Boat Captain

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Edinburg (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley seeks a Boat Captain to operate and maintain research vessels for coastal studies along the Texas coast. You will ensure safety of personnel and equipment while conducting seafaring research and supporting field operations.

The role requires extensive experience at sea, knowledge of coastal waters and USCG rules, and the ability to supervise staff and coordinate maintenance in a dynamic work environment.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred.
• U.S. Coast Guard Master’s Near Coastal License (50 ton) required; scuba preferred.
• Five years of small boat operation experience, including three years as captain.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain university research vessels and boats, at sea and in port.
• Perform precision piloting and navigation of vessels.
• Operate vessel electronic systems such as depth recorders, chart plotters and radar.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance for engines and vessel systems.
• Supervise trawling operations and oversee servicing of boats, motors, and trailers.
• Coordinate maintenance and safe operation of boat trailers.

Skills

Navigation

Vessel handling

Safety management

Supervision

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor's of Science or related field

Tools

GPS chart plotters

Depth recorder

Radar

Diesel engines knowledge

Job description

Boat Captain

Posting Number: SRGV9211

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: South Padre Island, Texas

Department: College of Sciences / Coastal Studies

FLSA: Exempt

Scope of Job:

To operate and maintain University research vessels and small boatsboth at sea and in port, in support of the Department's marineresearch program.

Description of Duties:

• Responsible for the performance of vessel-related duties, aswell as for the safety of University property and personnel.


• Operates boats, including performing precision piloting andnavigation.


• Operates advanced vessel electronic systems (e.g., depthrecorder, chart plotter and radar).


• Develops and implements routine preventative maintenance planfor diesel and outboard engines, drives, and other research vesselsystems including electrical, mechanical, and hydraulicequipment.


• Oversees the servicing and repairs of boats, motors, generatorsand trailers.


• Supervises trawling operations.


• Certifies new small boat operators during practical phases ofboat operator exams.


• Coordinates maintenance and safe operation of small boattrailers.


• Responsible for the safe operation of the vessels and thesafety of employees and passengers on board.


• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received:

Work is performed under the general supervision of the chiefscientist in charge of research or education conducted aboard thevessels and is evaluated through review of the condition of thevessels, the readiness of vessel-mounted gear and other equipment,and their safe and effective operation.

Supervision Given:

Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor's of Science or closely related field from an accrediteduniversity.

Licenses/Certifications:

U.S. Coast Guard Master's Near Coastal License (50 ton).Preferred:SCUBA Certification.

Required Experience:

Five (5) years experience with small boat <24' operation andmaintenance, including three (3) years of experience as a boatcaptain. Considerable knowledge of local coastal waters and U.S.Coast Guard rules and regulations governing the operation of avessel inland and in offshore waters. Knowledge of the sea andweather, sufficient to safely direct the operation of a vessel onthe open ocean.

Preferred Experience:

Five (5) years of experience as a boat captain.

Equipment:

Knowledge of diesel engines, trawl winches, GPS chart plotters,depth recorders and radar. Considerable knowledge of the varioussampling techniques used on board departmental research vessels,the use of trawl equipment, navigation, use of SCUBA divingequipment, and the use of standard and electronic navigationdevices.

Working Conditions:

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Workis usually confined to the research vessel which operates in Texasin-shore waters and the Gulf of Mexico. Work requires long hours onsome days and extensive trips may be of several weeks duration. TheCaptain is required to accompany the research vessels while inshipyard dry docks for major repairs and inspection.

Other:

Hazardous Conditions - Operation of the research vessel exposesemployee to inclement weather, rough seas, glare and extremetemperatures. When below decks, employees will be subject to noise,vibrations, fumes, oil, grease, steam and moving machinery whenassisting others in repairs. Some hazard in operation of trawl andother equipment. Occasionally they may be exposed to unsafeconditions while assisting in the maintenance or repair of theresearch vessel and to moving equipment while loading or unloadingthe vessel. Skills in all phases of seamanship including command,navigation and first aid. Ability to plan voyages and plot courses.Ability to make quick decisions on vessel operations in times ofcrisis such as equipment breakdown or inclement weather. Ability topilot a vessel in inclement weather and heavy seas.

Physical Capabilities:

N/A

Employment Category:

Full-Time

Minimum Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary:

Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date:

10/22/2026

Grant Funded Position:

No

EEO Statement:

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley topromote and ensure equal employment opportunities for allindividuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex,age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity orexpression, genetic information or protected veteran status. Inaccordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil RightsAct of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972,Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americanswith Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University iscommitted to comply with all government requirements and ensuresnon-discrimination in its education programs and activities,including employment. We encourage women, minorities anddifferently abled persons to apply for employment positions ofinterest.