Ship Keeper/boatswain

Full-time, Ongoing, APS Level 5 position
- Attractive employee benefits including 15.4% superannuation
- Australia’s leading museum located waterside in beautiful Darling Harbour

The Australian National Maritime Museum is seeking an experienced and dynamic Ship Keeper/Boatswain (Duyfken) to join our Fleet team in this full time ongoing position.

As one of Sydney’s most visited museums, the Australian National Maritime Museum shares our national maritime story across Australia and the world, online, onsite and through research, presentations and travelling exhibitions, and provides must-visit museum experiences that delight and inspire.

We connect our visitors with the oceans and waterways that are the heartbeat of who we are. From deep time to modern Australian and beyond, we explore our past, our present and future as an island nation shaped by sea, offering a sustainable and cohesive vision for the future.

The Museum welcomes over 2.5 million local, interstate and international visitors annually, and is supported by a thriving and passionate staff, membership, volunteer and education base. Find out more at sea.museum

The Ship Keeper / Boatswain works alongside the Fleet team to ensure the vessels are functioning safely and efficiently. The position is also responsible for delivering high quality customer service to all guests at the Museum to ensure accurate information is given on board the vessels to provide a welcoming and informed experience.

This role has particular responsibility for the maintenance of the replica vessel Duyfken but will also be expected to assist in the management of other vessels in the museums heritage fleet as required. The position of Ships Boatswain is a key role in maintaining the Duyfkens seaworthiness through ongoing repairs and maintenance. The holder of this position is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the ship. While the vessel is at sea, the Ship Keeper / Boatswain is responsible for the setting of the sails and the management of the crew, as per the master’s intentions.

**High level overview of accountabilities**:

- Prepare and operate the vessel during opening hours to allow for public attendance. This comprises of unlocking each ship, switching on relevant lights, general ship keeping duties as well as ship husbandry and securing.
- Examine all historic plans and build an intimate knowledge of the ship and its construction and identify the ongoing maintenance tasks, and in consultation with the Fleet Manager, formulate the weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance program.
- Monitor the vessels safety / vessel systems and if deficiencies are detected, reporting is to be completed and delivered to the Assistant Fleet Manager to enable a safe passage for visitors.
- Efficient face-to-face assistance and support for visitor groups, on-board contractors, and authorised Film and Media groups to ensure a positive experience for them.
- Facilitate orderly evacuation of visitors in the event of emergencies on board.
- Support the Fleet team with day sail programs for vessels throughout special events that may occur.
- Professionally address the handling, maintenance and relocation of vessels which may be affected by waterfront activities.
- Assist the Fleet Manager in the formulation of the ships annual maintenance plan and review it when necessary.
- Monitor and report on the efficiency, operation and performance of on-board equipment and any shore-based plant.
- Maintain records of all maintenance tasks undertaken including details relating to measurements and processes employed to complete task e.g. the production of new halyards and rigging.
- When at sea, perform the role as Boatswain as per the ships Standing Orders when required.
- Assist in ocean health tasks in addition to sea life husbandry and conduct relevant duties that are consistent with the Museums environmental values.
- Monitor vessel guides and assist in the coordination of volunteers.
- To fulfil the key competencies of the classification of this position as defined and described by the Integrated Leadership System (ILS).
- Any other lawful and reasonable request made within this position

**Selection Criteria**:
**Essential**
- Highly developed communication skills with the capacity to understand the environmental issues that exist onboard an operating vessel and the necessary precautions to take (MARPOL).
- Demonstrated ability working in a team environment, reading ship layouts and systems drawings.
- Experience working in a customer focused environment with the ability to deliver a high standard of work whilst representing the Museum.
- A current drivers licence

**Desirable**
- Qualified and knowledgeable in the field of ship systems and safety equipment as well as working in a marine environment with particular experience using metals, coatings, or timber trades.
- Sufficient knowledge and experience from a similar cultural institution that provides admirable customer servic