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

Oregon State University; Newport (OR); On-site; USD 27,813 - 41,479; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Employee assistance program

Paid leave package

Tuition reduction benefits

Job summary

Oregon State University seeks an Able Mariner for its Marine Operations unit in Newport, Oregon. This intermittent role supports safe and efficient vessel operations on research ships. Responsibilities include operating equipment, maintaining the vessel, and participating in emergency drills. Candidates must have a high school diploma and maritime experience, along with relevant certifications. Offers a pay range of $20.19 – $30.11 per hour, with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and retirement savings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 months of maritime experience.
• Proficiency in seamanship and rigging.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Responsibilities

• Operate ship’s equipment to support scientific operations.
• Maintain the ship’s hull and equipment.
• Stand watch as helmsperson and lookout.

Skills

Maritime experience

Seamanship

Mechanical skills

Operating deck machinery

First Aid/CPR

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Merchant Mariner’s Credential

STCW endorsements

Job description

Position Title

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

Location

Newport, Oregon

Appointment Type

Classified Staff, Intermittent

Job Summary

This position will fill future full-time, hourly, intermittent Able Mariner roles in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University. The Relief Able Mariner supports the Master and deck department aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient vessel operation and effective conduct of scientific missions.

Key Responsibilities

• 45% – Operates/tends ship’s equipment—winches, A-frame, ship’s boat and davits, anchor windlass, and capstan—to support scientific operations at sea. In port, operates ship’s deck gear (e.g., cranes and winches) to load and unload supplies and equipment.
• 30% – Maintains the ship’s hull, decks, bulkheads, equipment, masts, quarters, heads, and tanks. Assists in mooring, unmooring, rigging, and handling scientific gear, and loading/unloading equipment and stores.
• 20% – Stands watch as helmsperson, visual and radar lookout at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels. May perform security watch in port and other watches as assigned.
• 5% – Participates in shipboard drills and emergency training, maintains firefighting and safety equipment, and responds to emergencies per the Station Bill.

What We Require

Minimum Qualifications: High School Diploma (or equivalent) and six months of maritime experience.

Licensing / Certifications

• Merchant Mariner’s Credential with an endorsement of Able Seaman, Special, 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

Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

What We Would Like You To Have

• Experience working at sea on research vessels (one year or more preferred)
• Experience operating deck machinery—oceanographic winches, A-frame, capstans, anchor windlass, and deck cranes—in accordance with standing orders and SOPs
• Mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding, or other specialized skills applicable to vessel maintenance and repair
• Proficiency in seamanship and rigging (line handling, knots/splices, safe gear handling for over-the-side ops)
• Experience supporting scientific deployments (e.g., CTD casts, nets/trawls, coring, moorings) in coordination with the bridge and deck team
• First Aid/CPR (current) beyond STCW Basic Training
• Experience operating in Pacific Northwest/Alaska coastal waters (OR/WA/CA/AK)
• Commitment to a respectful, safe, and inclusive shipboard environment

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

The position requires periods at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels ranging from a few hours to several days, and, depending on vessel/mission, extended overnight voyages up to ~30 days. This is an intermittent relief pool position; work is scheduled as needed on a voyage/project basis. Assignments vary with operational needs. The incumbent must not be incapacitated by seasickness and must be able to stand lookout/helm and deck watches in rough, unpredictable conditions. Ship Operations is a seven‑day‑per‑week program; weekend and holiday work may be required. Shift and/or work assignments may change based on operational needs. Public‑health mitigation measures may be required under OSU policy. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds, and to move/secure lines and scientific equipment on deck is required. Assignments are Newport‑based but may require travel to/from other ports for vessel mobilization or demobilization.

Pay

Hourly: $20.19 – $30.11 per hour. Pay period: 16th – 15th of the following month. Pay date: last working day of the month.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including dual career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a family resource center, affinity groups and an employee assistance program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If selected as a finalist, the initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job‑related pre‑employment check. Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate.