Livery Attendant

Reports to: Livery Manager
Type: Seasonal Part-time, Hourly, Mid March - End of September;
Compensation: $21.30/ hour

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

The Livery Attendant supports The Center for Wooden Boats’ mission by providing exceptional customer service and ensuring the safe, smooth, and functional operation of CWB’s fleet of human-powered and wind-powered vessels. This public-facing, part-time role is central to creating a welcoming, inclusive, and educational experience for visitors on our busy South Lake Union waterfront campus.

Working closely with staff and volunteers, the Livery Attendant facilitates boat rentals, helps maintain vessels and facilities, and supports safety and event operations within CWB’s Safety Management System.

Specific Job Functions

Customer Service – 30%

  • Ensure a welcoming, inclusive environment for all visitors.

  • Provide high-quality customer service during all aspects of the rental process, including vessel selection, payment processing, safety briefings, and docking.

  • Assist customers with questions about rentals, programs, and CWB facilities while upholding CWB values during all public interactions.

Fleet & Livery Support – 30%

  • Assist with rigging, rowing instruction, and basic vessel operation for visitors when needed.

  • Support ongoing boat and facility maintenance, ensuring vessels are secured, stowed properly, and maintained in safe working order.

  • Conduct inspections to confirm readiness and identify maintenance needs.

Volunteer & Staff Supervision – 15%

  • Assist in training and supervising Livery volunteers and interns, providing clear direction and support to ensure safe and consistent operations.

Safety & Event Support – 25%

  • Identify and correct unsafe practices; operate a motorized safety boat; and respond to on-the-water emergencies in accordance with CWB’s Safety Management System. Support event logistics, including setup and takedown for activities such as Public Sail and regattas.

Qualifications and Skills 

Required

  • Washington State Boater Card (NASBLA-approved)

  • USCG-approved First Aid certification

  • Familiarity with boating safety and powerboat operation

  • Strong communication skills

Strongly Preferred

  • OUPV or Master’s license

  • Sailing experience and skill handling small craft

  • Experience driving or handling small motorboats

  • Customer service experience

  • Woodworking or boat-maintenance experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires regular physical activity associated with a dynamic waterfront environment. The employee must be able to safely perform the following duties with or without reasonable accommodation:

  • Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and climb on floating docks and aboard vessels.

  • Frequently lift, carry, push, and pull equipment, sails, safety gear, dock lines, and program supplies weighing up to 50 pounds, with heavier items moved using team lifting or mechanical assistance.

  • Board, disembark, and work aboard small sailboats and powerboats, including stepping between docks and vessels that may be moving due to wind, wake, or water conditions.

  • Operate small sailboats and safety powerboats as part of program supervision and emergency response.

  • Perform manual tasks requiring grip strength, balance, coordination, and fine motor skills, including line handling, knot tying, basic tool use, and minor maintenance or adjustments to boats and equipment.

  • Tolerate prolonged periods outdoors and on the water, including extended standing, walking, and active supervision during program hours.

  • Respond quickly and calmly to on-the-water and on-dock emergencies involving customers, instructors, or vessels.

Work Environment

The work environment for this position is primarily outdoors and on the water, based on CWB’s floating campus and dock facilities on South Lake Union.

  • Work is performed mostly outside and on docks and boats, in varying weather conditions including sun, rain, wind, heat, and cold.

  • The role involves working on floating docks and vessels that may be wet, uneven, or unstable.

  • Exposure to water, marine noise, weather, and public activity is expected.

  • The position requires frequent interaction with children, families, seasonal staff, volunteers, and the public in an active waterfront setting.

  • Work schedules include early mornings, long program days, evenings, weekends, and holidays during the operating season (mid-March through mid-October).

  • The role includes periods of heightened physical and mental demand during high volume, special events, and emergency situations.

  • Indoor work is limited and typically consists of brief administrative tasks in shared workspaces or dock offices.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Center for Wooden Boats is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this position. All CWB employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed, to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit the following to be considered:

1) Letter of Interest

2) Work Experience/Education Resume

3) Contact info for three professional references.

Please email all materials to hiring@cwb.org with “Livery Attendant” in the subject line.