Clearwater acknowledges that the construct of race disproportionally affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We reflect and take action to ensure that our organization does not perpetuate white supremacy. Clearwater respects LGBTQIA+ people and we use language and actions that are respectful of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Clearwater celebrates and welcomes members of all race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, physical or mental disability, or age to apply.

If you are interested in volunteering with Clearwater onboard the sloop or in another capacity please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Donor Relations Coordinator
Full-Time

Clearwater is seeking a full-time Donor Relations Coordinator to join our team. This role involves key responsibilities within Clearwater’s development department and reports to the Director of Development and Marketing. Responsibilities include managing the donor database, processing donations, communicating directly with donors, coordinating the membership program, assisting with Clearwater merchandise sales, and providing grant research and tracking assistance to the Director of Development and Marketing. To read the full job description please click here.

Onboard Program Coordinators
February 2025 – November 2025
Part-time February, Full-Time March – November

Clearwater is seeking two Onboard Program Coordinators (OPC) for the 2025 program season. Clearwater’s OPCs primary responsibility is to lead Clearwater’s Sailing Classroom and Youth Empowerment Programs, which includes leading two 2.5-hour education sails per day for groups ranging from fourth graders to adults, corresponding with teachers, as well as training and managing onboard volunteers. OPCs similarly lead public, community and charter sails. This position rotates weeks working on and off the sloop. During on land workdays, OPCs interview and coordinate with potential onboard volunteers, ensuring compliance with policies and onboarding paperwork. OPCs will liaise with teachers, ensure education materials are supplied, and work on program reporting and communication with the Clearwater office. TO read the full job description, please click here.

Winter Sloop Restoration Positions

Now hiring for the 2024-2025 Winter Season. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to captains@clearwater.org with the job title in the subject line.

The Sloop Clearwater sails on the Hudson River, between Albany and NYC, and works to provide innovative environmental education programs, advocacy, and celebrations designed to expand people’s experience, awareness, and stewardship of this magnificent natural resource. Clearwater spends the Winter Maintenance season docked in Kingston, NY. 

First Mate
Seasonal, starting November 2024 – October 2025
Category: Deck: Unlicensed

Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of First Mate for the Winter Maintenance and Spring Sailing season (Starting January 1, 2025). Under the direction of the Captain, the First Mate will lead the winter maintenance period:

  • Manage the winter bosun and oversee maintenance projects
  • Work with the captain to assist with larger scale maintenance projects
  • Work with shipwrights to maintain a work schedule and support them as needed
  • Manage winter maintenance trainees and foster their learning
  • Create a comprehensive work list and manage time to complete as much as possible
  • Assist in carpentry and rigging projects with the bosun
  • Schedule volunteer days and ensure they are used with maximum efficiency
During the sailing season the First Mate: 
  • carries out daily operations of the vessel directing and supervising the crew in safe daily deck operations and maintenance
  • manages the crew and ship resources in the long term. This includes but is not limited to, managing supplies, safety and deck training, and days off for the crew
  • is always a model member of the Clearwater community and should serve as an example of good conduct when interacting with the public, passengers, and crew.
Experience with wooden boat maintenance and traditional rig sailing is required. 

Compensation starts at $680/week plus room and board. During the winter season, the room is in a shared house in Kingston and during the sailing season it is onboard the sloop.

Winter Trainee
Seasonal, 4 to 10-week positions, now hiring for February/March 2025

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Winter Trainee for the 2024-2025 winter season. Under the direction of the Captain and the Winter Maintenance Coordinator trainees will assist in winter maintenance projects of this traditionally-rigged wooden sailing vessel. This is an entry-level, learning position. Ideal candidates are willing to learn and ask questions, do physical labor, and focus on the task at hand. 

Room and board are included in this position. 

2025 Sailing Crew
Check back in early 2025 for a broader list of 2025 positions.

Clearwater employs 6 full-season professional crew (First Mate, Second Mate, Engineer, Bosun, Deckhand, and Cook) for four-month contracts and 4 partial season crew (Sailing Trainees and Educator Deckhands). In addition to pay, room and board, crew members receive two days off per week. All crew members are expected to develop a thorough knowledge of the vessel, safety standards, and emergency procedures. Crew are required to pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to random drug testing throughout their contract. Clearwater crew serve as instructors in the sloop’s education program under the direction of an Onboard Education Coordinator. The crew is joined by 4-6 education volunteers each week with whom they are expected to maintain good rapport throughout the week