JOIN OUR TEAM: COAST GUARD CERTIFIED BOAT CAPTAIN (PART-TIME)
Organization: Augusta Canal National Heritage Area (ACNHA) / Augusta Canal Authority
Position Type: Part-Time (Non-exempt)
Hours: Flexible, approximately [10-20] hours/week
Compensation: $25/hour
Reports To: Park Operations Ranger (Maintenance & Safety) | Business Operations Manager (Scheduling & Tour Operations) | Lead Boat Captain (Boat Operations)
Location: Augusta Canal Heritage Area Grounds, Discovery Center, Petersburg Boats
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is seeking a safety-minded, organized, and welcoming leader to serve as Part-Time Boat Captain for our historic Petersburg Boat tours.
This role balances active vessel operation with team scheduling, administrative compliance, and passenger safety. As a primary public representative of the ACNHA, the Captain fosters a positive team atmosphere, ensures exceptional guest experiences, and maintains strict adherence to maritime safety standards.
Licensing Benefit: ACNHA will cover the costs associated with obtaining and/or maintaining your U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Captain’s License.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Vessel Operations & Seamanship
- Piloting the Petersburg Boat for scheduled tours, private charters, and public events.
- Overseeing safe passenger loading and unloading at the dock.
- Practicing proper navigation, observing rules of the waterway, and handling the vessel with care and precision.
- Maintaining direct, clear communication with the Discovery Center reservation staff before departure and upon arrival.
- Inspecting vessels daily and ensuring the boat, docks, and walkways remain clean, orderly, and presentable.
Team Leadership & Scheduling
- Coordinating with the Education & Programs Manager and Lead Boat Captain to ensure coverage for all operational days, including weekends and holidays.
- Assisting with training tour guides on vessel procedures, safety policies, and emergency protocols.
- Conducting and logging regular safety drills (fire, emergency, and first aid) with crew members.
Maintenance & Administrative Compliance
- Assisting the Park Operations Ranger and Lead Boat Captain with routine boat and dock maintenance, equipment checks, and troubleshooting mechanical issues.
- Assisting leadership in preparing vessels for annual and five-year USCG inspections.
- Maintaining passenger logs, daily tour logs, and incident report files.
- Participation in the U.S. Coast Guards (USCG) Chemical Testing Program requiring pre-employment, random, periodic, post-accident, and reasonable cause drug testing.
- Ensuring all USCG posting requirements, vessel certificates, stability letters, and crew credentials remain current and displayed.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
- Education: Four (4) year college degree preferred.
- Licensure: Current U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain’s License (or eligibility/willingness to obtain—costs paid by ACNHA).
- Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certifications (or ability to obtain prior to hire).
- Compliance: Enrollment in the Augusta Canal Authority’s designated Drug Consortium program.
- Skills: Strong leadership, professional communication, basic mechanical troubleshooting, and exceptional boat-handling skills.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience and qualifications to:
Augusta Canal National Heritage Area
Attn: Boat Captain
Brian J. Graham, Senior Director
Email: [email protected]
Location: Augusta Canal Discovery Center, 1450 Greene Street, Augusta, GA 30901
The Augusta Canal National Heritage Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- If you do not have a current U.S. Coast Guard Captains license, are you willing to obtain or renew one?
License/Certification:
- US Coast Guard Master Captain's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
