Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) seeks an enthusiastic, hard-working individual to join our team as a Seasonal Deckhand. This position is responsible for serving as a crew member aboard one of our traditionally rigged schooners, Inland Seas or Alliance. This position requires participation in a DOT-approved drug testing program.

The 2026 season (early May through mid-October) will include delivering day-sails and overnight programs around the Grand Traverse Bay region of northern Lake Michigan as well as Lake Huron, Lake Superior, and Detroit, MI.

Primary Responsibilities:

Deckhand & Ship Operations

• Train to fill the role of crew member aboard Inland Seas or Alliance.
• Participate in a pre-employment and random drug test program as required by the United States Coast Guard (click here to learn more about this regulation).
• Learn assigned emergency response duties. 
• Assist in directing passengers in a safe manner aboard the ship.
• Understand and comply with the ship’s rules, policies, and Standing Orders.
• Assist with cleaning, maintenance, and repairs as needed.

Note: While living aboard the ship, all persons (ISEA staff, interns, and volunteers) are expected to participate in basic daily chores and tasks related to living and working in a small, shared space. These tasks occur before and/or after the scheduled programs, extending the work day during this time.

Secondary Responsibilities

• Assist with other activities related to ISEA’s educational mission.

ISEA fosters a community of learning. All seasonal employees and interns are encouraged to take on tasks that will help them reach their education and employment goals.

Skills/Prerequisites:

• Enthusiastic about teaching and learning
• Ability to work well with youth and adults
• Willingness to learn and teach
• Good communication skills
• Strong team player
• Ability to work weekends and evenings as needed, especially July and August
• Ability to travel and live aboard a vessel up to three weeks at a time
• Able to climb ladders and use companionways aboard the vessel
• Able to work 40+ feet aloft in rigging 
• Able to lift 40 lbs and haul halyards, dock and anchor lines
• Physically able to perform duties required of emergency operations aboard the vessel
• Not subject to severe motion-sickness
• Ability to work in turbulent waters and challenging weather conditions
• Experience with or knowledge of ship operations (preferred, not required)

Term:

May – mid-October (5.5 months)

The ideal candidate would begin no later than April 29, 2026 to begin training for our spring programming, which begins May 5, 2026. Options to start in mid- to late April are available, and would allow for even more crew-specific training opportunities aboard Inland Seas or Alliance. The end date is flexible, but the ideal candidate would be able to stay through October 13, 2026.

Compensation:

• $125/day.
• Sea Service documentation is available for those interested in continuing in the professional maritime industry.

Expectations:

This position is expected to work approximately 45-50 hours per week on ship related duties and tasks. In the summer season, work hours are extended while traveling to and in away-ports In addition to ship keeping and sailing, working well with others and instructing students are also requirements of this position.

Room & Board:

This position lives aboard the ship. Cooking facilities are provided onboard. Shower and laundry facilities are provided at our education center. Aboard the ship, it is customary for lunch to be provided on sailing days, and for all meals to be provided on overnight transits and when working at away ports (summer). When delivering programs outside of the Grand Traverse Bay area, the candidate will share living space aboard the ship with other ISEA staff and volunteers.

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, with preference given to those applying by end-of-day February 1st 2026.

Apply by email with resume and letter of interest: 

Ben Hale, Senior Captain - isea@schoolship.org