Ordinary Mariner : Marine Operations Midsize Vessel Relief Pool 2025-2026

Oregon State University; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A prominent university is seeking an Ordinary Mariner for intermittent positions at their Newport facility. Responsibilities include operating ship machinery, performing deck maintenance, and ensuring safety during research missions. No specific prior experience is required, but a Merchant Mariner's Credential with Ordinary Seaman endorsement is necessary. The role involves working at sea, potentially for extended periods, in various weather conditions. Pay ranges from $18.06 to $24.99 per hour.

Qualifications

• No specific education or prior experience required.
• Merchant Mariner's Credential with Ordinary Seaman endorsement.
• Compliance with USCG drug testing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate and tend ship’s gear for research operations.
• Maintain and clean the ship’s spaces and equipment.
• Participate in shipboard drills and emergency training.

Skills

Ability to work at sea

Basic seamanship

Attention to safety

Mechanical skills

Job description

Position Information Department Ship Operations (OAS) Classification Title Ordinary Mariner Job Title Ordinary Mariner : Marine Operations Midsize Vessel Relief Pool 2025-2026 Appointment Type Classified Staff Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Dependent : Hours Worked / Duration Remote or Hybrid option? Employment Category Intermittent Job Summary This recruitment will be used to fill future full-time, hourly, intermittent (as needed) Ordinary Mariner : Midsize Vessel Relief positions in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University.

These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon. Oregon State University (OSU) operates multiple research vessels within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO), including the Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs) R / V Elakha and R / V Pacific Storm, which support oceanographic and coastal research throughout the Pacific region as part of OSU’s federally sponsored marine science mission.

The Relief Ordinary Mariner supports safe, efficient vessel and science operations aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels under the direction of the Master and Mate and in coordination with the deck department. During assigned relief periods, the Ordinary Mariner performs entry‑level seamanship and deck tasks such as line handling, fendering, basic rigging, mooring and unmooring support, cleaning and preservation of ship spaces, and assisting with over‑the‑side scientific operations. The role may stand lookout and perform helm or equipment tending only as trained and assigned and assists with routine maintenance of deck gear and safety equipment.

This position helps maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive shipboard environment that supports research and education for OSU and partner institutions. Assignments are based at OSU’s Marine Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon, and may include temporary service on other OSU vessels—as qualified and needed—to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.

Key Responsibilities

• 65% – Deck Machinery & Operations: Operates / tends ship’s gear—winches, A‑frame, davits, anchor windlass, and capstan—to support research operations under the direction of the Master / Mate and senior deck crew. In port, assists with loading / unloading using ship’s gear (e.g., winches) and supports shipboard operations as required during research work at sea. May stand lookout and helm as trained and assigned.
• 30% – Deck Maintenance & Seamanship: Cleans, paints, and maintains the ship’s hull, decks, bulkheads, equipment, masts, quarters, heads, and tanks aboard OSU Mid‑Size Research Vessels (MSRVs) (e.g., R / V Elakha, R / V Pacific Storm). Assists with mooring and unmooring, line handling / fendering, basic rigging, and handling scientific gear. Loads and unloads equipment and stores.
• 5% – Safety, Drills, and Emergency Response: Participates actively in shipboard drills and emergency training (including training ashore). Maintains assigned firefighting and safety equipment; responds to emergencies per the Station Bill (e.g., firefighting, First Aid / CPR) when required. Other duties as assigned.
• Fleet assignment clause: As licensed / qualified and as assigned, may temporarily support other vessels within OSU Marine Operations (e.g., Small Boats Program, R / V Taani, or successor / new‑build vessels) to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule: This is an intermittent relief pool position. Work is scheduled as needed on a voyage / project basis, may occur at short notice. Requires service 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 ranging 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. The incumbent must not be incapacitated by seasickness and must be able to stand lookout and perform assigned deck / watch duties in rough, unpredictable conditions. Ship Operations runs seven days per week; weekend and holiday work may be required. Shift and / or work assignments may change based on operational needs, including early departures, late returns, and weather‑related delays. Public‑health / communicable‑disease mitigation measures (e.g., testing, screening, vaccination attestation, quarantine, and / or self‑reporting) may be required under OSU policy and sponsor / customer requirements. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds and to move / secure lines and scientific equipment on deck. Assignments are Newport‑based but may require travel to / from other ports for mobilization or demobilization.

Licensing / Certifications

• Merchant Mariner’s Credential with an endorsement of Ordinary Seaman or higher issued by the Coast Guard
• STCW endorsements as appropriate for this position.
• Ability to obtain a passport
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements

What You Will Need

• No specific education or prior experience required.
• United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Ordinary Seaman (OS) or higher endorsement.
• Current STCW endorsements appropriate to vessel, route, and duties (e.g., Basic Training), or ability to obtain prior to assignment as required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport.
• Ability to read, speak, and write English sufficient for safety communications and watch standing.
• Compliance with USCG drug testing requirements.

What We Would Like You to Have

• Experience working at sea on research vessels.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification (beyond STCW Basic Training) or ability to obtain prior to assignment.
• Mechanical, electrical, electronic, or welding skills applicable to vessel / deck maintenance and repair (e.g., basic troubleshooting, safe use of hand / power tools).

Pay Method: Hourly. Pay Period: 16th - 15th of the following month. Pay Date: Last working day of the month. Min Salary: $18.06. Max Salary: $24.99.