The Sloop Clearwater sails on the Hudson River from April to November, docking in communities between Rensselaer 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 undergoing restoration preformed by our winter crew at our homeport in Kingston, NY.
If you would like to apply, please email your resume and cover letter to captains@clearwater.org with the name of the role you are applying to in the subject line.
Vaccination for COVID-19 is required. Applicants must enjoy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and be able to maintain a work environment that challenges gender stereotypes and is LGBTQ+-affirming. Applicants also must have experience working in, sensitivity to, and appreciation for ethnically diverse viewpoints and communication styles.
Sailing Season Positions
The Clearwater is currently accepting Deckhand applications for the 2025 sailing season (late March – mid-November). 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.
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.
Qualified candidates can email their resume and brief letter of intent to captains@clearwater.org.
Educator Deckhand Trainee
4-10 weeks, April – October 2025
The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Educator Deckhand Trainee for 4-10 week periods during the 2025 sailing season (April-October). Under the direction of the First Mate, Educator Deckhand Trainees carry out the daily needs of the vessel, including underway operations and maintenance. Educator Deckhand Trainees have a strong role in Clearwater’s educational program. Under the direction of the Onboard Program Coordinator, they assist with volunteer training in education stations and learn how to implement the onboard education program. Preference is for applicants to have a background in environmental studies, education, or a related field. As an entry-level learning position, Educator Deckhands are expected to take initiative to educate themselves in all aspects of vessel operations, safety, and seamanship.
This is a live aboard position. Compensation is $160/week plus room and board.
Deckhand
Seasonal, Mid-August – Mid-November
Category: Deck: Unlicensed
The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Deckhand for the 2025 season. Under the direction of the First Mate, the Deckhand is responsible for the daily vessel operations as an Educator Deckhand, both during maintenance periods and underway, education programming or otherwise. As an entry-level position, the Deckhand is expected to take initiative to educate themselves in all aspects of vessel operations, safety, and seamanship. The Deckhand may act as a relief Engineer or relief Cook and is encouraged to train to become a relief mate. Must have some experience on traditionally-rigged sailing vessels.
This is a live aboard position. Compensation starts at $520/week plus room and board. Partial season applications accepted.