Seasonal Mate

Inland Seas Education Association (ISEA) seeks an enthusiastic, hard-working individual to join our team as a Seasonal Mate aboard the schooner Inland Seas. The ideal candidate would have experience working on traditional sailing vessels, and preference will be given to candidates who hold a mate or USCG Captain’s license.

ISEA operates two schooners, the Inland Seas and Alliance, based in northern Michigan and operating throughout the Great Lakes. We conduct overnight programs with up to 18 students plus crew and day programs with up to 35 students plus crew. Our vessels are used for Great Lakes environmental education and scientific  research. It is the mission of Inland Seas Education Association to enhance public understanding and stewardship of the Great Lakes through hands-on shipboard and onshore educational programs for children and adults. Inland Seas Education Association fosters a positive, safe and inclusive culture. We seek team members who can create a great work environment for people of all backgrounds so that our busy season is safe and enjoyable. 

The 2026 season (early May through mid-October) will include delivering day-sails and overnight programs around the Grand Traverse Bay region and northern Lake Michigan. 

Primary Responsibilities: The Mate is responsible for assisting the Captain in the safe and efficient operation of the vessel

Sailing – Under the supervision of the Captain: 

• Directs crew and passengers in the safe and effective operation/navigation of the vessel in support of ISEA’s educational mission
• Leads a navigational watch day or night
• Trains volunteer and seasonal crew in vessel operations, seamanship, and safety procedures
• Enforces ship’s rules, policies, and Standing Orders
• Supervises, with education staff, the deployment and recovery of sampling equipment
• Oversees operation of deck machinery, engine room equipment and systems
• Carries out monthly, weekly, and daily safety checks
• Carries out or supervises boat checks during the day
• Directs and/or assists with the loading of equipment in preparation for educational programs
• Participates in and helps evaluate emergency drills
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment

Ship Maintenance 

• Leads and oversees the maintenance and repairs of the ship
• Records maintenance and repairs in Ship’s Log
• Carries out or supervises scheduled maintenance
• Sees that sufficient fuel and water are aboard as needed and holding tanks are pumped as needed. Records tankage data in log
• Determines needed equipment and supplies

 

Secondary Responsibilities

• Serves as an ambassador to the community
• Contributes to an organizational culture that will attract, retain, and motivate a diverse staff of quality employees and volunteers
• Mentors crew and other individuals within the organization. Provides regular performance feedback according to established performance objectives
• Displays passion and optimism: inspires respect and trust, mobilizes others to fulfill the vision and mission, provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates
• Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives

 

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.

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:

• Three years of experience as a crew of a large sailing vessel
• Preference given to candidates who hold an Auxiliary Sail endorsed USCG Master or Mates license of at least 100 GRT on the Great Lakes, Near Coastal or Oceans
• Must be able to pass a criminal background check
• Must be able to participate in ISEA’s drug and alcohol testing program
• 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 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

Term:

April – mid-October (5.5 months)

The ideal candidate would begin no later than April 15, 2026 to begin up-rig for our spring programming, which begins May 5, 2026. Options to start earlier in April may be available.  The ideal candidate would be able to stay through October 30, 2026

Compensation:

• $150/day

 

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 and working 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 on board. 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