211 S. Columbus Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19106. The Museum is easily accessible by public transportation and nearby parking and is ADA accessible.