Careers

Interested in joining our team?

Moving past our 40 year milestone in the boat building industry, Van Dam Custom Boats combines a commitment to legacy craftsmanship and a passion to be the best boat builder in the world with an unmatched, lifetime guarantee*. We are seeking like-minded individuals willing to help us raise the bar of excellence.

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on

our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard.

If you feel you have what it takes to work with the best of the best, we would love to hear from you. Explore the positions below for more detailed information. Tell us a bit about yourself by submitting a cover letter of interest as well as a resume of your experiences and work history.

Benefits

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

A premium health and wellness insurance plan, including medical insurance, dental insurance, and vision insurance is provided at no cost to employees.

401k

A 3% Safe Harbor contribution is provided for each employee, regardless of plan participation.

Paid Time Off

Paid time off begins accruing immediately with employment.

Life Insurance & Long-Term Disability

Company provided life insurance policy in the amount of $5000 and long-term disability coverage is available for employee purchase at low group rates.

Open Book Management & Profit Sharing Program

The entire team is provided relevant company financial information leading to direct involvement in driving company efficiencies and successes. We promote a team focused, results driven culture and share the benefits this brings to our financial bottom line.

Continuing Education

We take great pride in being on the leading edge of construction techniques; we look for opportunities to support continuing education for everyone on our team. Consideration will be given to fund any continuing education or training that aligns with/furthers team goals.

Casual Attire

Workwear is supplied and an annual stipend for Van Dam branded clothing is provided.

Competitive Living Wages

Commensurate with experience and willingness to learn and contribute.

After Hours Use of Shop & Company Tools

Personal projects are fulfilling and can also expand skill sets – we are excited to support both.

2

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Be aware of your words and actions when interacting with customers, co-workers, friends and family.

View all of our
cultural fundamentals

One-Of-A-Kind
Culture

To be the best, there must be a commitment to a common purpose; a team that puts the good of the whole at the forefront of every action. Learn more about the culture behind the craft.

Our Fundamentals

Current Openings

THE COMPANY

The crew at Van Dam consists of some of the most highly skilled wooden boat builders in the industry as well as young, keen people working through the company’s own apprenticeship program. We are a creative, hardworking and happy bunch on a quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. With a constant pursuit for perfection and the highest standards, Van Dam is renowned for the beautiful artwork of its boat building.

By joining our team, you will be working on some of the most exciting and finest wooden boat building projects in the world with a small, dedicated team that has built a larger variety of wooden boats than anyone in North America. It is a place where your contribution matters! We have an expansive shop with state-of-the-art equipment and a culture that supports the people and the mission. Our backlog stretches into 2024 with people around the world waiting for their chance to build their dream with this team. Growth potential and training in the areas of project leadership, build management and technical knowledge is available, and it is expected that you will want to participate and take an active role in your growth.

THE POSITION

Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking a talented, energetic, and motivated Project Manager. As an experienced member of our team, you will be expected to take manage projects from start to finish. Projects could involve a simpler scope of work, such as installation of a new bow rail, or they could involve a highly complicated scope of work, such as major refits, lasting months in duration. The Project Manager is at the center of the boat project; they ensure the project is running on time and on budget, ensuring the different departments have what they need to be successful, and keeping in constant communication with the customer. While it is not required, experience and knowledge with building boats is a major asset to this position. Candidates should have 2 or more years of experience managing large scale projects, with a slant toward the manufacturing or construction industries. Any experience with related trades, such as wood working, metal fabrication, or mechanical and electrical systems is a plus. Key opportunities will be utilized to provide hands-on experience to further expand abilities in the position. Day to day, you will report directly to the President, and you will work alongside other Project Managers, the Sales Manager, Department Managers, and our awesome crew of craftspeople. You will be expected to bring good energy, enthusiasm and tenacity every day. Active participation in everything from developing solutions for day-to-day challenges to the financials of the business and our monthly meetings is important and expected. Compensation is commensurate with experience; range is $55,000-$85,000.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Live our fundamentals
  • Accountable for:
    • Project is on time and on budget
    • Project meets quality standard
    • Customer satisfaction
    • Project workflow is planned and executed for each department
    • Setting goals weekly and monthly, including Project Milestones
    • Tracking work (data, report, plan, budget)
    • Taking project from print to finished product
    • Proactive communication with Project Leads, President, Craftspeople, Design Team
    • Participating in sales process by gathering work estimates with each department
    • Communicating upcoming labor needs to Production Leadership team
    • Ordering parts and materials and making sure they are available when the crew needs them
    • Customer contact regarding budget, time frame, updates, details
    • Documenting and estimating change orders
    • Resolving technical issues and/or reaching out for support as needed to aid in making final decision on resolution
    • Overseeing project safety
    • Coordinating project subcontractors
    • Daily and Weekly huddles
    • Leading culture of project: morale and communication
    • Execute project as designed
  • Bring energy and enthusiasm

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Minimum 2 years’ experience in Project Management
  • Wooden Boat Building experience is highly desired
  • Significant experience and comfort with Microsoft Suite, especially Excel
  • ABYC familiarity (certifications desired)
  • Highly organized
  • Excellent communicator
  • Ability to lead a team throughout lifecycle of project
  • Excellent customer service and care

THE LOCATION

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard. We have great schools, reasonably priced housing, fabulous restaurants, a vibrant farm market, plus much more for people that value community and nature.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. We offer a comprehensive benefit package (check it out here) and generous compensation for proven experience. And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE. We are on a mission! Come join us!

THE COMPANY

The crew at Van Dam consists of some of the most highly skilled wooden boat builders in the industry as well as young, keen people working through the company’s own apprenticeship program.  We are a creative, hardworking and happy bunch on a quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. With a constant pursuit for perfection and the highest standards, Van Dam is renowned for the beautiful artwork of its boat building.

By joining our team, you will be working on some of the most exciting and finest wooden boat building projects in the world with a small, dedicated team that has built a larger variety of wooden boats than anyone in North America.  It is a place where your contribution matters!  We have an expansive shop with state-of-the-art equipment and a culture that supports the people and the mission.  Our backlog stretches into 2024 with people around the world waiting for their chance to build their dream with this team.  Growth potential and training in the areas of project leadership, build management and technical knowledge is available, and it is expected that you will want to participate and take an active role in your growth.

THE POSITION

Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking a talented, energetic, and motivated addition to the team.  As an experienced member of our team, you will be expected to be fluent in all aspects of cold molded construction, from building frames and stringers, to laminating hull skins and exterior planking, to the different types of joinery commonly used in boat building to fairing surfaces without the need to add filler.  A thorough understanding of the structural challenges and concerns when working with wood and an attention to detail are expected.  Furthermore, the ability to shift from hull construction into interior construction and detailed woodworking for both painted and varnished surfaces will be expected.  Experience with electrical systems installation, mechanical systems installation and engine and drivetrain installation is desired.  Basic experience with composites is also desired.  In this role you will most typically be a part of an entire build project working on everything from the hull construction thru interior construction, helping in the metal and paint departments, and doing the final assembly.  You will also be occasionally bounced around as projects come in with smaller worklists that just need to be accomplished.  Day to day, you will report directly to one of the project managers, but you will also have oversight and consistent direct involvement with the president of the company.  You will be expected to bring good energy, enthusiasm and tenacity every day.  Active participation in everything from developing solutions for day-to-day challenges to the financials of the business and our monthly meetings is important and expected.  Compensation is commensurate with experience; range is $21-$30 per hour.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Live our fundamentals
  • Consistently perform high quality work in areas including but not limited to:
    • Hull and deck structural components
    • Laminating skins
    • Hull planking for bright finished hullsides and decks
    • Fairing surfaces
    • Cabinetry
    • Fine woodworking
  • Meet timelines set forth by the Project Manager or bring up issues early if not able to meet the timeline.
  • Learn our way first, then bring the benefit of your experience
  • Execute on tasks with little or no guidance (After proper instruction)
  • Be your own quality control and bring issues to the Project Manager when you see them
  • Bring energy and enthusiasm
  • Be a contributing member of the team, able to take on multiple aspects of projects
  • Constantly improve your abilities
  • Take responsibility for your experience here
  • Willingness to work regular overtime (at 1.5x hourly wage)

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Minimum 4 years’ experience building wooden boats
  • Significant experience and comfort with cold molding
  • ABYC familiarity (certifications desired)
  • Electrical and mechanical experience desired

THE LOCATION

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard. We have great schools, reasonably priced housing, fabulous restaurants, a vibrant farm market, plus much more for people that value community and nature.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment. Applicants must have at least four years of cold molded boat building and woodworking experience. Any experience with related trades such as metalworking, finishing and mechanical systems are a plus.  We offer a comprehensive benefit package (check it out here) and generous compensation for proven experience.  And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE.  We are on a mission!  Come join us! Please submit your letter of interest, portfolio of experiences, and references.

THE COMPANY

The crew at Van Dam consists of some of the most highly skilled wooden boat builders in the industry as well as young, keen people working through the company’s own apprenticeship program.  We are a creative, hardworking and happy bunch on a quest to build the finest wooden boats in the world. With a constant pursuit for perfection and the highest standards, Van Dam is renowned for the beautiful artwork of its boat building.

By joining our team, you will be working on some of the most exciting and finest wooden boat building projects in the world with a small, dedicated team that has built a larger variety of wooden boats than anyone in North America.  It is a place where your contribution matters!  We have an expansive shop with state-of-the-art equipment and a culture that supports the people and the mission.  Our backlog stretches into 2024 with people around the world waiting for their chance to build their dream with this team.  Growth potential and training in the areas of project leadership, build management and technical knowledge is available, and it is expected that you will want to participate and take an active role in your growth.

THE POSITION

Van Dam Custom Boats, one of the world’s premier wooden boat builders, is seeking a talented and energetic Wooden Boat Restorer.  As an experienced member of our team, you will be expected to be fluent in the restoration of traditionally built boats of all types and sizes.  You will be expected to be able to make repairs with minimal supervision, as well as perform major restorations with other members of our team.  The ability to inspect a vessel and determine the extent of repair needed and the ability to communicate that information to the Project Manager or President is a requirement of the job.  It is expected that you will create a solution for the problem and then confirm with the Project Manager or President that the solution meets the high level of craftsmanship required at Van Dam.  Execution of the repair with little guidance is also required.  Knowledge of historical boats and their construction is important.  You will also be expected to be able to install and do light troubleshooting for older engines and drives as well as the drivetrain components.  Knowledge of historical engines is a plus.  Experience with electrical systems and general boat systems as well as experience in metal fabrication and paint and varnish are also highly appreciated.  You will also be expected to join in on new boat construction where needed with the rest of the team, using cold molding techniques, and pitch in building components for new construction projects. 

In this role you will most typically be juggling several smaller restoration projects to help keep some of the traditionally built wooden boats that we service and store in excellent condition.  You will also be joining in where needed in new boat construction, or running with one of the small woodworking projects that we oftentimes get.  On occasion a complete plank off restoration or rebuild will be performed as well.  Also on occasion, a large refit will be part of your scope of work.  Day to day, you will report directly to one of the Project Managers, but you will also have oversight and consistent direct involvement with the President of the company.  You will be expected to bring good energy, enthusiasm and tenacity every day.  Active participation in everything from developing solutions for day-to-day challenges to the financials of the business and our monthly meetings is important and expected.  Compensation is commensurate with experience; range is $23-$28 per hour plus full benefits.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Consistently perform high quality work in areas including but not limited to:
    • Repairs to traditionally built boats
    • Trouble shooting and fixing rot
    • Replacing parts in older boats (example, replacing a broken frame or bad plank)
    • Cabinetry
    • Fine woodworking
  • Generate estimates for amount of time needed for repairs
  • Meet timelines set forth by the Project Manager (based on your estimates) or bring up issues early if not able to meet the timeline.
  • Communicate clearly regarding scope of work, proposed solutions and targeted outcome
  • Execute on tasks with little or no guidance (After proper communication with PM or President)
  • Be your own quality control and bring issues to the Project Manager when you see them
  • Bring energy and enthusiasm
  • Be a contributing member of the team, able to take on multiple aspects of projects
  • Constantly improve your abilities
  • Take responsibility for your experience here
  • Willingness to work regular overtime (at 1.5x hourly wage)

Requirements and Qualifications:

  • Minimum 6 years’ experience restoring wooden boats
  • Vast knowledge of how traditionally built boats are repaired in order to preserve their legacy.
  • ABYC familiarity (certifications desired)
  • Electrical and mechanical experience desired
  • Knowledge of historical boats and engines
  • Very high level of detail and quality control

THE LOCATION

Located in beautiful Boyne City, Michigan on the shores of Lake Charlevoix, you will find four seasons of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy boating and fishing on our many inland lakes and rivers as well as on the Great Lakes. Every snow activity imaginable is available at our three area ski resorts while biking, hiking, and camping are right in our back yard. We have great schools, reasonably priced housing, fabulous restaurants, a vibrant farm market, plus much more for people that value community and nature.

HOW TO APPLY

This position is offered as full-time, year-round employment.  We offer a comprehensive benefit package and generous compensation for proven experience.  And in case you missed them, we live our cultural fundamentals everyday – you can review them HERE.  We are on a mission!  Come join us!

Apply

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A remarkable
History

“What started off as a dream to sail around the world in a boat we built ourselves, gradually changed into a vision to ensure the future of craftsmanship. Van Dam Custom Boats was born.” – Steve Van Dam

Our History

A Brand New
Facility

In keeping with the Cultural Fundamentals of the company, importance is placed on the efficient, effective and orderly flow of the work day. Continuous improvement includes our surroundings.

Campus
Van Dam building exterior photo.
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