Department: Florida Institute Of Oceanography

Salary Plan: Administrative

Job Code/Title: 6565 / Lead Marine Captain

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: Commensurate with experience

Position Number: 00007161

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

The State of Florida Institute of Oceanography at the University of South Florida, established in 2005, continues to serve a statewide mission for the advancement of ocean and coastal science and education.

FIO operates a fleet of research vessels and a marine facility (Keys Marine Laboratory) supporting and enabling research and education across the State of Florida, offering unique opportunities for college-level education and researchers studying the marine ecosystems and processes in the Gulf of Mexico, SE Atlantic, and US Caribbean.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position is vital to the ongoing operation of the Research Vessel Western Flyer. Per US Coast Guard regulations, this position requires a Merchant Marine Credential (MMC) of Master 1600 GRT Oceans or greater. This position will also be responsible for the implementation and oversight of the vessel's US Coast Guard-required Vessel Security Plan.

The Captain reports directly to the Assistant Marine Superintendent and is directly involved in all aspects of the daily operation of the vessel and its crew, both while in-port and underway, as is responsible for the safety and welfare of vessel crew, student, faculty, researchers, and other personnel onboard. This position may also serve as relief captain or crew on any of FIO's other research vessels, as needed. This position works outdoors in inclement weather (including wet, windy, and cold weather) onboard research vessels and may require working on elevated surfaces, in confined spaces, near hazardous materials with exposure to high noise levels, and in energy control areas, as required. Ship Operations is a 24-hour operation; therefore, weekend and holiday work may be required to meet business needs. The incumbent operates vessels, vehicles, heavy equipment, and pneumatic driven tools/equipment, and lifts, carries, pushes, and/or pulls objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position functions as the Captain (piloting, navigating, logistics, and operations) of FIO's oceanographic research vessels, which are engaged in educational and research marine expeditions. This position is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and navigation of the vessel in all weather conditions, as well as the safety of all persons on board. This position oversees the maintenance of the vessel both in-port and at-sea, and provides active command as deck watch officer, in rotation, while at sea. This position supervises deck safety practices during all deck operations both in-port and at-sea.

This position is responsible for crew management, training, and drilling, adhering to all applicable US Coast Guard, Federal and State laws, in addition to company policies and procedures. Conducting regular/emergency drills including, but not limited to, man overboard, shipboard fire, abandon ship, marine sanitation casualty, and CPR/Frist Aid. Effective communication skills are required to direct crew, keep passengers safe, and relay pertinent information. A strong focus on safety and teamwork, the ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships, and the ability to maintain calm and take control in various situations are essential for this role.

This position requires a detailed working knowledge of all ships systems and their proper maintenance. The vessel Captain oversees maintenance and operation of all systems, to include but not be limited to painting and general aesthetics, plumbing, electrical, water (potable, raw, black, and gray) systems, fire suppression, bilge, comms, navigation, and vessel maintenance systems. Will also oversee maintenance and operation of hydraulic winches, frames, and forklift used to deploy and recover scientific equipment and load deck. May be required to order and purchase parts and materials for maintenance and repair in compliance with company policies and procedures for procurement. May be required to coordinate with outside vendors for maintenance and repair of systems on an as-needed basis.

This position is responsible for ensuring appropriate shipboard briefing and orientation is conducted for all scientific parties and/or persons aboard the vessel for educational and research marine expeditions. This includes conducting use training of survival equipment (life jackets, life rafts, life rings, survival suits, EPRIB, etc.) and enforcing use of personal safety equipment. Also responsible for conducting pre-cruise inspections, focusing on the appearance and cleanliness of vessel, as well as ensuring all required gear and supplies to complete the research mission have been loaded prior to departure.

Required to troubleshoot and vessel or equipment failures, as necessary, to completion of research or educational mission, i.e. determine causality, repair, replace or seek alternative methods, to achieve goals of the ship's crew and scientific party on completing assigned duties.

This position will be required to perform administrative and documentation duties as required. This may include, but is not limited to, documentation of vessel walkthrough and orientation of new hires, participating in recruitment process for new hires, documenting and reporting employee relations or human resource concerns to the appropriate administrator, working with Marine Superintendent or designee on the review of Safety Management Manual, Vessel Security Plan, or other polices as requested.

Other duties as assigned

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM:

This position requires a high school diploma and minimum five years combined experience as a US Coast Guard licensed Master 1600 GRT Oceans. Must have a valid Master 1600 GRT Ocean license at the time of hire. Must have at least three years pilothouse experience as a member of the navigation watch operating a vessel in near coastal waters or upon the oceans. Unlimited Radar Observer endorsement, Certifications for Standards for Training, Certification and Watchkeeping, Certified Firefighting, Basic Safety Training (STCW-95, BST), first aid/CPR certified, valid TWIC, valid driver's license, and valid US Passport are also required at the time of hire.

PREFERRED:

Advanced Captain experience (10+ years) supervising a large crew onboard and oceanographic research expeditions for extended period at sea. Experience with ROV operations and Dynamic Positioning, including DPO qualification. Multi-Hull or SWATH vessel experience. Previous experience with deck winches, operation and deployment of oceanographic equipment or similar; working knowledge of diving operations, marine rigging and salvage operations, buoy operations or similar.

USF St. Petersburg

Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a Level 1 criminal background check.

Job Opening Number: 38314

Posting Date: 11/27/2024

Posting End Date: 1/02/2025

How To Apply

Click on the Apply Now button. When applying to an opening you will have the opportunity to upload a cover letter and resume.

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER, RESUME, AND MMC, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position.

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To request an accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact Central Human Resources by telephone: 813-974-2970 or email HR-ADA-Request@usf.edu .

Equal Employment Opportunity

USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.

The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.

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Federal Rights

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) , Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA) .

Work Location

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About USF

The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

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