Skilled Craft / OPS Mate

Position Details

Dept Number/Name: 4710000 / Florida Institute of Oceanography 

Location: USF St. Petersburg

Salary Plan: Temporary 

Job Code/Title: 0016 / Skilled Craft / OPS Mate

Hiring Salary/ Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience

Position Number: 220090420

Organizational Summary: 

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida’s academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.

Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university’s role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.

Position Summary: 

The Mate position serves as the second officer on FIO's research vessels (R/V Weatherbird II and R/V Hogarth). This position is directly involved in all aspects of the daily operation of crew and vessel, both while in-port and underway and is responsible for the safety and welfare of vessel, crew, students, faculty, researchers and other personnel on board in the absence of/or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. This position reports directly to the Marine Captain of either the R/V Weatherbird II or the R/V Hogarth. 

• Perform Second Officer (Mate) duties on all uninspected research vessel(s). Stand bridge watches as operating and navigating officer of the watch at sea under direction of the ship's Master. Conducts shipboard and ship-to-shore communications. Directs watch as helmsman, maintains the cleanliness and general condition of the pilothouse, chart room, vessel control stations, and navigating equipment, i.e. perform routine maintenance. Plan and teach courses in seamanship and other marine specialties.
• Responsible for safety and welfare of vessel and crew in the absence of or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. Responsible for safe navigation and piloting of the vessel including maneuvering in tight quarters, deploying and recovering over the side scientific equipment, deployment and recovery of oceanographic buoys, supporting SCUBA diving operation and anchoring in various weather conditions. Participate and assign watch duties to crew members and work directly with Captain and chief scientists to ensure perform assigned tasks safely. Prepares administrative reports related to vessel, not limited to maintaining charts and vessel logs, and verifying hours worked. 
• Responsible for inspection, service and training of all survival equipment. Ensures the crew and science party possess and use all necessary personal safety equipment. Conducts training on portable power and equipment. Conducts and coordinates shipboard safety briefings and orientation for science party on all safety procedures and emergency drill procedures. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering procedures for rounds while in port and underway to support the engineering dept. 
• Responsible for training crew in areas of deck operations and evolution, cargo handling, seamanship, marlinspike seamanship, small boat operations, all deck machinery (U-frame, A-frame, deck crane, winches and scientific gear) safety procedures. Supervises topside and interior maintenance to include hull, decks, bulkheads, bulwarks, deck machinery, interior living, science and common spaces and all other associated spaces and equipment and has direct hands-on involvement.
• Report any employee relations issues with the appropriate CHR personnel. Work with Marine Captain to develop procedural manuals (operations, safety, emergencies, etc.) on a routine basis. Request purchase orders as necessary. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering plant and proper procedure for engineering rounds. Support all vessel occupants at sea and in port. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Two (2) years of at-sea shipboard experience in operating a marine vessel, including pilothouse duties involving navigation of the vessel, one year of which must have been on a marine vessel operating on ocean or near coastal waters. Successful completion of firefighting and radar observer courses approved by the U.S. Coast Guard is required. 

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two (2) years of experience in piloting marine research vessel operations, supervision of crew to support the mission and function of the area of responsibility. Possession of current certificate of completion for Standards of Training certification, and Watch keeping, Basic Safety Training (STCW-95, BST), First Aid/CPR, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), valid driver's license and U.S. Passport at the time of hire. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations, American Bureau of Shipping requirements and vessel stability; Maritime Laws; Current with all applicable laws, regulations, treaties, CFRs, USCG-NVICs; OSHA regulations: Proficient in Dynamic Positioning Systems; knowledge of logistic planning both for domestic and foreign waters/ports. Licensed as a Master, Ocean, any grade, or as a Mate, Ocean or Near Coastal in accordance with Title 46, Part 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations with qualifications for appropriate tonnage to the assigned vessel(s). Valid MMC license of 200T vessel. 

Special requirements: must pass a pre-employment drug screen. Possess Medical Certificate with STCW and National Expiration Dates. Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check. 

Please provide the following documents when completing your application:

• Curriculum vitae / resume 
• A copy of academic transcripts 
• Contact information for three references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor).

The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.