Assistant Engineer on Research Vessel

CARDINAL POINT CAPTAINS INC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. seeks an Assistant Engineer to join the EPA’s R/V Lake Guardian. The role supports propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary systems under the Chief Engineer, with hands-on maintenance and operation to keep the vessel vessels safe and ready for survey work.

The position involves 30-day rotations underway, in-port duty days, and strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards. A mariner endorsement and U.S. passport are required.

Qualifications

• Endorsement for chief engineer (limited) or assistant engineer (limited) on steam, motor, or gas turbine-propelled vessels.
• Ability to log maintenance tasks into a ship management software.
• Able to work collegially with scientists, resource managers, and educators.
• Must be a member, or willing to become a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots.
• Must pass a drug screening and background check.
• Must hold a U.S. passport and a valid state driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor propulsion machinery and generators to ensure performance.
• Participate in planned maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting.
• Stand engine room watch and respond to alarms per duty roster.
• Ensure safety compliance with procedures and regulations.
• Assist with inventory and documentation of parts, tools, and fuel.
• Participate in emergency drills and firefighting procedures.
• Maintain maintenance records and fuel consumption logs.
• Collaborate with engineering, deck officers, and crew to meet objectives.

Skills

Record keeping

Teamwork

Union membership

Tools

Ship management software

Job description

Description

Location: Homeport of Milwaukee, WI

Status: Rotational Position, approximately 30 days on then 30 days off

Pay: $674.06 dayrate when underway; $486.70 when in port in reduced operating status

Description:

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking an Assistant Engineer to work aboard the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) research vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, a 180’ twin screw vessel with a Caterpillar bow thruster, Cummins engines, and Cummins generators.

The R/V Lake Guardian berths at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee School of Freshwater Sciences Marine Facilities dock in Milwaukee, Wisconsin when not conducting survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. The vessel does approximately 150 – 250 days at sea each year. CPC is seeking an Assistant Engineer to perform approximately 30-day shift rotations while underway, with additional working days available on the vessel when in port.

As an Assistant Engineer onboard R/V Lake Guardian, you will play a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient operation of the vessel's engineering systems. Working closely with the Chief Engineer, you will contribute to the maintenance, repair, and operation of propulsion, power generation, and auxiliary systems essential for the vessel's functionality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engine Room Operations: Assist in the operation and monitoring of propulsion machinery, including main engines, generators, and auxiliary systems, to ensure optimal performance.
• Maintenance and Repair: Participate in planned maintenance activities, routine inspections, and troubleshooting of machinery and equipment to identify and rectify issues promptly.
• Watchkeeping: Stand engine room watch as per duty roster, monitoring machinery parameters, responding to alarms, and implementing corrective actions as required to maintain safety and operational readiness.
• Safety Compliance: Adhere to all safety procedures, regulations, and industry standards, ensuring compliance with company policies and international maritime regulations.
• Inventory Management: Assist in the inventory management of spare parts, tools, and consumables, maintaining adequate stock levels and ensuring proper documentation of inventory transactions.
• Emergency Response: Actively participate in emergency drills and response procedures, demonstrating proficiency in fire-fighting, damage control, and other emergency protocols.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities, equipment performance, and fuel consumption, preparing reports and logs as required by company procedures and regulatory authorities.
• Team Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the engineering team, deck officers, and other crew members to achieve operational objectives and promote a culture of teamwork and professionalism onboard.

Requirements

• The Assistant Engineer shall have an endorsement issued in the grades of chief engineer (limited) or assistant engineer (limited) of steam, motor, and/or gas turbine-propelled vessels to serve within any propulsion power limitations on vessels of unlimited tonnage on inland waters and of less than 500 GRT in ocean, near-coastal, or Great Lakes service in accordance with 46 CFR § 11.501.
• The engineer shall have the administrative ability to keep records and maintain an inventory of parts, tools, and fuel consumption, as well as the ability to log all maintenance tasks into a ship management software application.
• Must be able to work collegially with scientists, natural resource managers, and educators.
• Must be a member, or willing to become a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates, and Pilots union.
• Must be able to pass a drug screening and background check.
• Must maintain a U.S. passport as well as have a valid US state issued driver’s license.

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.