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Volunteer Shipwright Jobs (NOW HIRING)

US Department of the Navy

SHIPWRIGHT

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$32.07/hr

You will serve as a Shipwright in the located in the Service Shop (990), Production Resources ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

US Department of the Navy

$49.49/hr

You will serve as a SHIPWRIGHT SUPERVISOR I in the PRODUCTION RESOURCES DEPARTMENT of PEARL HARBOR ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

US Department of the Navy

$41.90/hr

You will serve as a SHIPWRIGHT LEADER (EXPERT) in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work site of ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$49.49/hr

You will serve as a SHIPWRIGHT SUPERVISOR I in the PRODUCTION RESOURCES DEPARTMENT of PEARL HARBOR ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)

$41.90/hr

You will serve as a SHIPWRIGHT LEADER (EXPERT) in the DEPARTMENT OF NAVY to include work site of ... Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable ...

Crew NY

Shipwright

New York, NY · On-site

$26 - $50/hr

Seeking an inspired and motivated, self-starter Shipwright who can take direction and work ... Willingness and ability to work with non-professional shipyard volunteers * Ability and willingness ...

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Volunteer Shipwright information

See salary details

$8

$19

$33

How much do volunteer shipwright jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer shipwright in the United States is $19.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer Shipwright, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Shipwright, you need a solid understanding of woodworking, boat construction techniques, and basic mechanical skills, often gained through hands-on experience or vocational training. Familiarity with tools such as saws, chisels, sanders, and occasionally CAD software is typical, and safety certifications may be beneficial. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a passion for maritime heritage are important soft skills in this collaborative environment. These skills ensure the quality, safety, and preservation of vessels while contributing positively to restoration projects and the community.

What are Volunteer Shipwrights?

Volunteer Shipwrights are individuals who offer their time and skills, often without pay, to help build, repair, or restore boats and ships. They typically work with maritime museums, community boat yards, or non-profit organizations that preserve historical vessels or promote boatbuilding education. These volunteers may have varying levels of experience, from seasoned professionals to enthusiastic beginners, and often receive training on the job. Their work can include woodworking, rigging, painting, and other tasks essential to maintaining maritime heritage. Volunteering as a shipwright is a valuable way to learn traditional skills, contribute to the community, and support the preservation of nautical history.

What types of projects and tasks can a Volunteer Shipwright expect to work on during a typical week?

As a Volunteer Shipwright, you may find yourself involved in a variety of hands-on tasks, including repairing hulls, restoring wooden vessels, assisting with painting, and maintaining traditional rigging. Most volunteer shipwrights work as part of a collaborative team, often guided by experienced professionals or lead volunteers, and you might also help with sourcing materials or documenting restoration progress. The work environment is usually dynamic, with a strong sense of camaraderie and an emphasis on safety and preservation of maritime heritage. Volunteers often gain exposure to specialized woodworking techniques and can take on increasing responsibilities as their skills grow.

What is the difference between Volunteer Shipwright vs Volunteer Boat Builder?

AspectVolunteer ShipwrightVolunteer Boat Builder
Required CredentialsBasic woodworking skills, maritime knowledgeBasic woodworking skills, design understanding
Work EnvironmentShipyards, maritime museums, restoration sitesWorkshops, community projects, restoration sites
Employer & Industry UsageMaritime museums, restoration projects, non-profitsCommunity groups, non-profits, educational programs

Volunteer Shipwrights focus on restoring and repairing ships, often requiring maritime knowledge, while Volunteer Boat Builders typically construct or restore smaller boats, emphasizing woodworking skills. Both roles are vital in maritime preservation and community projects, but they differ mainly in the scale and type of vessels involved.

More about Volunteer Shipwright jobs
What cities are hiring for Volunteer Shipwright jobs? Cities with the most Volunteer Shipwright job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Shipwright jobs? The most popular types of Shipwright jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Shipwright jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Shipwright jobs are:
Volunteer Shipwright jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Shipwright job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 91% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,804 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
SHIPWRIGHT

SHIPWRIGHT

US Department of the Navy

Portsmouth, VA • On-site

$32.07/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

United States Navy rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 371 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 46 rated military and defense

Job description

You will serve as a Shipwright in the located in the Service Shop (990), Production Resources Department Manager (901), Production Resources Department (900) of NORFOLK NAVAL SHIPYARD.Qualifications:Although a specific length of time and experience is not required for most trade and labor occupations, you must show through experience and training that you possess the quality level of knowledge and skill necessary to perform the duties of the position at the level for which you are applying. Qualification requirements emphasis is on quality of experience, not necessarily the length of time.
Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the job elements and screen out listed below.
This job has a screen-out element which will be used to determine minimum eligibility for this job. Applicants who do not receive a minimum of two points on the screen-out element(s) will be found ineligible. The Screen-out Element for this position is: ABILITY TO DO THE WORK OF THE POSITION WITHOUT MORE THAN NORMAL SUPERVISION
  • Experience reading, interpreting, and working from blueprints, plan, sketches, manufacturers and military specifications.
  • Experience utilizing shop arithmetic, algebra, and geometry to make accurate layouts of material.
  • Experience demonstrating skill and knowledge of builds and layouts of bulge blocks as supporting cradles during docking and undocking procedures.
  • Experience cutting and building blocks and other parts for supporting cradles.
  • Experience laying-out center line and reference points for use in docking and undocking of vessels.
  • Experience distinguishing required adjustments to bilge and keel blocks for proper alignment.
Applicants must meet the requirements of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Job Qualification Handbook for Trades and Labor Occupations. Additional qualification information can be found at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=List-of-Approved-Job-Elements
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs, public safety statistics centers and offices, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

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