The following states, plus some locations in Canada, have lighthouse accommodations to consider: Many states and coastal areas have hostels, vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts options for lighthouse facilities. An alternative is to stay at a lighthouse for a vacation. Here are some example qualifications some programs might require:īecause the profession has fewer full-time positions than in the past, finding work as a lighthouse keeper might be challenging. Sometimes membership in a lighthouse association is required. Your duties might include leading tour groups, doing light maintenance or tending grounds, and you can often stay for a few days or up to a few weeks. You can often volunteer as a host lighthouse keeper or for a small fee, typically as a seasonal option from late spring through early fall. Other lighthouses now serve as museums, which can also have employment opportunities. Many local or historical preservation groups maintain responsibility for lighthouses not operated by the Coast Guard or Navy, and they often rely on volunteer work. Lighthouse Society or the National Park Service. Check industry groups or professional organizationsĬonsider checking with professional organizations like the U.S. Consider exploring what geographic areas interest you, what lighthouses are nearby and which have programs for keepers. The United States has the most lighthouses of any country and more are historical facilities in lake regions, like the Great Lakes, or prominent coastal areas, like New England. Location is important to work as a lighthouse keeper since you need proximity to large bodies of water or ocean ways. Related: How To Find Your Passion for a More Fulfilling Career 2. Because many lighthouses are now historical landmarks, learning about lighthouses overall is important, though you might also want to research details of particular lighthouses where you want to work. Consider becoming familiar with boats and maritime history, learning how to read topographic maps and becoming an experienced swimmer. Interest in lighthouses, maritime history or water and navigation can be helpful for lighthouse keepers and enthusiasts. How to become a lighthouse keeperĬonsider following these five steps if you have an interest in becoming a lighthouse keeper: 1. Nearly all national lighthouses are automated according to the National Park Service, except for one in Boston, Massachusetts, which still has an official lighthouse keeper. Navy and Coast Guard, and others serve as museums, landmarks and event locations often run by historical societies. Working lighthouses today often are in the jurisdiction of the U.S. Providing tours and historical information Maintaining grounds, boat launch and navigational equipment aids Here are some other common responsibilities of a lighthouse keeper: You often raise the flag in the morning, check the generator or turn it on and listen to marine radio for any special announcements. During storms, you keep the light on all constantly to warn and guide those on the water. As a lighthouse keeper, you operate the light daily with a changing schedule based on weather, seasons and location. Related: Big Five Personality Traits: Finding the Right Jobs For You What does a lighthouse keeper do?Ī lighthouse keeper has a variety of responsibilities, which vary depending on if a lighthouse is still fully functional or serves as a historical landmark. Global positioning systems (GPS) replaced lighthouses as official navigation guides for the shipping and boating industry, though many lighthouses still function and help guide local and recreational boaters. With the automation of lighthouses, there are fewer lighthouse keepers in the profession. Historically, the lighthouse keeper's business and duties got passed down from generation to generation within families until technological advances changed the industry outlook. Often, a lighthouse keeper lives in or near the lighthouse, especially because many are in remote areas. They're responsible for the upkeep of the lighthouse tower, lights, mechanisms and grounds. Related: 100 Most Interesting Jobs What is a lighthouse keeper?Ī lighthouse keeper is a maritime professional who helps guide boaters on the water and prevents shipwrecks. In this article, we discuss what a lighthouse keeper is, how much they earn, what skills they have and how to become one in five steps. Knowing more about lighthouse keepers and what they do can help you determine whether it's a good career path or professional hobby for you. They often work with the lens and light functionality, though lighthouse keepers were even more essential when oil lamps powered the devices. A lighthouse keeper tends and cares for a lighthouse, helping guide ships and boats on major waterways.
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