WomenInCareers | Research Vessel Captain at University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire, United States

Research Vessel Captain

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University of New Hampshire

Location: Durham, New Hampshire
Category: Admin-Laboratory and Research
Application Deadline:

Job Description

Operating Title

Research Vessel Captain

Long Classification Title

CAPTAIN OF RESEARCH VESSEL

Campus Location

Durham

Department

UNH Marine Sciences and Ocean Engineering

Summary of Position

Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a seasonal field station located on Appledore Island, Maine (10 miles from our dock in Portsmouth, NH). In operations for over 55 years, SML is the largest and oldest marine laboratory in the country focused on undergraduate education. The SML mission is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment. SML is open for programming from May through September. Our year-round office is located at UNH in Durham, NH.

The key focus of the Research Vessel Captain (Captain) is to operate, maintain and ensure the safety of the R/V John M. Kingsbury, R/V J.B. Heiser, and all other elements of the Appledore waterfront to provide transportation, supplies and program services to Appledore participants. Reporting to the SML Director of Operations, the Captain will supervise waterfront staff, including two seasonal captains, crew and some student staff at any given time. Coordinate vessel schedules with island and mainland staff to accommodate program needs and transportation of passengers and freight. Provide routine preventative maintenance and troubleshoot problems on all SML watercraft including vessels, motors, floats, moorings, barges, and docks. Schedule and oversee yard periods for all boats; develop a maintenance plan; and work with SML leadership to ensure all lab needs are addressed through yard period. Ensure that all vessels have proper documentation, inspections, permits and registrations. Oversee the operation of all laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water academic activities with particular attention to the safety of all vessel occupants. Service as a waterfront instructor in SML courses. Expected to be available in case of emergency during the operating season.

Acceptable minimum level of education

Associate's

Acceptable minimum years of experience

3-5 years

Posting Number

PS4989FY25

Other minimum qualifications

Associate degree or technical/vocational school degree
U.S. Coast Guard 50 ton near-coastal license.
4 years Captain experience
Strong background in vessel maintenance/diesel engines/mechanical systems/electrical systems.
Maintain vessel records/logs in accordance within US Coast Guard regulations
Appropriate FCC licensing.
Experience operating and maintaining vessels similar to our current vessels: R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V J.B. Heiser
Strong interest in education, the environment and marine affairs
Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment
Ability to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of all scheduled and unscheduled baggage, materials and supplies both on Appledore and on the mainland.
Participate in SML substance-abuse testing program and oversee drug testing compliance for seasonal staff.
Flexibility
Creativity
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to respond to off-hour calls for emergencies.
This position is residential during SML’s operating season; 4-5 nights per week in residence on Appledore Island is expected from April – October.

Additional Preferred Qualifications

U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton near-coastal license.
Knowledge of local waters
Remote field station or marine laboratory experience
Advanced emergency and medical training. SML may financially support such training.

Salary Information

Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off.

Quicklink for Posting

https://jobs.usnh.edu/postings/64122

Percent Time Information (FTE)

0.77

Grade

20

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

Posting Date

11/13/2024

Open Until Filled

Yes

Posting Open to Internal Candidates Only?

No

Interested Internal Candidates Exist?

No

Job Category

Salaried Staff (Exempt)

Appointment Type

Regular

Drivers License and Physical Requirements. Please check all items that apply.

Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel, Valid Drivers License and Safe Driving Record

Duty/Responsibility

Operate the R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V John B Heiser and all other vessels owned and operated by the Shoals Marine Laboratory.

Supervise and train all crew members working aboard SML vessels.
Ensure the safety of all passengers (may include faculty, students, staff, and/or visitors).
Train other individuals to safely operate all SML vessels, as appropriate.
Conduct general administrative duties including maintaining vessel logs and scheduling waterfront staff.
Develop a vessel sustainability/maintenance plan and manage the waterfront budget according.
Be able to work within UNH’s on-line purchasing portal in order to process P-card purchases, set up vendors and Purchase Orders.
Overseeing the operation of laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water laboratories, paying particular attention to the health and safety of all boat occupants.
Instructing students and/or faculty in the use of oceanographic equipment.
Providing instruction on navigation, boat operation, boat maintenance or marine- related topics.
Work with UNH and other partners on waterfront/boat related issues.
Take a leadership role in vessel replacement planning and activities.

Duty/Responsibility

Provide routine, preventative maintenance and troubleshoot problems on all SML vessels and waterfront facilities including.

R/V John M. Kingsbury, R/V John B. Heiser, R/V Miss Christine, Sailboats, inflatables, outboards.
Floats, moorings, docks (island and mainland), and barges.

Duty/Responsibility

Schedule and oversee yard periods for all vessels. Ensure all maintenance and academic needs are addressed during yard period.

Prioritize vessel maintenance and needs to avoid impacts on the operating season.
Set up vendors/contractors and related paperwork as needed.
Perform work on the vessels along with the yard to complement maintenance as needed.
Provide suggestions and implement improvements to existing equipment and vessels.

Duty/Responsibility

Work with the proper agencies to ensure that all vessels have the proper logs, documentation, inspections, permits and registrations.