Cook, U.S. Brig Niagara (Steward, Flagship Niagara)

THE POSITION

Are you passionate about cooking for others? Do you enjoy the challenge of feeding large groups? Are you seeking a unique opportunity to gain experience cooking on a wood fired stove aboard a traditional tall ship? If so, we have the position for you!

The Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission is looking for an enthusiastic, energetic, and hard-working Cook to join the crew of the U.S. Brig Niagara, Pennsylvania's Flagship. Sailing from her homeport at the Erie Maritime Museum in Erie, PA, Niagara operates as a sailing school vessel in Lake Erie and the broader Great Lakes. In this position, you will be responsible for the preparation of wholesome and nutritious meals for the ship's crew and trainees. This seasonal position is expected to begin in mid-March 2027 and end in mid-October 2027.

If you are looking to be part of keeping the tradition of square rig seamanship alive for current and future generations, apply today to serve aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The U.S. Brig Niagara is a fully functional, traditionally rigged brig engaged in sail training and historical interpretation. Through the up rig, maintenance, operation, and down rig of the ship, the Niagara program preserves, interprets, and passes on the traditions of what life was like for sailors living, working, and fighting aboard a square-rigged sailing ship in the early 19th century.

As the Cook aboard the U.S. Bring Niagara, you will make sure all crew members stay well nourished during the demanding work of sailing a historic vessel. Work involves supporting the safe care and upkeep of the ship and its domestic areas. As the galley department lead, you will perform the following duties:

The U.S. Brig Niagara's sailing season is March through October, and she conducts a full schedule of sail training (day sails and voyage programs) from May through September.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This limited-term, seasonal position is expected to start in mid-March 2027 and end mid-October 2027.
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday - Sunday, with a 60-minute lunch. Work schedule may vary per the needs of the ship and programming.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. This position includes room and board. A daily charge of $11.00 (totaling $154.00) will be automatically deducted from each bi-weekly paycheck for the duration of employment.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six months experience as a Steward/Cook aboard a sailing vessel.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• A minimum of six months experience working as a cook/steward aboard a traditional sailing ship.
• A minimum of six months experience cooking on a wood burning stove.
• Possession of a "ServeSafe" or equivalent safe food handling certification.

Legal Requirements:

• This position is subject to initial, ongoing random, and reasonable cause drug screenings. Employment in this position is conditioned on successfully passing an initial drug screening upon appointment to the position. Ongoing employment will require compliance with ongoing random and reasonable cause drug screenings in alignment with US Coast Guard Regulation: CFR Title 46, Chapter 1, Subchapter B, Part 16. and Commonwealth procedures.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information cont