Careers

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!