Discover Cayuga Lake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, based on Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York. Our mission is to offer lake access, cultural and education enrichment programs for youth and adults. Along with school and educational cruise programs, we offer tourist cruise experiences consistent with our mission-based brand. We emphasize community-centered, sustainable business practices. Our primary boat is currently a 57-foot, diesel-powered, commercial vessel, operating on Cayuga Lake from May to October. DCL expects to launch an additional vessel in the near future.
Primary Responsibilities: The overall responsibilities of the Master Captain (MC) encompass the condition and serviceability of DCL vessels, the preparedness of its crew, and the safety of all souls on board at all times. Areas of responsibility for the Master Captain shall include (but not be limited to):
1. Condition and Maintenance of vessel (About 50% of position): Criteria for Success will be a safe and reliable vessel, in compliance with all Coast Guard, environmental and applicable regulations. The vessel should be (a) attractive to visitors and business partners and (b) functional to meet the needs of Floating Classroom programs and other DCL initiatives. To address these criteria, the MC will
a. manage maintenance activities and related contracts throughout the calendar year;
b. maintain a written annual maintenance plan and budget for hull, engine and all systems on the boat, in collaboration with DCL management staff;
c. maintain logs of repairs, maintenance and other records pertaining to the management of the boat, as per Coast Guard regulations and organizational record keeping standards;
d. maintain and implement written safety policies, emergency response and other operational protocols for all crew and on-board staff;
e. work with Executive Director and DCL Board representatives to determine appropriate upgrades and alterations to the boat, in the context of five year and longer term planning.
2. Crew management (about 10% of position): The MC will understand and uphold DCL and other relevant personnel policies. Master Captain will
a. participate in recruitment, hiring and supervision of crew (alternate captains and deckhands) in coordination with Executive Director and Personnel Committee of the Board;
b. make evaluations and recommendations to the Director and Personnel Committee, as needed, on to qualifications, retention and/or dismissal of on-board crew;
c. implement continuing training plans to ensure that all captains, mates and deckhands are proficient in their duties, as well as emergency response protocols;
d. work with DCL management team to schedule boat crew (including alternate captains, deckhands and others).
3. Daily Operation of vessel (about 30% of position): The Master Captain is not expected to be present on-board DCL vessels for all programs. The MC will schedule seasonal captains on the DCL roster as appropriate to ensure efficiency and daily operations. Criteria for success will be reliable service through the season and good relationships with DCL partners, guest presenters and clients. MC will
a. plan to provide no more than 30 hours/week of active piloting, themselves;
b. serve as the point of contact for seasonal “captains on duty” and crew, throughout the cruise season. Regular crew meetings are strongly encouraged;
c. communicate with port managers/dock owners to secure access and navigational data in support of charters and educational programs;
d. manage cash fares and funds maintained on-board by completing a weekly reconciliation in keeping with DCL financial policy and complete cash deposits as appropriate;
e. interact with guests, when it is safe to do so, and ensure that pilot house area is well-kept;
f. ensure that DCL service policies are maintained during charters and public cruises.
4. Record Keeping: MC will provide reports, as needed, to DCL board and Executive Director.
a. All substantive correspondence with US Coast Guard and other regulatory entities shall be recorded in written/text format, and maintained in an accessible fashion at all times,
b. Documents and records should be regularly uploaded to an online storage area.
Organizational Responsibilities (about 10% of position): The Master Captain will be expected to participate in strategic planning and as a member of the DCL management team. The MC will
• participate in regular DCL Management Team meetings to ensure effective coordination between educational, tourism, community outreach initiatives on the boat;
• attend meetings with Board of Directors, as requested, to provide updates on activities and participate in strategic planning activities.
• Support DCL Strategic Plan and Organizational initiatives, such as:
a. Design and launch of an electric/hybrid-electric tour vessel
b. Expansion of DCL fleet to include other new or refurbished vessels
c. Incorporation of community members into boat-based projects and skills programs.
Required Skills & Qualifications (Training can be offered for specific skills.)
• Documentation of prior experience, including valid USCG captain’s license for a 25-50 ton vessel
• Demonstration of proficiency piloting DCL’s commercial vessel is required.
• Candidates must agree to background checks, and to drug-free certification and testing.
• Must be prepared to work in a range of weather conditions, be physically capable of performing rescue, navigational and general boat maintenance tasks, and assist disabled passengers.
• Must have familiarity with diesel engine and general vessel maintenance requirements.
• Personal transportation is required.
Work Schedule: This position is seasonal in nature. Hours during the period from roughly April 1 and November 30 are anticipated to be 40 hours per week, while off-season hours (approximately December 1 – March 31) currently average roughly 20 hours per week. This position is envisioned to evolve toward full-time, year-round employment with the growth of the organization.
General Information
• The Master Captain works under the supervision of the Executive Director and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.
• Benefits, including paid vacation and holidays, optional health benefits and retirement benefits, consistent with DCL employment policies.
• Valid First Aid/CPR/AED certification is preferred. (Courses may be arranged for our crew.)
• Moderate knowledge of the Finger Lakes and Lake Ecology is beneficial.
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