The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum (CBMM) is dedicated to preserving and exploring the history, environment, and culture of the entire Chesapeake Bay region, and making this resource available to all. As an educational institution, staff fulfill CBMM’s mission, goals, and vision, working individually and collaboratively to encourage the public’s access to our collections, programs, and resources.
CBMM’s Shipyard is a working exhibition of Chesapeake Bay wooden boat building and restoration, open to the public seven days a week and staffed by CBMM employees, apprentices, and volunteers. The Shipyard restores, builds, and maintains traditional wooden vessels, while allowing full public access to the process.
Position Overview:
CBMM’s Shipwright Apprentices acquire traditional maritime skills, including following proper safety protocols, understanding design principles, building to plans, identifying and assessing wood, utilizing both hand and power tools, operating vessels, understanding technical terminology, becoming proficient in historic restoration techniques and theory, project planning and management, and developing introductory skills associated with adjacent trades such as rigging and mechanics.
CBMM’s Apprentice program is a Maryland state certified two-year curriculum. All Shipwright Apprentices are expected to enroll in the Maryland State Apprenticeship Program and actively track progress toward completion of the required 4,000 training hours.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Participate in the Shipyard’s public education programs, including the Apprentice For A Day Program (AFAD)
- Assist CBMM Shipwrights in the maintenance of CBMM’s historic vessels and floating fleet
- Assist with hauling vessels on the marine railway, including building blocking and cradles to support vessels on the railway
- Assist CBMM’s marine mechanic with engine and mechanical systems maintenance
- Assist CBMM’s floating fleet manager and Shipwrights with annual preventative maintenance
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support CBMM's operations and mission
Professional Expectations:
- Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
- Arrives prepared and ready to perform assigned duties.
- Demonstrates accountability in meeting commitments and deadlines.
- Adheres to CBMM policies and safety requirements.
By the End of the Program, You Will:
- Develop a foundation in traditional wooden boatbuilding and preservation techniques.
- Gain hands-on experience working on historic vessels under the guidance of master shipwrights.
- Build a portfolio demonstrating your craftsmanship and technical skills.
- Learn professional shipyard practices, safety standards, and project management fundamentals.
- Establish industry connections within the maritime and preservation communities.
- Be prepared to pursue employment or advanced opportunities in wooden boatbuilding, restoration, maritime preservation, and related marine trades.
Work Schedule and Conditions:
This is a full-time, hourly position with an expected minimum work schedule of 40 hours per week.
The Shipwright Apprentice is expected to support CBMM programs, festivals, special events, and advancement activities as assigned. All staff may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events based on operational needs.
Qualifications
Basic Requirements:
- High School diploma or GED
- Experience using basic hand tools
- Valid driver's license
- Must be comfortable working in a public-facing environment and engaging with museum guests regarding shipyard activities and projects.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing priorities, work styles, and personalities.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods standing, climbing, bending, and kneeling.
- Must be able to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 80 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Must be able to safely work with sharp tools or power equipment.
- Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and terrains.
- Must have manual dexterity, a good sense of balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination.
Skills Required
- High school diploma or GED
- Experience using basic hand tools
- Valid driver's license
- Comfort working in a public-facing environment and engaging museum guests
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and adapt to changing priorities, work styles, and personalities
- Ability to stand, climb, bend, and kneel for prolonged periods
- Ability to safely lift and move materials weighing up to 80 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to safely work with sharp tools and power equipment
- Ability to work in varied weather conditions and terrains
- Manual dexterity, good balance, and excellent hand-eye coordination
- Enrollment in the Maryland State Apprenticeship Program and progress toward 4,000 training hours
- Availability for evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as operationally needed
What We Do
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and exploring the history, environment, and culture of the Chesapeake Bay region. It houses the world's largest collection of Chesapeake Bay watercraft and artifacts.
