Description
Small Research Vessel (R/V) Captain
The Small R/V Captain assists the Marine Fleet Coordinator in all aspects of waterfront operations at Palmer Station. At times, there will be two Small R/V Captains on station. Through the voice of the Marine Fleet Coordinator, the waterfront team act as the resident professional mariners on station, advising Station Management on all aspects of marine operation. Their duties consist of operating and maintaining a fleet of fifteen active small boats, plus a number of reserve vessels, and executing all aspects of maritime training and safety for Station residents.
Position Responsibilities
Maintains accountability for, commitment to, and involvement with personal, co-worker, community, and project safety as a constant priority
Provides information and assistance to the Marine Fleet Coordinator on various marine oriented concerns as part of a team of two to three professional mariners on Station.
Operates and maintains a fleet of an average of fifteen active small boats, including inflatable boats and outboard motors assigned to the two large research vessels in the program.
Operates vehicles and equipment to launch and recover the small boats via trailer and assists in maintenance of said equipment, including, but not limited to, inboard diesel, hydraulics, outboard motors, inflatable boats, and rigid hull inflatables
Provides training and oversite for station personnel in marine safety which may include basic seamanship, dead reckoning and electronic navigation, radio protocol, small boat handling, creating a float plan, rough weather operations, sea ice operations, vessel safety, cold water survival, deployment of oceanographic systems, trailering vessels, procedures for conducting operations in remote settings, and other topics as needed
Maintains records of daily operations including vessel logs, situation reports, fuel usage, equipment maintenance, vessel launch/recovery, and turnover reports
Assists Marine Fleet Coordinator in preparing and maintaining documentation for Palmer Station boating operations, including JHA’s and Standard Operating Procedures.
Maintains stock and records of extensive spares inventory in order fully support the scientific program.
Performs timely inspections of safety, lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment.
Responsible for mooring maintenance
Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of various shop areas
Interacts with the National Science Foundation (NSF), military and other agency officials, via phone and in person in a professional manner
Performs other duties as required
Required Education, Experience, Certificates And Licenses
USCG Captain’s OUVP license
Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain
Minimum of two years of experience driving motorized small vessels
Minimum two years of experience maintaining small vessel systems and hulls, or equivalent
Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards
Demonstrated experience with coastal navigation, electronic navigation, and dead reckoning
High school graduate or GED is required.
Expected Skills And Competencies
Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation and maintenance
Strong customer service skills
High level independent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Preferred
USCG 25-ton (or higher) Captain’s license
Experience working on vessels with customers and/or students
Emergency Medical Technician, offshore or field medic training
College level coursework in marine or a science-related field
High-latitude experience is a plus
Physical And/or Other Requirements
Willingness and ability to deploy to Antarctica for extended periods
Successful completion of Medical and Dental examinations required by the NSF for deployment to Antarctica
Successful completion of Federal Background Check required by the NSF
Must participate in community programs, such as “house-mouse” (chores), “daisy-picking” (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & community meetings.
Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum.
Must be willing and able to perform strenuous physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working in extreme cold conditions and heavy seas
Valid Driver’s License issued in the United States
