Small Boat Operator (Captain or Deckhand)
Location: Muskegon, MI or surrounding Great Lakes area
Relocation: No relocation offered for this position
Worksite: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory – Lake Michigan Field Station
Status: Seasonal (April into October)
Travel: Yes
Pay Range: $20 - $30 per hour, depending on qualifications and experience
Description
Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a small boat operator, either qualified as a boat captain or a deckhand with boat operator experience, to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Muskegon, Michigan. GLERL operates a fleet of vessels ranging from 12'-85' in length on the Great Lakes.
A qualified person is required to safely and efficiently operate and maintain the NOAA research vessels and NOAA shore and supporting facilities. CPC is looking for a person with experience with missions in the field of marine sciences (oceanographic missions, hydrographic missions, general research missions, etc.). Our ideal candidate will not only be a capable boat handler but also well versed in maintenance of small boats.
Tasks
- Ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessel in which assigned, at all times, in accordance with all NOAA and USCG regulations.
- Perform and support emergent repairs to GLERL small boat assets if and when required.
- Operate deck equipment including A frame, scientific winch, capstan, boat crane, Nitrox dive air compressor and small skiff.
- Document all vessel-related activities in the ship’s Log.
- Be ready and available for emergency responses.
- Be willing and able to travel to sites around the Great Lakes.
Qualifications
Required skills and experience:
- One year or more of vessel deck management experience in offshore marine environments. Must have experience in load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits.
- Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
- Current Frist Aid, CPR and AED certifications
- Experience performing maintenance tasks on marine engine and systems; engineering/mechanical background and troubleshooting
- Working knowledge of current U.S. Coast Guard inland and International navigation rules
- Physically able to lift and carry 75 pounds to assist with mission mobilization and maintenance
- Willing to travel regionally.
Preferred skills and experience:
- Possess an active USCG license (100 tons or above).
- 2+ years of experience working on NOAA vessels, or similar research vessels with scientific personnel embarked. The ideal candidate will have experience not just as a boat captain, but specifically as a captain for science-based/ research missions.
- Knowledge and experience with Great Lakes’ coastlines.
- Experience driving/following transect lines at low speed, especially for hydrographic surveying.
- Experience with vessel operations for SCUBA diving operations at anchor and live boating.
AAP/EEO Statement
CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Job Type: Seasonal
Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour
Expected hours: No less than 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person