Career Opportunities at Nauticus

About Nauticus

Established in 1994, Nauticus is a maritime discovery center that hosts 350,000 visitors annually and is home to the Nauticus Museum, Sail Nauticus sailing center, Schooner Virginia, the Battleship Wisconsin, and the Half Moone Cruise Terminal Center. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources.  This position is funded by the Nauticus Foundation, the 501©3 nonprofit, raising funds to support the mission and activities of Nauticus. 

The Role

The Controller is an active leader responsible for managing and maintaining a business’s financial strength.  As a communicator and skilled financial analyst, this person will streamline budgeting, payroll, and financial reporting processes. The Controller will produce financial-status reports for leadership to help improve operational efficiency and continued growth.

The Controller reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Developing a company’s financial strategies and plans
• Analyzing financial reporting packages
• Acting in a leadership role for the financial accounting department
• Developing annual and quarterly budgets
• Developing internal control guidelines, policies, and procedures for budget accounting, cash and credit management, administration, and other activities
• Coordinating and directing budgeting, procurement, investment activities, and financial planning
• Provide comprehensive financial updates to senior managers by evaluating, analyzing, and reporting appropriate data points
• Guide financial decisions by applying company policies and procedures to current economic landscape
• Develop, implement, and maintain financial controls and guidelines
• Achieve budgeting goals with proper scheduling, analysis, and corrective actions
• Maximize payroll efficiency through innovative process development
• Help develop and support short- and long-term operational strategies
• Maintain internal safeguards for revenue receipts, costs, and team and organizational budgets and actual expenditures
• Establish (in coordination with CFO) financial and operating benchmarks, budgets, program monitoring, and reporting standards on biweekly, monthly, and annual basis
• Implement consistent accounting policies, practices, and procedures across all programs, adhering to national and local legal standards while remaining knowledgeable of proposed legislation
• Develop and enforce internal controls to maximize protection of company assets, policies, procedures, and workflows
• Oversee and support accounting team with dynamic leadership that creates an environment of trust and productivity
• Ensure the efficient events operations flow by performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in business, accounting, or related field
• Master’s degree or PhD in business, accounting, or related field is highly preferred.
• Five or more years of experience as a senior-level accounting or finance manager
• Professional certification, such as CPA (certified public accountant) or CA (chartered accountant) 
• Ten or more years of professional accounting experience
• Strong understanding of banking processes and financial data analysis
• Working knowledge of national and local tax regulations and compliance reporting
• Experience in managing payroll, with focus on streamlining accounting processes
• Exemplary history of financial project management
• Make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.

Working Environment

• Office setting with prolonged sitting and use of computer.
• Work hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30am – 5pm.
• Must have ability to lift 25 lbs.

The starting salary is $80,000.  

To Apply

Please send resume, cover letter to amy.owens@norfolk.gov.  Please include Controller in the subject line.  Applicants that are pre-selected for consideration will be contacted for an interview.  Telephone inquiries cannot be accepted or responded to.

About Nauticus:

Established in 1994, Nauticus is a maritime discovery center that hosts 350,000 visitors annually and is home to the Nauticus Museum, Sail Nauticus sailing center, Schooner Virginia, the Battleship Wisconsin, and the Half Moone Cruise Terminal Center. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources.  This position is funded by the Nauticus Foundation, the 501©3 nonprofit, raising funds to support the mission and activities of Nauticus. 

The Role

The Special Events Engagement Attendant is an active team member in our WinterFest on the Wisconsin which features thousands of holiday lights with glowing tunnels, twinkling foot bridges, amazing displays.  A Special Events Engagement Attendant is the first point of contact and the part of the guest experience that truly makes the event shine.  

The Special Events Engagement Attendant reports directly to the Special Events Manager.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assist the Special Events Manager with planning and preparing the event stations by setting up, restocking, or breaking down varies event spaces.
• Greet and interact with all guests to ensure they feel welcomed and appreciated above and beyond the expectation. 
• Provide solutions to questions, information about event schedules, or directions to designated areas.  
• Maintain visitor flow around the ship, check tickets, manage crowds to ensure safety by mitigating potential hazards during busy event times.
• Promptly take care of any emergent situations and notify appropriate personnel to resolve any further matters.
• Work alongside volunteers, entertainers, musicians, and vendors.
• Rotate to various event stations indoors or outdoors such as the Wonderhall, Museum, Theater, or on the Battleship.
• Report back to the Special Events Manger any feedback and suggestions from guests or anything that you noticed may enhance the guest experience.
• Ensure the efficient events operations flow by performing other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required.  
• Previous customer service, hospitality, or events experience preferred, but not required.
• Highly motivated, friendly, and ready to spread joy and enthusiasm for the holiday event.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to be emotionally intelligent.
• Have the ability to remain calm during challenging situations.
• Work with diverse and dynamic groups of people.
• Make independent decisions based on policies and procedures.
• First aid certification is highly preferred, but not required.  

Working Environment

• Working environment varies based on rotation stations in outdoor or indoor climate.
• Work hours may vary to include nights, weekends, and holiday work required.
• Must have ability to lift 25 lbs.

The hourly rate starts at $15.00.  This is a part-time seasonal position working from November 15, 2024 to January 1, 2024.

To Apply

Please send resume, cover letter to amy.owens@norfolk.gov.  Please include Special Events Engagement Attendant in the subject line.  Applicants that are pre-selected for consideration will be contacted for an interview.  Telephone inquiries cannot be accepted or responded to.

About Nauticus:

Established in 1994, Nauticus is a maritime discovery center that hosts 350,000 visitors annually and is home to the Nauticus Museum, Sail Nauticus sailing center, Schooner Virginia, the Battleship Wisconsin, and the Half Moone Cruise Terminal Center. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences and by sharing access to maritime resources.  This position is funded by the Nauticus Foundation, the 501©3 nonprofit, raising funds to support the mission and activities of Nauticus. 

Position Description

The Associate Director of Education supports the Director of Education in advancing the organization’s mission to provide impactful maritime and STEM-based learning experiences. This role focuses on leading the Sail Nauticus education team, developing innovative programming, and managing educational initiatives. The Associate Director helps to foster equitable learning opportunities that inspire young people, especially from underserved communities, to explore maritime careers, environmental stewardship, and a love of sailing.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Program Development & Management
  • Manage Sail Nauticus educational programs, with a focus on the Sail Nauticus Academy and Summer Camp.
  • Collaborate with the Director to create new programming and refine existing offerings to align with the organization’s educational goals and community needs.
  • Oversee day-to-day operations of programs, ensuring activities are active and engaging.
  • Ensure all programs are accessible and equitable, reflecting Norfolk’s demographics and fostering a sense of belonging among participants.
• Operations & Administration
  • Oversee the management of the Community Sailing Center and its staff.
  • Assist in budget management.
  • Support data collection and reporting on program outcomes and participation metrics.

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Marine Science, Environmental Studies, or a related field.
• 2-5 years of experience in education program management, with experience in STEM or maritime education preferred.
• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Strong understanding of curriculum development and program assessment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Passion for youth development, particularly within underserved communities.
• Sailing and powerboat proficiency preferred.
• Virginia Safe Boaters License required.
• First Aid and CPR (within 30 days of hire).

Salary Range

• $55,000 – $57,000, full-time with benefits.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume via email with the subject line “Associate Director of Education” to the Director of Education and Community Engagement at nathan.sandel@norfolk.gov.

About Nauticus/Sail Nauticus

Established in 1994, Nauticus is a maritime discovery center that hosts 350,000 visitors annually and is home to the Nauticus Museum, Sail Nauticus sailing center, Schooner Virginia, the Battleship Wisconsin, and the Half Moone Cruise Terminal. Nauticus’ mission is to benefit the community through education, impactful experiences, and by sharing access to maritime resources.

Position Description:

Reporting to the Sail Nauticus Operations Manager, the Manager on Duty is the onsite lead for the orderly and safe operations of the Nauticus Sailing Center and for maintaining a safe and clean environment in our Marina and Pavilion. This is an ideal position for people who love to sail and to be part of a sailing community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Opens up the Sailing Center and checks that the facility and boats are in good condition.
• The point of contact for boat reservations and assists members in taking boats out.
• Is the first responder in case of issues and emergencies.
• Closely monitors weather conditions and issues safety calls and weather cancellations.
• Serves as response motorboat operator for on-the-water incidents.
• Cleans and maintains the fleet of Harbor 20s and identifies items in need of repair.
• Keeps the Marina and Pavilion safe and clean.
• Closes down the Sailing Center ensuring that boats and facility are safely secured.
• Provides a daily report of activities and events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Current Virginia Safe Boater’s License.
• First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Experience in sailing and maintaining daysailers (we sail with Harbor 20s).
• Knowledge of marina operations and small powerboat handling.

This part-time, hourly position offers flexible hours, primarily weekends (10 AM–5 PM) and weekday evenings (5–7:30/8:30 PM) during daylight saving time (March–October). Enjoy access to our sailboats during off-duty hours when the Sailing Center is open. Pay range is $17-$21/ hour, depending on experience.

To Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to nathan.sandel@norfolk.gov. Please include “Manager on Duty” in the subject line. Only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted.

The City of Norfolk, Maritime Center – Nauticus is seeking to hire an Event Coordinator for Cruise Operations. This position will ensure quality service is being offered and maintained to enhance visitor’s experience. This position coordinates, schedules and plans a variety of indoor and outdoor campus tours, working with facility and port staff to ensure appropriate personnel, equipment, and logistics are in place to achieve desired results.

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military. 

Department Hiring Salary Range: $50,624 – $58,217

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Conducts campus tours, responds to Cruise inquiries. Assists to facilitate Cruise scheduling by checking availability, requesting dates to be placed on hold. Facilitates obtaining necessary review and approvals for Cruise or other operations.
• Prepares and maintains Port Security files by tracking that all proper paperwork is complete and up to date. Assists with the development and updating of the Facility Security Plan. Performs Duties as Facility Security Officer. Performs administrative duties, coordinates meetings and develops required reports and correspondence.
• Communicates with other staff on facility and equipment setup options and materials needed to achieve desired results. Ensures adherence to requirements, agreements and contractual obligations.
• Coordinates staffing and setup by scheduling appropriate personnel and preparing/distributing plan sheets containing logistical information on required personnel, schedules, layouts, equipment, setup plans and audio-visual needs. 
• Develops event security plans in conjunction with public safety personnel and organizer. 
• Communicates logistics to organizers, promoters, tenants, customers, City staff, event personnel, impacted stakeholders and the general public. Supervises personnel and volunteers and provides direct supervision to event staff during events. Assists visitors having special problems, questions or complaints in a courteous and responsible manner.
• Using excellent customer service skills, establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, officials and all members of the general public.
• Ability to stand, for extended periods of time, lift from ground to above shoulder, climb, bend stoop, sit, push, pull and perform tasks requiring manual dexterity.
• Manages day of cruise operations for all port calls and full turnover days.
• Other duties as assigned

Education/Experience

Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.

Two years of event and/or facilities management, or related experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
TWIC card eligibility required

Proficiency in Microsoft Office required

CPR and first aid a plus

Additional Information & Requirements

Work Location: One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
Work Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 8:30am-5pm, 40 hours per week. Position requires some evening, holiday and weekend shifts.

Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for applications received on or after February 22, 2022. The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of your probationary period. To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.     

The City of Norfolk’s Maritime Center is seeking an Event Support Crew Member II to support the overall function of Cruise and Nauticus operations. This position cleans the interior of facilities, performs light event facility maintenance, and maintains the interior of event facilities. Event Support Crew Members specialize in the care and upkeep of floors, glass partitions and carpet., while maintaining related equipment within facilities. 

Nauticus is a maritime discovery center located along the waterfront in downtown, Norfolk offering a unique form of experiential learning for all ages. Through interactive exhibits and STEM to STERN programming, Nauticus uses the museum, Battleship Wisconsin, sailing center, and Schooner Virginia to tell the story of the maritime environment, industry, and the military.

Department Starting Hiring Salary: $40,960

Essential Functions

Essential functions include but are not limited to:

• Serves as crew leader by providing information, assigning tasks, assisting personnel, ensuring safety of job sites, performing inventory, completing work orders, ordering materials, maintaining records, generating and maintaining reports, contacting vendors and contractors for service calls and coordinating work with vendors, creating maintenance programs, assisting vendors and contractors and leading staff in projects which call for team labor such as furniture pickup and delivery, relocations and equipment installation. Works with management to implement improvements in operations/services.
• Collaborates with others to work as a team in  the set up and clean up of special events. Delivers, assembles, dismantels and stores event related equipment. Installs, removes and repairs chairs, tables, bleachers, risers, dashers, tents, furniture, bike racks, stages and fencing for special events. Utilizes a wide array of tools and equipment including forklifts, power washers, floor scrubbers and various gas/diesel powered small engine machines in the set up and dismantling of events. Sets and runs small PA equipment and podiums for City events. Utilizes safety equipment as needed while performing duties.
• Ensures event facilities are maintained in a clean, working order. Performs maintenance to buildings and grounds by repairing or replacing signs, banners and graphics, power washing the exterior of buildings, painting, changing light bulbs, checking parking lots and driveways for cleanliness, cleaning fountains, maintaining flag poles, installing lights, repairing and replacing hand railings, decking access ways and platforms, issuing keys, installing equipment, and repairing fences, seating, stages; and performs various other basic repairs as needed.
• Takes written or verbal direction in order to perform the set up of unique special events. Interprets drawings or blueprints in order to perform set up duties. Interacts directly with event organizers, production personnel, promoters, community leaders and other departmental clients and vendors.  Manages general correspondence via email, phone and in-person to facilitate work.  
• Performs preventative maintenance of equipment by inspecting, maintaining and repairing portable equipment, tools and vehicles. Operates and maintains City vehicles, schedules maintenance with Fleet Management and coordinates scheduling of repairs.  Transports the City’s mobile stages to and from event sites and ensures compliance with preventative maintenance schedule.
• Maintains inventory such as chairs, tables, stages, fencing, etc. to ensure events have the proper amount of equipment and that it is in working order. Tracks supply stocking, restocking and issuance, fulfilling in-house requisitions for warehouse supplies and performing administrative maintenance when needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Work requires the ability to read and understand written instructions, to understand simple processes and the routine operation of machines. Level of knowledge equivalent to less than high school or equivalency.

One year of special events experience required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Additional Information & Requirements

Work Location: One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510

Work Hours:  Friday – Tuesday, 6:30 am – 3:00 pm

Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus for applications received on or after February 22, 2022. The signing bonus will be paid in two (2) increments: $2,500 upon completion of 60 days of employment, and $2,500 upon completion of your probationary period. To receive the signing bonus, you must be an active employee in good standing.