03/31/1993 27640

CAPTAIN, FLAGSHIP NIAGARA

DEFINITION: This is administrative and supervisory work in the operation of the United States Brig Niagara.

The Captain is responsible for all phases of the supervision, administration, planning, and execution of the operations of the vessel including budgeting, fundraising, maintenance, safety, public education, and sailing. Work involves developing annual and long range plans itemizing all projected costs for the operation and maintenance of the vessel, and assisting with soliciting corporate and individual funding sources to augment operating costs. The position is responsible for ensuring the sea-worthiness of the craft through review of the regular maintenance schedule, oversight of major repairs, and evaluating staff assigned to the ship. The Captain develops educational, interpretive, and promotional programs and events, oversees public visitation, and functions as a resource concerning maritime history and square-rigged ships. Sailing responsibilities include developing voyage plans, arranging ports-of-call, preparing and submitting required permit applications and reports, and commanding the ship when underway.

Supervision is exercised over the professional and volunteer crew, through the Chief Mate. Supervision includes assigning and reviewing work; interpreting rules, regulations, and policies; evaluating employee performance; interpreting labor agreements; resolving complaints and grievances; and providing for the training of staff.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Develops annual and long range budgets by itemizing all projected costs for the operation and maintenance of the ship.

Evaluates crew size, equipment needs, and maintenance costs to plan voyages, port visits, and educational programs.

Assists with corporate and private sector fundraising benefiting the Niagara and its facilities.

Reviews the maintenance program and major repairs to ensure the vessel's sea-worthiness.

Plans and organizes work, assigns work, and reviews work performance.

Prepares and signs employee performance evaluation reports.

Interviews prospective employees and recommends employee selection or ranks applicants in terms of preferability for employment.

Receives grievances and complaints, conducts investigation into causes and conditions, discusses with employee, and resolves or recommends solutions to grievances and complaints.

Receives, reviews, and approves or disapproves leave requests.

Interprets contractual and administrative rights and obligations for employees and modifies work environment or process to conform to changing conditions.

Evaluates the overall performance of the crew and commands the craft when underway.

Trains and develops assigned employees and volunteers in ship operations and programs.

Provides advise and counsel to Historical and Museum Commission members and staff concerning maritime history.

Represents the Commonwealth as a public relations liaison before the media, dignitaries, and the public.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the operation of 500 ton class auxiliary sail vessels.

Knowledge of the maintenance of wooden ships and traditional rigging.

Knowledge of maritime history and square-rigged sailing ships.

Knowledge of the history of the Brig Niagara and its role in the War of 1812.

Ability to train individuals in the duties of Apprentice Deckhand,

Ordinary Seaman, and Engineer as defined in the Niagara Crew Manual.

Ability to formulate budgets, project expenses, and allocate resources efficiently and in a cost-effective manner.

Ability to write reports and recommendations related to the ship and its operations.

Ability to plan, organize, and assign work to subordinates.

Ability to develop a cadre of volunteer workers.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with crew members, volunteer fundraisers, state and local officials, and community leaders.

Ability to conduct tours and speak before large groups of people.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Possession of a 500 ton U.S. Coast Guard Oceans License for Auxiliary Sail.

Five years of command experience aboard traditional squared-rigged vessels as a Chief Mate or Captain, with a minimum of two years at the rank of Captain.