Position Title: Vessel Manager
Reports To: Executive Director & Marine Committee
Salary: $48,000 annually (salaried, full-time)

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About Us

The Philadelphia Ship Preservation Guild (PSPG) maintains and operates historic vessels while teaching traditional maritime skills. Our ships, Gazela, Jupiter and Poplar, serve as living classrooms and community gathering spaces where people learn, volunteer, and connect with maritime heritage. We are building programs that not only keep our ships sailing but also open pathways for young people to explore careers in the trades.

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Role Overview

The Vessel Manager is the heart of our day-to-day ship operations. This position combines hands-on ship work, leadership of volunteers and program participants, and responsibility for maintaining a safe and efficient work environment. The ideal candidate is a problem-solver, a steady presence, and someone who takes ownership of both the shop and the ships; empowering others to learn and grow while moving the Guild’s mission forward.

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Key Responsibilities

Ship Operations & Readiness

• Oversee maintenance and repairs on Gazela and Poplar, from routine upkeep to medium-term projects.

• Maintain the worklist, including ensuring time-sensitive items are accomplished before the due date.

• Ensure ships are ready for sails, events, and educational programs by coordinating with foremen and committees.

• Manage routine vessel operations: boat checks, tank checks, pump-outs, and stay-aboards.
   

Leadership & Mentorship

• Serve as Saturday foreman support: recruit, train, and mentor new foremen; step in as foreman of last resort.

• Supervise and support pre-apprentices, interns, and other employees working on board.

• Work directly with high school interns and pre-apprentices as the on-deck mentor, fostering their growth in maritime trades.
   

Safety & Stewardship

• Maintain a safe and welcoming work environment, modeling and enforcing best practices in all activities.

• Hold current First Aid certification and serve as the first point of contact for incident reports and vessel emergencies.

• Help shape safety policies and work protocols that strengthen the Guild’s operations.
   

Community & Collaboration

• Participate in Marine Committee meetings (first Tuesday of the month via Slack) and help guide work priorities.

• Take initiative to move projects forward while collaborating closely with volunteers, staff, and community partners.

• Represent the Guild’s values of preservation, education, and community engagement in all aspects of the role.
   

What We’re Looking For

• Experience with vessel maintenance, repair, and operations.

• Leadership skills and the ability to supervise and inspire staff, interns, and volunteers.

• Commitment to safe practices and a passion for teaching and mentoring.

• Strong problem-solving skills and comfort working independently.

• First Aid certification, PA child clearance (or willingness to obtain within the first couple of months).
   

Compensation & Schedule

• Full-time, salaried position at $48,000 annually.

• Regular Saturday availability required, with flexibility for evenings and emergency response.

• Comp time available during slower periods.

To Apply: Please send a brief cover letter and resume to Gina Pickton at gpickton@philashipguild.org.