Job Description

Position summary

The 120-foot, 260 GRT Thea Foss is a steel-hulled luxury yacht designed by famed naval architect L.E. (Ted) Geary and built by Craig Shipbuilding Co. in Long Beach, California in 1930. The vessel carries between 5 and 6 crew members and up to 20 day-cruise guests or 10 overnight guests. The yacht owner, Saltchuk Resources, committed to an extensive restoration a few years ago and the vessel is in excellent operational and cosmetic condition. Today, the Thea Foss is home-ported in Seattle on Lake Union and is used for the enjoyment of the customers and guests of the Saltchuk family of companies. The boat is operated and maintained year-round. The ship has three main operational modes: spring and fall engaged with short dinner cruises on Lake Washington, mid-winter maintenance and repair often at a shipyard, and summer, multi-day cruises from ports of call along the Inside Passage through Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska.

Saltchuk overview

Saltchuk is a family-owned, diversified maritime, transportation and distribution company headquartered in Seattle. With consolidated revenue of about $5.4 billion and approximately 8,500 employees, Saltchuk is ranked among the largest privately held businesses in Washington. Saltchuk companies provide air cargo, domestic and international shipping and logistics, marine services, energy shipping, and petroleum distribution. We value safety, reliability, and commitment to our communities and organization – in a work environment where anyone would be proud for their children to work. The Corporate home office provides leadership and resources for the Thea Foss Yacht.

Job responsibilities

Duties entail a wide variety of responsibilities, including, but not limited to:

• Ensure the implementation and continuous utilization of the Thea Foss Crew Guidelines and the Thea Foss Safety Manual designed to reduce all operational, safety, and environmental risks to a safe level by the shore team, the captain, and crew.
• Leverage the collective knowledge and skills of the crew and implement a strong (safety) culture. It should be ensured that the safety of passengers, crew, and vessel is the highest priority, and safety is executed as a value.
• Expertly maneuver and pilot our 120-foot direct-reversing diesel engine vessel, often in difficult marine environments to ensure safe voyage planning and execution, and most importantly, the safety of its guests and crew.
• Plan itineraries and conducted comprehensive voyage planning and execution to ensure safe navigation.
• Follow the recommendations of the Large Yacht Code and the example of USCG rules for small passenger vessels as operational guidelines.
• Understand all vessel machinery, operational, and safety systems and how they function.
• Build a positive team environment with crew to ensure a safe and unforgettable experience for guests on every cruise.
• Assist in maintaining the vessel in excellent condition.
• In cooperation with the Chief Engineer research, plan and lead all aspects of maintenance and repair projects and haul-out periods.
• Supervise, evaluate, and train as needed all reporting crew members.
• Conduct periodic fire, abandon, evacuation, in port manning, and other emergency drills.
• Provide safety orientation briefings to guests, and when appropriate (under direct supervision), request crew to do so as well to ensure they can develop their leadership skills.
• Be the face of Saltchuk – always professional, appropriately groomed, and courteous to passengers and crew members.
• Manage crew schedules and supervise their individual responsibilities, encourage collaboration to maintain a positive crew work environment.
• Communicate personally with hosts and guests to ensure each trip is a success from the guests’ point of view.
• Work with Saltchuk management on schedule, budget, and maintenance of the vessel.
• Conduct oversight of shipyard and out-of-service periods.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years employment history as master of coastal or ocean-going motor vessels, antique or traditional yachts highly preferred.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining safety managements systems including the leadership skills to effectively do so and foster a strong (safety) culture.
• Recent employment as Captain for a 100+ foot charter yacht or small passenger vessel of 100 to 500 gross tons and possess an up-to-date USCG Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Skilled and safe ship handler, preferably with direct reversing engines.
• Strong leader, effective communicator, good collaboration skills, and works well with others at all levels.
• Strong voyage planning skills.
• Ideally be familiar with the waters of the Pacific Northwest: Washington, British Columbia, Alaska.
• US citizen.
• A flexible schedule is required – schedules include some evenings, weekends, and holidays. Work schedule varies based on seasonal activities as well.

Education, Certifications, or other training documents:

Minimum two-years attendance at a Maritime School, Trade School, Junior College or University while enrolled in appropriate maritime subjects.

Hold up-to-date certificates for:

• Basic Safety Training
• Marine Firefighting or Advanced Fire Fighting
• Advanced First Aid or USCG Med Pro or Med PIC
• Radar Observer or Automatic radar plotting aid (ARAP)
• Electronic Chart Display and Info System (ECDIS)
• Leadership and Managerial Skills
• FCC First Class Radio Operator or Global Maritime Distress System (GMDSS)

What pay & benefits does Saltchuk offer?

You’ll get market-competitive benefits: medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, and disability benefits. We also practice generous 401(k) company matching to help you save for your future.

• Pay Range $130,000 to $170,000 (depending on experience)
• A generous Annual Bonus opportunity with upside potential
• 3 Weeks of Vacation per year
• 9 Holidays per year
• 2 Personal Holidays Days per year
• 12 Days of Sick Leave per year
• Employees (and their families) may enroll in employer-subsidized Medical/Dental/Vision Plans
• Employer-paid Life/AD&D/Long-term Disability insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Match of 4% + 3% additional Company Discretionary Contribution
• Free ORCA Transportation Card
• Generous charitable contribution matching program

We are an equal-opportunity employer. All Saltchuk companies prohibit discrimination based on race, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; sexual orientation; national origin; age; disability; military/veteran status; marital status; religious beliefs; genetics; or any other factor protected by law.

We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in job application or interview processes, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Join us at Saltchuk and be part of a company that values your expertise and offers a collaborative and supportive work environment. With opportunities for professional growth, your contributions will help shape the future of our company.

We'd love to hear from you! Send your resume and cover letter to: Careers@saltchuk.com

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