Academic Wage Appt - Hourly

Why OSU?

• Serves as Master-in-Command aboard assigned OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs)—which include, but are not limited to, the R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm—during relief periods. Leads all operational decisions and ensures the safe navigation, maneuvering, and execution of scientific missions.
• Utilizes a range of navigational tools and techniques, including visual means, radar, GPS , fathometer, Electronic Chart System, charts, and navigation publications.
• Directs and operates vessel systems such as winches, A-frames, and capstans to support scientific operations.
• Maintains the vessel’s official logbook, voyage documentation, and records of drills and operational activities in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures that all bridge and deck operations are conducted safely and in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard ( USCG ), UNOLS , and OSU Marine Operations standards.
• Provides timely voyage reports and coordination updates to the Port Captain and Marine Operations Coordinator, including departure, arrival, and incident information.
• Conducts safety drills and ensures that emergency preparedness is maintained throughout each voyage.
• Acts as the central point of coordination onboard for scientific operations during assigned cruises, ensuring effective collaboration between the vessel crew and scientific personnel.
• Assists in planning and conducts research missions in cooperation with the Port Captain, Ship Operations Coordinator, and Chief Scientist, ensuring that objectives are met safely and efficiently.
• Oversees the safe handling and deployment of scientific equipment, including heavy or complex over-the-side operations, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and capabilities of the vessel.
• Provides operational guidance and mentorship to scientific personnel and students with limited seagoing experience.
• Maintains responsibility for the safety of embarked science parties and manages required documentation, including safety and consent records, for the duration of the voyage.
• Upholds a respectful, professional, and inclusive environment aboard ship, promoting OSU’s values of equity, safety, and mutual respect.
• During relief periods, ensures that the vessel and its systems remain fully operational and seaworthy.
• Performs or supervises routine maintenance and minor repairs of shipboard systems and equipment—including main propulsion, auxiliary, hydraulic, fuel, and water systems—as qualified.
• Inspects deck, safety, and operational equipment before and after each voyage and ensures deficiencies are reported and logged in coordination with the Port Captain and Port Engineer.
• Maintains accurate entries in the vessel’s computerized maintenance and safety logs to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
• Coordinates closely with the Port Captain and Port Engineer on any identified maintenance or operational needs.
• Supervises assigned crew and intermittent relief personnel during voyages, ensuring that all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulations and OSU Marine Operations policies.
• Provides voyage-specific direction and training on vessel operations, safety procedures, and emergency response.
• Ensures that all personnel maintain required readiness, proper watch schedules, and compliance with rest-hour standards.
• Collaborates with the Marine Personnel Coordinator ( MPC ) and Port Captain to verify that crew qualifications and certifications remain current and that all personnel adhere to OSU policies for conduct, inclusion, and safety.
• Supports the professional development of assigned personnel through modeling of best practices in seamanship, leadership, and operational decision-making.
• Provides temporary command or operational support on other OSU vessels, as licensed and assigned, to ensure safe and continuous operation of the Marine Operations fleet.
• Assists with loading, securing, and adapting scientific equipment for voyages as necessary to support mission objectives.
• Participates in institutional training, drills, and compliance activities required by OSU Marine Operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Port Captain, Marine Superintendent or Director of Marine Operations in support of OSU’s research, education, and outreach missions.

• Possession of a valid United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of Vessels of 100 Tons (Near Coastal) or higher license.
• Compliance with USCG drug testing requirements.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential ( TWIC ).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport.
• Demonstrated experience in vessel operations, including navigation, maneuvering/station keeping, equipment handling, and support of mission objectives.
• Demonstrated leadership and shipboard supervision experience appropriate to serving as Master-in-Command (e.g., bridge management, safety drills, watch organization).
• In-depth knowledge of marine safety protocols and regulatory requirements, including USCG regulations, UNOLS RVSS (as applicable), and relevant federal/state environmental compliance.
• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and to work at sea in variable ocean and weather conditions, including handling and securing scientific equipment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, team-based environment and to maintain a respectful, safe, and inclusive shipboard climate.
• Availability for short-notice, voyage-based assignments, including irregular hours, weekends, and overnights.

• Current Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping ( STCW ) certification as appropriate for this position.
• Mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding, or other specialized skills applicable to vessel maintenance and repair; demonstrated ability to troubleshoot shipboard systems.
• Experience in research vessel operations (minimum one year preferred), including planning/executing scientific cruises and coordinating over-the-side operations with a Chief Scientist.
• Advanced First Aid and CPR certification.
• Familiarity with UNOLS RVSS , academic research vessel practices, and shipboard lifting equipment (e.g., winches, A-frames, small deck cranes used aboard ship) — no shore crane duties are required for this role.
• Experience operating in Pacific Northwest and Alaska coastal waters (OR/WA/CA/AK).
• Proven ability to train and mentor crew and science personnel in safe, effective vessel and mission operations.
• Ability to adapt to highly variable environmental and operational conditions and to the dynamic needs of research missions.

• This position requires periods at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs)—including, but not limited to, the R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm—on research cruises that may range from a few hours to several days, and, depending on vessel/mission, extended overnight voyages (up to ~30 days) in highly variable ocean and weather conditions.
• Ship Operations is a 7-day-per-week program; weekend and holiday work will be required based on research schedules and operational needs. Shift and/or work assignments may change with mission requirements, including early departures, late returns, and weather-related delays.
• The Relief Master must be able to stand a navigation watch and perform continuous shipboard duties in rough, unpredictable sea conditions and must not be incapacitated by seasickness.
• The position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects up to 40 pounds and to assist with movement and securing of scientific equipment and over-the-side operations conducted aboard the vessel.
• Public health/communicable-disease mitigation measures (e.g., testing, screening, vaccination attestation, quarantine, and/or self-reporting) may be required in accordance with OSU policy, regulatory guidance, and sponsor/customer requirements.
• Assignments are Newport-based but may involve travel to/from other ports for mobilization or demobilization. The incumbent may be assigned to other OSU vessels, as licensed and qualified, to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.
• The ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects weighing up to 40 pounds is required.

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Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search

• Valid United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of Vessels of 100 Tons (Near Coastal) or higher license
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential ( TWIC ). Upload the front and back of the card.