Boat Captain - School Year 2026-2027
Boost your chances before you apply.
Scouting America Orange County Council
Newport Beach, CA, US
Summary
The Boat Captain is responsible for safely operating vessels for educational excursions and supervising children to ensure their safety during water-based activities. They must also maintain the boats, manage equipment, and effectively communicate with program staff and participants.
Job Description
Types of Activities Utilizing Captains
- Harbor Excursions, Educational Cruises, Bay Fishing Trips via pontoon boat, and Ocean Fishing trips via sport fisher
- Boats Utilizing Master License: 33 ft. Pontoon Boat, 23 ft Striper Sea Swirl Sport Fisher
Overview of the Position
Boat Captains with a Master License will be driving vessels around the harbor for a variety of classes throughout the year with children, parents, and Staff aboard. Pontoon boat can hold 20 people max per COI and sport fisher can hold 6 passengers. Event outings vary from 1-4 hours in length. Other trips are quicker class deliveries/drop offs with children going to and from the Newport Sea Base and local venues such as the Back Bay Science Center, Balboa Fun Zone, Marina Park, the Wedge, and local beaches. You must be at least 21 years old, be certified in CPR and First Aid, and attain your CA Boater's Card upon being hired. Must also be able to pass random drug screens throughout tenure via the Maritime Consortium. Needs to be enthusiastic, patient, creative, and have a comfort and inclination working with children. Must be able to safely swim and participate in water-based activities, with or without reasonable accommodation. Must be comfortable communicating with young children, teens, and parents. Directly reports to the Program Director.
*Upon hire, must provide copy of USCG Master License and supporting documents/certifications.
Responsibilities/Duties
- Prepare and pre-trip all boats pre and post event
- Refill gas tanks when low; learn how to utilize local dock gas stations via NSB account
- Assist in supervising children aboard ensuring safety at all times
- Outlines rules and procedures before embarking on outings and enforcing rules throughout the duration of each event
- Track attendance on each boat's log especially the pontoon boat
- Ensure boat is cleaned, reorganized, and kept tidy after each outing
- Report program/equipment concerns to supervisor immediately.
- Teach youth water, boating and paddle craft safety.
- Be a positive role model and mentor to youth participants.
- Enforce appropriate student-discipline procedures.
- Communicate thoroughly and effectively with other program staff and Lead Instructors.
- Work together with lead teaching instructors aboard and prepare route in conjunction with the activity plan for the event
- Participate in scheduled staff trainings throughout the year
- Be comfortable learning how to operate a Boston Whaler, pontoon boat, sport fisher
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
The essential functions of this position can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Physical Requirements and Work Environment
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and marine conditions
- Ability to stand, walk, and maintain balance on moving vessels for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry equipment (approximately 25–50 lbs)
- Ability to safely board, exit, and operate vessels and docks
- Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations
- Ability to participate in water-based activities, including swimming
- Regular exposure to water, sun, and marine environments
Hours
September-May (School Year)
*Max. 20-40 hours per week (Mon-Fri) *Max. 10-20 hours per week (Weekdays and Sat)
Equal Opportunity Employer
Scouting America, Orange County Council is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to disability or any other protected status.
For more than 100 years, Scouting has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun and adventure in the outdoors. We care passionately about what is happening to kids and our communities – and are dedicated to supporting an exciting, quality program that builds better young people and our future leaders.
Here in Orange County, Scouting continues to improve families and our community by serving more than 20,000 youth. The Orange County Council is divided into 12 geographical areas called districts. Each district is made up of local Scouting units called Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews, and Exploring Posts that are chartered to a local school, religious organization, or community center. Scouting activities happen all year-long in your local neighborhood or at one of our beautiful scout camps.
If you would like to get involved with Scouting, or have a question about the exciting opportunities Scouting offers, please contact us at 1-800-20-SCOUT.
Founded
1920
Company size
11-50 employees
Industry
Non-profit Organization Management
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Santa Ana, California
For more than 100 years, Scouting has helped build future leaders by combining educational activities and lifelong values with fun and adventure in the outdoors. We care passionately about what is happening to kids and our communities – and are dedicated to supporting an exciting, quality program that builds better young people and our future leaders.
Here in Orange County, Scouting continues to improve families and our community by serving more than 20,000 youth. The Orange County Council is divided into 12 geographical areas called districts. Each district is made up of local Scouting units called Cub Scout Packs, Boy Scout Troops, Venturing Crews, and Exploring Posts that are chartered to a local school, religious organization, or community center. Scouting activities happen all year-long in your local neighborhood or at one of our beautiful scout camps.
If you would like to get involved with Scouting, or have a question about the exciting opportunities Scouting offers, please contact us at 1-800-20-SCOUT.
Founded
1920
Company size
11-50 employees
Industry
Non-profit Organization Management
Org type
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Santa Ana, California