2026-2027 Restoration Boatbuilding Positions

2026-2027 Restoration Boatbuilding Positions

The Sloop Clearwater sails on the Hudson River from April to November, docking in communities between Rensselaer and NYC, and works to provide innovative environmental education programs, advocacy, and celebrations designed to expand people's experience, awareness, and stewardship of this magnificent natural resource. Clearwater spends the Winter Maintenance season undergoing restoration performed by our winter crew at our homeport in Kingston, NY.

Clearwater acknowledges that the construct of race disproportionately affects Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We reflect and take action to ensure that our organization does not perpetuate white supremacy. Clearwater respects LGBTQIA+ people and we use language and actions that are respectful of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Clearwater celebrates and welcomes members of all race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, physical or mental disability, or age to apply.

Boatbuilding Trainee

The Clearwater is now accepting applications for the position of Boatbuilding Trainee for 4-10 week periods during the 2026-2027 Restoration Project (July 2026- April 2027). Under the direction of the Captain, Restoration Mate, and Shipwrights, the Boatbuilding Trainees will be:

• scraping, sanding, painting and/or varnishing boat surfaces
• demolishing existing structures
• assisting senior shipwrights in boat building tasks
• learning and engaging in wooden boat restoration
• learning and following safety protocols

Ideal candidates will be ready for hard work in various weather conditions. They will have interest in wooden boat restoration and in learning a wide variety of tasks. This work will be physically demanding.

They also work with winter volunteers, implementing and supervising them in maintenance projects. As an entry-level learning position, Boatbuilding Trainees are expected to take initiative to educate themselves in all aspects of wooden boat restoration and wood shop safety.

Compensation is $200/week plus room and board in shared housing.

Hudson River Sloop Clearwater