Skilled Craft / OPS Mate

Position DetailsDept Number/Name: 4710000 / Florida Institute of OceanographyLocation: USF St. PetersburgSalary Plan: TemporaryJob Code/Title: 0016 / Skilled Craft / OPS MateHiring Salary/Salary Range: Commensurate based on experiencePosition Number: 220090420Organizational SummaryThe Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is engaged in marine research, education, and resource management at the University of South Florida. FIO operates a fleet of oceanographic research vessels and a marine facility that collaborates with academia, government, and the private sector for educational, training, research, and public outreach. Crew members work closely with scientists supporting activities such as water and sediment sampling, hydrographic surveying, diving operations, and specialized research tasks.Position SummaryThe Mate serves as the second officer on FIO's research vessels (R/V Weatherbird II and R/V Hogarth). The Mate is responsible for the safety and welfare of the vessel and all personnel during the Marine Captain's absence or incapacitation, and reports directly to the Marine Captain.ResponsibilitiesPerform 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. Conduct shipboard and ship‑to‑shore communications, direct watch as helmsman, and maintain the cleanliness and general condition of the pilothouse, chart room, vessel control stations, and navigating equipment, including routine maintenance.Ensure safe navigation and piloting of the vessel, including maneuvering in tight quarters, deploying and recovering scientific equipment, managing oceanographic buoys, supporting SCUBA diving operations, and anchoring in various weather conditions. Assign watch duties to crew members and work with the Captain and chief scientists to perform tasks safely.Maintain and inspect all survival equipment; train crew and science parties in safety procedures, shipboard safety briefings, orientation, and emergency drill procedures; possess knowledge of engineering procedures for rounds in port and underway.Train crew in deck operations, evolution, cargo handling, seamanship, marlinspike seamanship, small‑boat operations, all deck machinery (U‑frame, A‑frame, deck crane, winches, scientific gear), and safety procedures; supervise topside and interior maintenance of hull, decks, bulkheads, bulwarks, deck machinery, and living spaces.Report employee‑relations issues to appropriate CHR personnel; develop procedural manuals; request purchase orders as needed; support vessel occupants both at sea and in port.Perform other duties as assigned.Minimum QualificationsTwo (2) years of at‑sea shipboard experience (including pilothouse navigation), with at least one year on a marine vessel operating on ocean or near‑coastal waters. Successful completion of Coast Guard‑approved firefighting and radar observer courses is required.Preferred QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two (2) years of experience piloting marine research vessel operations, supervising crew, and supporting mission functions. Current certificates of completion for STCW certification, Watch‑keeping, Basic Safety Training (BST), First Aid/CPR, TWIC, valid driver's license, and U.S. passport. Knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard rules, American Bureau of Shipping requirements, vessel stability, maritime laws, CFRs, USCG‑NVICs, OSHA regulations, dynamic positioning systems, and logistical planning for domestic and foreign waters/ports. Licensed as a Master, Ocean, any grade, or as a Mate, Ocean or Near‑Coastal, with MMC license for a 200‑t vessel.Special RequirementsMust pass a pre‑employment drug screen, possess a Medical Certificate with STCW and National Expiration Dates. Job offers are contingent upon successful background checks.Compliance and Federal NoticesThe University of South Florida is an equal‑opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant based on characteristics protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.This job description does not constitute an employment contract.#J-18808-Ljbffr