TFD Adventure Co.
Job Title: Mate/Deckhand Seasonal: May 1 - October 10, 2026
Location: Saugatuck/Douglas, Mi.
This role is: Part-Time
Job Status: Seasonal
Wage: $18/Hr plus 40% of gratuity (Hourly wage is solely based on charter duration. See wage explained for details. )
Reports to: Owner & Operating Captain
About Us:
With Great Lakes come great responsibilities. TFD Adventure Co. is rewriting the traditional charter experience by providing a new and exciting way to enjoy the water! We provide a personalized experience designed specifically for our guests. TFD Adventure Co. offers a variety of charters including private charters, corporate charters, daily public cruises, sunset cruises, and other special events. We operate out of Safe Harbor Tower Marine in Douglas, Michigan. Our goal is to provide the most innovative charter offering in our area while maintaining the highest level of safety, service, sustainability, and support of our local community. We have been operating for five years and have solidified ourselves as one of the premier offerings in the area and maintain a five star rating on all platforms over hundreds of reviews. We have achieved this through our dedication to safety, cleanliness, customer service, and our unique charter offering. Not to mention our unique 35ft custom built catamaran pontoons that are Coast Guard certified to safely accommodate up to 25 passengers per vessel. We are excited to share the news that we are expanding our fleet with our newly commissioned "The Anne Bonny" this month!
About You:
We are looking for an outgoing and energetic Mate/Deckhands that shares our vision of supplying the most innovative charter experience paired with unparalleled customer service. We believe that there isn’t anything better than a West Michigan summer spent on the water. In this role, you will be outside the entire time. No fluorescent lighting, no desk, no factory smell, just fresh air, new friends, and fresh water. We are looking for someone who is a quick learner, takes initiative, and has customer service experience. Ability to follow and implement instructions and safety procedures is mandatory. Boating experience is not required but is preferred. Saugatuck/Douglas is a small community, it is important that our employees understand that they are representing our brand on and off the boat. We are looking for people who do not use drugs and either don’t drink or do so responsibly and lawfully.
Physical/Environmental Demands:
The safety of our guests and crew is always first priority. First mates are required to have spatial awareness, quick response time, and the ability to implement/follow safety procedures. Launching and docking the boat is not always an easy task due to current and wind. The Mate/Deckhand is required to assist the captain to make sure this goes smoothly. This might involve getting on the dock before the boat is halted, reaching for a piling to pull the boat towards the dock and anything else the Captain needs to safely dock and launch. You will also be on your feet a majority of the day. Other than that, the job should be smooth sailing mostly revolving around entertaining the passengers and maintaining vessel cleanliness.
Job Responsibilities:
Assist captain with duties including:
Monthly Safety Drills:
As required by USCG, all crew members are required to do a mandatory monthly man overboard and fire drill. We will try out best to accommodate everyone’s schedule and do this when everyone is available. A trained Captain will walk you through the entire process. The biggest factor in this drill is proper communication between Captain and crew. You should be able to perform each drill adequately and effectively before the end of the session. If any crew member does not have their monthly drill completed they will not be able to work. This is a great opportunity for all of the crew to catch up and go on a boat ride together! Drills should take about an hour and will be paid at $18/hr.
Schedule:
The position is designed with schedule flexibility in mind. TFD Adventure Co. will have a crew of Mate/Deckhands with differing availability and requested workload. We will try our best to evenly distribute the charters among employees while satisfying everyone’s requested workload. Most tours are booked well in advance but we also receive day of bookings. In this case, there will be a group message sent out and the first to reply that they are available will work the charter. We understand that schedules change, we just ask that you be up front and transparent well in advance so we can adjust accordingly.
Wage Explained:
This is a contract labor position. The Mate/Deckhand position pays $18/hour + 40% of gratuity. The hourly wage is based on the duration of the charter. Our charters are a minimum of 2 hours but guests might reserve the boat for the full day (6 hours). The Mate/Deckhand will be required to show up at least 30 minutes before a scheduled charter in order to assist the Captain get the boat ready and to assist during our 20 minute orientation with the guests. They will also be required to stay after the charter for up to 30 minutes to help clean the vessel. This preparation time is mandatory but does not apply towards charter duration. We do not require our guests to pay gratuity but most guests tip very well so you should make quite a bit more than the base wage each shift.
If you feel like you would be a good fit with our company or if you have any questions please contact me. I look forward to speaking with you!
Vanette Beaudreault - Co-Owner/Manager
Job Type: Seasonal
Pay: $18.00 - $50.00 per hour
Benefits:
Shift availability:
Ability to Commute:
Work Location: In person