SHIPWRIGHT I_II Full-time Project Position (71130)

Would you like the opportunity to help preserve a unique piece of Chesapeake Bay maritime history?

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) is seeking a skilled Shipwright I or Shipwright II to join the restoration of Edna E. Lockwood, a National Historic Landmark and the last of the historic sailing log-bottom bugeyes. Built in 1889 by John B. Harrison of Tilghman Island, Edna is a treasured part of CBMM’s historic floating fleet and an extraordinary example of traditional Chesapeake Bay boatbuilding.

This is a rare opportunity to put your traditional wooden boatbuilding skills to work preserving an important piece of Chesapeake Bay maritime heritage for future generations.

This is a full-time, temporary project position expected to last approximately 12 to 14 months.

About the Position

CBMM’s Shipyard is a working exhibit of Chesapeake Bay wooden boatbuilding and restoration, open to the public seven days a week. Our shipwrights restore, build, and maintain traditional wooden vessels while sharing that work with museum guests, volunteers, and apprentices.

The successful candidate will work as part of CBMM’s Shipyard team on the restoration of Edna Lockwood. Depending on experience and qualifications, the selected candidate may be hired at the Shipwright I or Shipwright II level.

What You’ll Do

• Perform traditional shipwright work, including producing templates and patterns, fitting internal and external components, preparing slipways, and constructing cradles.
• Select and work with quality lumber appropriate for traditional wooden boat construction and restoration.
• Fabricate vessel components, including keels, futtocks, planking, support structures, blocking, and staging.
• Safely manipulate large timbers using machinery, block and tackle, and traditional methods.
• Build and restore vessels according to plans and specifications.
• Apply traditional preservatives and finishes.
• Safely operate and maintain woodworking tools, machinery, and shop equipment.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
• Work collaboratively with CBMM staff, volunteers, and apprentices.
• Interact with museum guests and share the restoration process in CBMM’s public working Shipyard.

Learn More About Edna E. Lockwood

Discover the history of this remarkable vessel and the work ahead:

• Edna E. Lockwood, Bugeye, 1889
• Watch an overview of the upcoming work

Join us and put your craftsmanship to work preserving a one-of-a-kind piece of Chesapeake Bay maritime history.

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

Candidates should have professional experience in traditional wooden boat construction and/or restoration, with the position level determined based on experience and demonstrated skill.

Successful candidates should also have:

• Experience fabricating traditional wooden vessel components and working with large timbers.
• Proficiency with woodworking hand tools, power tools, and shop machinery.
• Knowledge of traditional wooden boatbuilding methods.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• The ability and willingness to interact with museum guests and share the restoration process in a public setting.
• The ability to provide the necessary personal hand tools.
• Crane and forklift operation, basic rigging, and metal fabrication experience are a plus.

Physical Requirements:

This is an active, hands-on position in a working Shipyard environment. Candidates must be able to:

• Stand, climb, bend, and kneel for prolonged periods.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Safely work with sharp tools, power equipment, and heavy materials.
• Work in a variety of weather conditions and terrains.
• Demonstrate the manual dexterity, balance, and hand-eye coordination necessary for traditional shipwright work.