Yacht Engineer (SailFuture Expeditions)
About SailFuture
SailFuture is an innovative social services agency based in St. Pete, FL. Through our comprehensive and integrated programming, we build pathways that empower opportunity-youth to transform their life outcomes.
Our Guiding Principles drive what we do and how we do it. Chief amongst them is our belief in people. We believe in the untapped potential of the young people we serve. We also believe in the potential of our team members to leverage their unique gifts and talents to bring our vision to fruition.
SailFuture’s network of programs includes an accredited private high school, residential foster care placements, adventure therapy services, registered apprenticeships, and foster care prevention services.
Youth and staff from each program participate in short and long-range expeditions throughout the year on S/Y I CAN, a 100’ school ship.
About Expeditions
SailFuture Expeditions are intentional rites of passage designed to help young people who have experienced trauma catalyze personal growth and self actualization.
The vessel operates year-round and includes short-range expeditions (1-2 weeks), long-range expeditions (6-8 weeks), and private charters for donors and supporters.
Youth participating in Expeditions are part of the broader SailFuture community, and receive support and services before and after Expeditions. Most participants are students who attend the SailFuture Academy, a 4-year private high school in St. Petersburg, FL.
Core Objectives for SailFuture participants:
1. Students will have developed a strong understanding of the various careers available in the maritime industry through in-port experiences with strategic partners
2. Students will have developed measurable employability skills through structured apprenticeship training in defined crew roles
3. Students will have developed transformational relationships with teachers and mentors that are rooted in adventure, play, and shared challenge
4. Students will have developed an expanded worldview through cultural exchanges and service learning projects
5. Students will have identified problematic behaviors and habits and developed coping mechanisms that can be utilized in any setting
6. Students will have utilized 1:1 sessions, written reflections, workshops, and guided discussions to discuss and process trauma.
About the Vessel
Sailing Yacht I CAN is a year-round sailing school vessel operating in the Caribbean in the winter months and New England in the summer months.
The vessel is a 100’ Giorgetti & Magrini ketch-rigged sailing yacht with accommodations for 8 students, 2 apprentices, and 6 staff.
Staff quarters are separate from students and are in shared cabins with a shared bathroom.
About the Engineer
SailFuture’s Engineer will serve in a dual role: Teacher and Engineer.
The ideal candidate will be as passionate about fixing and tinkering with engines and water makers as they are excited about teaching and mentoring at-risk youth.
The Engineer is responsible for overall systems maintenance and operation and should have a working knowledge of all marine systems: Mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, plumbing, refrigeration, and air conditioning.
The Engineer will participate in all aspects of ship programming in addition to their duty to the vessel. This includes leading shore-side activities, supervising students, teaching coursework, and managing student apprentices.
Responsibilities:
- Build strong bonds with each youth through 1:1 and group time
- Build a strong sense of teamwork amongst youth and staff on the boat
- Co-create apprenticeship curriculum for student crew positions
- Hold all youth and rotating program staff to the highest levels of seamanship
- Complete daily, weekly, monthly, and annual maintenance schedule
- Participate in service learning projects and all youth programming throughout the expedition
Minimum Qualifications:
- Growth mindset
- Empathy to relate to the life experiences of the youth SailFuture serves
- A passion for mentoring and coaching
- 5+ years mechanical / engineering experience
- First Aid / CPR
- Working knowledge of all marine systems
- 2+ years boating experience
- Valid driver’s license
Compensation:
- $48,000 annual salary
- 15 days PTO
- Self Care Budget (per expedition, reimbursement)
- $250 monthly health insurance contribution (Company international health insurance through GeoBlue)
- Work cell phone with international plan
Benefits
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Competitive salaries
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401k with 3-6% employer match
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Paid Time Off
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$250 Monthly Health Insurance Contribution
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Access to sailboats, powerboats, and kayaks
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Opportunity to travel on international sailing expeditions
Who We Are
We're a small but mighty agency with a 'whatever it takes' mentality.
Our approach to social work is complex and requires dynamic, passionate leaders to bring all their skills to the table.
We're committed to each other as much as we are to our kids, and protect the family dynamic within our motley crew.
About SailFuture
Based in St. Petersburg, FL, SailFuture serves 200 children and families a year through innovative programs ranging from international sailing expeditions to an entrepreneurship high school.
Yacht Engineer (SailFuture Expeditions)
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