Fort Ticonderoga seeks candidates for a three-month maritime trades internship, supported in part by the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership. The intern will receive hands-on instruction from professional interpreters in maritime carpentry, including framing and planking, as well as caulking and finishing experience. They will also practice sail-making and rigging techniques, as applied to the operation of reproduction boats. The intern will have the opportunity to repair and service our existing reproduction bateaux. During special events and special student programs, this intern will help operate reproduction bateaux on Lake Champlain. The intern will assist with immersive hands-on maritime trades programs for student and scout audiences. Over the course of the summer, the intern will have the opportunity to engage with interpretation, education, curatorial and collections staff. Fort Ticonderoga’s unique and immersive educational approach introduces visitors to global concepts in Ticonderoga’s naval history on the Lake Champlain corridor and its role in the founding of our nation, through handson exploration of naval transport.

Location

Fort Ticonderoga is on the picturesque western shore of Lake Champlain; in the town of Ticonderoga approximately 1.5 hours drive south of Burlington, VT and 2 hours north of Albany.  Many natural and outdoor activities are nearby, including many on Lake George, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack mountains. Being in a rural location, having access to a car is essential.

Payment

Hourly rate of $18/hr. (taxable) and will be provided with subsidized, self-catering accommodation on the Fort Ticonderoga grounds, if needed (if not needed, please mention so in your application).

Closing Date

Applications should be received by May 1, 2026.

Internship Date

The internship will run from June through August (exact dates to be determined with intern).

Responsibilities

• Work closely with the Director of Interpretation, Artificer Carpenter, and Maritime Interpreters to build and install bateau framing and planking.
• Learn and grow sail-making and rigging techniques.
• Assist in the maintenance of reproduction bateau, using period materials and techniques.
• Assist with hands-on maritime programs in daily interpretation and special youth programs.
• Assist with bateau operations for special living history and reenactment events.

Education and Experience

• Enrollment or recent graduate from a history or boat-building program.
• Relevant coursework or work experience in history or historic trades.
• Relevant coursework or experience with naval history or living history may be beneficial, but is not required.

Work Skills & Conduct

• Enthusiasm and interest in maritime crafts.
• Ability to concentrate on a task for long periods of time.
• Ability to work independently and also as a part of a team.
• Dependable and collaborative team player.
• Good time-management, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of working outside, in varied weather conditions.
• Ability to exhibit safe and responsible conduct in outdoor environments.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Showcase a professional, friendly, and helpful attitude when engaging guests while completing tasks in a timely and quality manner.
• Dress in period clothes in an authentic & professional manner:

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS WITH APPLICATION

Letter of interest, resume including relevant experience or coursework, and one letter of recommendation.

Apply online below. If a physical application is requested, please call 518-585-2821.

Fort Ticonderoga is an Equal Opportunity Employer.