Captain – Lettie G. Howard

Job Description:

The Flagship Niagara League seeks qualified candidates for the position of Captain of the schooner Lettie G. Howard for the 2023 sailing season. Lettie primarily acts as an educational and day sail vessel in Erie’s harbor and its immediate environs, with two short voyages planned for the 2023 season.

The captain manages a chief mate and a team of deckhands to provide safe, educational and enjoyable sailing experiences to passengers and trainees. This position is based in Erie, PA.

The Flagship Niagara League is a 501 (C) 3, non-profit educational associate organization of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), chartered to facilitate citizen participation and operation of the U.S. Brig Niagara and its homeport, Erie Maritime Museum.
The Lettie G. Howard is owned by the South Street Seaport Museum and is operated as a programmatic collaboration between the South Street Seaport Museum and the Flagship Niagara League.

Responsibilities:

Lettie G. Howard’s Captain reports to the Flagship Niagara League’s Fleet Captain, and is expected to be largely self-sufficient in managing the ship, its crew, and its educational program.

During the summer, Lettie operates six to seven days a week. The Flagship Niagara League’s staff includes several competent and experienced relief captains.

Qualifications/Experience:

The successful applicant will have demonstrated competence in traditional sail, hold a minimum 100 ton GL/IN license and be a US citizen.

Previous command experience is strongly preferred, but candidates with significant, hands-on experience as chief-mate or equivalent may also be considered. Competency in ship-handling, piloting ,and rigging is expected; ability in administration and systems/engineering is highly desired.

All crew will be required to follow Covid-19 health and safety guidelines as set by FNL, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, CDC and USCG. Vaccination for Covid-19 is required.

Compensation & Benefits: 

Pay is $1800 bi-weekly. Berthing on the ship or ashore and meals are provided.
Professional development and license assistance available to select candidates.

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