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 now accepting applications for the positions of First Mate, Engineer, Cook, and Deckhands 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.
First Mate
Seasonal, Late March to Mid-November 2025
Category: Deck: Unlicensed
The First Mate is second in command, reporting to the Captain, and assumes the responsibilities of the Captain in their absence. They are directly responsible for deck safety and rig maintenance. They direct and supervise crew and volunteers in daily deck operations, per orders of the Captain. The First Mate coordinates and supervises all maintenance projects in consultation with the Captain, Bosun, and Engineer. They are responsible for volunteer training in deck operation and safety. The First Mate is expected to be a role model of initiative and leadership and to set a general tone on board reflecting that. A USCG 100-ton Inland Master License is not required, but is preferred and may allow the First Mate to train and sail as relief Captain. Experience in tall ship sailing and leadership is required.
This is a live aboard position. Compensation starts at $680/week plus room and board. Partial season applications are accepted.
Engineer
Seasonal, Late March to Mid-May
Category: Deck: Unlicensed
Under the direction of the Captain, the Engineer is responsible for the care and maintenance of the vessel’s mechanical and electrical systems. This includes daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance of the main engine, the on-deck engine and fire pump system, the freshwater system, the bilge pumping system, the refrigerator system, and the electrical systems. The Engineer is responsible for regular checks of the vessel’s safety and emergency gear. They are responsible for the maintenance of Engineering tools and equipment, keeping the engine room properly stowed, maintaining engine room logs, and reporting inventory needs to the Captain. The Engineer is expected to train the crew in relief Engineer duties. At the end of their season, the Engineer is expected to turn over a season’s end report. While not performing engineering duties they are responsible for daily vessel operation as an Educator Deckhand. Must have experience working with marine diesel engines.
This is a live aboard position. Compensation starts at $560/week plus room and board. Partial season applications are accepted.
Cook
Seasonal, starting Late March – Mid-November
Category: Deck: Unlicensed
The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Cook for the 2025 season (Late March – mid-November). The Cook is responsible for planning and serving three well-balanced meals per day for all crew. Meals must be planned within budget limitations and time constraints, taking into account special dietary needs and a preference for local and sustainable food. The Cook maintains adequate provisions including propane supplies. They work closely with the Captain and Mate on meal scheduling and provisioning. The galley equipment and cooking utensils must be properly cleaned and maintained and the galley properly stowed. The Cook is expected to participate on deck when necessary. They are expected to train the crew in relief Cook duties. The Cook is expected to develop a working knowledge of the vessel and emergency procedures.
This is a live aboard position. Compensation starts at $600/week plus room and board. Partial season applications are accepted.
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.