Captain, Ernestina-Morrissey (Director)

Posting

February 2026

Start Date

1 April 2026

Division

Academic Affairs

Union Affiliation

Association of Professional Administrators (APA)

Position Number

FY26-25

Supervision Received

Dean of Undergraduate Studies

Supervision Exercised

Supervises subordinate professional, classified, and student personnel in area of expertise.

General Responsibilities

This position is to Captain the historic SCHOONER ERNESTINA-MORRISSEY, a 156-foot wooden Gloucester fishing schooner originally christened in 1894 and now serving as the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and proudly maintained and operated by Massachusetts Maritime Academy. The Captain of the SCHOONER ERNESTINA-MORRISSEY is first and foremost, responsible for the safety and well-being of students and crew who sail aboard the vessel and the vessel itself. This includes the safe operation and navigation of the vessel as well as the condition of the vessel itself and that of the safety equipment onboard. The master must at all times practice a high level of situational awareness and be able to quickly exercise sound judgment consistent with the Rules of the Road and safe navigation. Instant responses to sudden weather conditions and other unexpected occurrences are necessary as well. The Captain is responsible for logistical aspects of vessel operations, these include but are not limited to: hiring and management of both permanent and seasonal crew and training of these officers and deck hands in leadership as well as sailing skills; voyage planning in support of Academy and partner programs, including scheduling and routing and coordination with marinas, customs and immigration offices and local operations in advance of port visits - both domestic and foreign; and maintaining strong communication with Academy administration, partners, and community stakeholders regarding vessel operations, maintenance, and other vessel-related issues. The Captain is also responsible for overseeing proper maintenance of the vessel, including development and implementation of daily and long-term maintenance plans; coordination for and oversight during regular shipyard periods; cost estimates for major shipyard work, refits, and improvements to equipment and the material condition of the vessel. Consultation with naval architect firms along with Coast Guard approval is required for all major work and/or changes to the vessel. The Captain also has oversight and responsibility for the SCHOONER ERNESTINA-MORRISSEY annual operating budget.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Merchant Mariner's license of at least 500 GRT Master upon Oceans with auxiliary sail endorsement.
• All USCG and STCW requirements associated with above license must be active and up to date: Basic Safety Training, Medical Care Provider (Medical first aid), Survival Craft and Rescue Boats, Advanced Firefighting, Medical Fitness, Unlimited Radar Endorsement.
• Valid U.S. Passport, U.S. driver's license, and U.S. Transportation Worker's Identification Credential (TWIC) or qualifications to acquire one.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience as Master of similar sized traditionally-rigged tall ship.
• Exceptional sailing skills.
• Experience working with sail training and cultural programs aboard tall ships with divergent age groups.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an interest and ability to interact with all levels of students, staff, Academy administration, program partners, and engaged stakeholders.
• Strong commitment to teaching and to sharing an appreciation for the sea.
• Experience and background in vessel maintenance and operations particularly with wooden vessels, associated vessel mechanical systems, and diesel engine operation, maintenance, and repair.
• Ability to work irregular / extended hours/weeks, including night and weekend duties as required. May require extended times at sea depending upon the time of year and programming.
• Knowledge and ability to develop and maintain budgets and scheduling of vessel training programs.
• Enrollment in the Academy's random drug testing program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Possesses a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Experience working with high school or college-age students.
• Person In Charge of Medical Care, Vessel Security Officer, Fast Rescue Boat endorsements.
• Sail making and sail repair rigging skills.
• Extensive experience working on wooden schooners of similar size.
• Extensive experience and training in developing programs for maritime training and cultural enrichment, especially those with diverse populations.
• Extensive experience in shipyard periods for wooden tall ships.
• Experience in the operations, maintenance and repair of Tier III diesel engines.
• Knowledge of the history of American Fishing Schooners, the Cape Verdean Community, and New Bedford, MA.

Salary

$80,000 - $85,000 based on qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

To Apply : Please submit the following documents: cover letter, resume, MMA application, and contact information of five (5) professional references. The MMA application is located on the employment opportunities under Human Resources on the MMA website: Application materials may be saved, attached, and sent electronically to [email protected]. Alternatively, submit application materials by USPS to: Human Resources Department, Massachusetts Maritime Academy, 101 Academy Drive, Buzzards Bay, MA 02532. Finalist must complete background check, physical, and pre-employment drug testing.