SHIPWRIGHT II

The Shipyard is a working exhibit of Chesapeake Bay wooden boat building and restoration, open to the public seven days a week, and staffed by CBMM employees and volunteers. CBMM Shipwrights restores, build and maintain traditional wooden vessels, while allowing full public access to the process.  

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Execute day to day tasks including producing templates and patterns from full-size detail drawings, fitting out internal and external components, positioning sections accurately, preparing slipways and constructing cradles used to support ships. 

• Find and select quality lumber. 

• Fabricate ship parts, such as keel, futtocks, planking, and support structures and blocking and staging, using woodworking power and edge tools. 

• Manipulate large timbers safely with machinery, block and tackle, and by hand.   

• Build boats according to blueprint specifications. 

• Apply traditional preservatives and finishes to lumber. 

• Maintain industrial shop equipment, sharpen and maintain shop power and edge tools. 

• Maintain shop cleanliness and order. 

• Participate in training regarding CBMM exhibits, service values, and other topics  

• Assume such other duties as are necessary for the operation of CBMM or as assigned by the President or Shipyard Construction Foreman; assist other staff as needed with technical issues or special projects. 

This is a full-time, non-exempt, hourly position with an expected minimum work schedule of 40 hours per week. 

All staff are expected to be available to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

Basic Requirements: 

• 3 to 6 years’ experience in traditional wooden boat construction and/or restoration. 

• Possess the knowledge and ability to identify and fabricate quality large timber products using treenails. Crane and forklift experience, basic rigging and metal fabrication experience is a plus. 

• Good communication skills along with the aptitude to teach your skills to volunteers, apprentices, and the public. Must be comfortable building in full public view, interfacing and interpreting to patrons daily. 

• Ability to provide all necessary hand tools, exercise proficiency in use and maintenance of wood shop machinery. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling. 

• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time. 

• Must be able to safely work with sharp tools or power equipment. 

• Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and terrains. 

• Must have manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination.