2023 Employment Opportunities
Sheffield Island Manager
Sheffield Island Lighthouse (SILH) and the surrounding grounds are owned and operated by the Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA). The 154-year-old lighthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and receives over 7000 visitors annually. The guests arrive daily aboard the CJ Toth, a 45’ USCG passenger vessel also owned and operated by the NSA.
In addition to managing staff and daily assignments, it is the responsibility of the Sheffield Island Manager to ensure each guest has an enjoyable and educational experience while visiting SILH. Position is seasonal with full time responsibilities during the operating season. Must be able to manage numerous projects, island staff, and coordinate activities of volunteers. Requires coordination with US Fish and Wildlife Services programs while representing the NSA as the official Sheffield Island Lighthouse Ambassador.
Reporting Responsibility:
Reports directly to the President of the Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) or as directed by the President.
Work Schedule:
Five days per week, including Saturday, Sunday, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. In addition to standard weekday schedule, work may include evening and/or special events. The position is classified as Managerial with 35+ hours per week during the season of May – Early September. Weekends are +/- 8 hours per day. Special events or programs may require modification to this schedule.
Required Skills / Certifications:
Must possess or obtain CPR, First Aid, CT Safe Boating Certificate, Boating Skills, enroll in NSA random drug test program, be subjected to a background check, and meet other statutory requirements.
Position requirements/qualifications:
SILH Ambassador
- Maintain strong working knowledge of the SILH history.
- Provide tours as required for guests of Norwalk’s Harbor and SILH.
- Always maintain a clean personal appearance wearing NSA issued shirts, name badge and NSA hats, tan or blue pants or shorts.
SILH Staff Management
- Determine staffing needs, create weekly staff schedule with Business Manager.
- Create daily work assignments for staff.
- Provide required training for staff as needed.
- Maintain and approve all staff time sheets and submit to NSA office every Monday by noon along with merchandise inventory sheet.
Facilities Management
- Supervise maintenance of SILH, cottage, property and other structures owned / operated by the NSA on Sheffield Island.
- With the SILH Committee, identify long term projects; develop a plan with cost estimates for final Board approval.
- Maintain/monitor inventory of all required supplies.
- Monitor and take corrective action as needed to maintain clean, safe site including bathroom facilities.
- Provide for daily removal of all garbage.
SAFETY
- Perform continuous safety inspection of buildings and grounds; take immediate necessary action to correct problems to maintain a safe environment for guests/staff.
- Maintain and post all necessary emergency plans.
- Act as primary liaison with Coast Guard, police, and fire department.
- Maintain the communication system and First Aid Kit.
- Maintain fire extinguishers; provide necessary training to staff in proper use.
- Provide safe lighting for evening functions.
- Island Manager is to be SILH first responder while on duty.
- Ensure that all safety / Island rules are posted and enforced.
Financial
- Maintain, review, and approve weekly staff time sheets.
- Record and account for fees collected from private boaters / visitors.
- Maintain records and inventories for sales of soda, water, snacks, souvenirs, and donation collection box.
- Submit reports and monies collected as required.
Sheffield Island Lighthouse (SILH) Ambassador
Duties include:
- Meet and greet visitors and be readily available to answer questions
- Provide group tours of SILH and surrounding grounds for all visitors
- Provide narrative for guests aboard the CJ Toth during transit to and from SILH
- Serve as boat “First Mate” on CJ Toth ferry upon certification by NSA.
General Sheffield Island Lighthouse maintenance duties include:
- Lawn & grounds maintenance
- General island cleanup
- General interior cleaning of SILH
- Collect all garbage / debris and package for removal from island
- General cleaning of bathroom facilities
- General cleaning of light keepers cottage
- Inspect island grounds area to identify hazards or potential safety problems; correct and immediately inform manager. Enforce all posted and
non-posted SILH rules & regulations - General maintenance and cleaning of all Seaport boats
- Complete daily inspection / inventory of all required items & report findings to manager.
- Complete daily inspection of all operating equipment and report findings to manager.
- Other duties as required for special events
Position requirements/qualifications:
- CPR and first aid certification, or ability to obtain certification
- Must complete Seaport approved & CT required 2 hour sexual harassment prevention class.
- ALL STAFF WILL BE SUBJECTED TO A BACKGROUND CHECK CONDUCTED BY AN OUTSIDE SERVICE PRIOR TO AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT. ALL STAFF WILL BE ENROLLED IN A CERTIFIED RANDOM DRUG TEST PROGRAM.
- Complete COVID-19 safety / awareness program per CT guidelines.
- Experience in small boat handling a plus.
- Safe Boating Certificate, or ability to obtain certification a plus.
- Learn history of SILH and Norwalk harbor landmarks.
- Proficient and comfortable speaking to large groups of visitors
- Must participate in and pass ongoing third party drug test program
- Minimum age requirement: 16 years old (as of July 1, 2024)
- Staff employees must be available for work any day including weekends, holidays and evenings for special events. The 2024 Seaport Season: Memorial Day – End of June weekends only; July – Labor Day 7 days a week including special events. Anticipate working approximately 35 hours per week (July& August).
- Staff members are representing the Norwalk Seaport Association and at all times are expected to conduct themselves in a courteous, professional manner.
- Staff members are required to maintain a clean professional image and wear standard “uniform” which includes Seaport issued shirts; employee provided tan / khaki colored shorts or pants; when determined appropriate for the day’s work schedule by the manager, the staff may wear blue jeans; work shoes/boots or sneakers.
- Work ticket booth operations and become proficient in operating Seaport ticketing system.
Resumes should be submitted to info@seaport.org
The Norwalk Seaport Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer
