Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00152452

Description Activated On:  1/7/2026 4:28:33 PM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

The Chief Mate functions as the executive officer aboard the U.S. Brig Niagara responsible for overseeing the onboard operation and condition of the vessel. This role involves supervising and training the ship’s crew and trainees. The Chief Mate interacts with volunteers and the public, providing interpretive information on the ship, its role in American history and sailing in general. The Chief Mate assumes command of the ship in the absence or incapacity of the Captain.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Captain, Flagship Niagara and is reviewed through observation, conferences, and written reports for the effective attainment of goals and objectives.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Assists the Captain and Site Administrator in the overall execution of the Niagara program, including but not limited to ship preservation and maintenance, operation of the vessel, delivery of public education and historical interpretation, and crew training. Adheres to the principles of good seamanship as well as industry professional standards and regulations regarding ship’s operations, voyage planning, navigation and watch keeping, crew training, and implementation of shipboard routines, practices, and procedures.

Oversees the overall maintenance effort including mechanical systems, riggings, masts and yards, the hull, and the superstructure.

Inspects, monitors and prepares written reports on the ship’s condition, notifying the Captain of challenges to safe and efficient operation and providing recommendations for corrective action.

Develops annual, monthly, and daily maintenance plans and prepares maintenance budgets and material purchasing specifications for the Captain’s approval.

Serves as the watch officer of the deck when the ship is underway and directs the crew at sail stations.

Maintains the ship’s logbooks.

Supervises the crew, trainees and volunteers in the operation and maintenance of the ship and her systems.

Trains the professional and volunteer crew, including but not limited to scheduling and conducting drills, demonstrating various tasks, developing and editing the Crew Handbook, and referencing available texts and articles for further instruction.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Maintains knowledge, skill set, and certifications necessary to perform duties and responsibilities and to train the ship’s crew to meet or exceed industry standards.

Assists the Captain in the planning of voyages, including the development of voyage plans, budgets and plans for all logistical needs.

Delivers educational programming, presenting to the general public on square-rigged sailing vessels, maritime history, the U.S. Brig Niagara’s role in the War of 1812 and the Erie Maritime Museum’s sailing programs.

Works in collaboration with other PHMC staff to fulfill the mission of the Erie Maritime Museum and its sailing programs.

Serves on museum and PHMC committees as assigned. May be assigned to represent the Erie Maritime Museum and PHMC at mission-related public meetings and professional conferences.

Responsible for being familiar with PHMC general safety rules and safety rules specific to this position; for working in a safe manner and following all PHMC safety rules; for immediately reporting all workplace injuries or incidents to his supervisor; and for immediately correcting any safety hazards in the work area or reporting same to supervisor. Enforces all safety rules, procedures, and work practices and takes action to correct unsafe conditions in the workplace.

Adheres to PHMC’s Core Values and supports and advances the diversity, equity, inclusion, and access goals of the agency.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The individual in this position will be responsible for making day-to-day operational decisions as to how maintenance tasks will be scheduled and carried out but will make decisions as to the creation and prioritization of those maintenance lists in conjunction with the captain. The nature of shipboard work places the Chief Mate and Captain in close collaboration at most levels in the decision-making process. Most issues can be solved at the Chief Mate level with the captain being notified of the situation before final decisions are made.

Assumes command of the ship in the absence of the Captain.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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  N/A
 
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N/A
 
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N/A
 
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Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Lifts and moves rigging and equipment weighing up to 60 lbs.
 2. Stands watch in all weather conditions.
 3. Ability to meet the public courteously.
 4. Communicates effectively both orally and in writing.
 5. Performs a full range of supervisory duties.
 6. Prepares reports, manuals, and maintains logbooks.
 7. Creates inventories, work lists and budgets.
 8. Performs manual labor.
 9. Swims 200 yards.
 10. Delivers public programming and training.