Boat Captain

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; Texas; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley seeks a Boat Captain to operate and maintain its research vessels and support the College of Sciences / Coastal Studies program in Edinburg, TX. You will pilot boats, manage safety, and supervise assigned staff while ensuring vessel readiness and compliance with regulations.

Required five years in small boat operation with three years as captain, plus knowledge of coastal waters and USCG rules.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years experience with small boat <24’ operation and maintenance.
• Three (3) years of experience as a boat captain.
• Knowledge of local coastal waters and USCG rules applicable inland and offshore.
• Ability to safely direct vessel operations in varying sea conditions.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain University research vessels and small boats.
• Perform precision piloting, navigation, and safe operation of vessels.
• Use depth recorder, chart plotter, radar and other electronic systems.
• Develop and implement routine preventive maintenance plans for engines and equipment.
• Oversee servicing, repairs, and supervision of boat operations and trailers.
• Certify new small boat operators and coordinate maintenance activities.

Skills

Seamanship

Navigation

First aid

Leadership

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree (BS) preferred

Tools

GPS chart plotters

Depth recorder

Radar

Diesel engines knowledge

Job description

Office Location
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
1201 W. University Drive
Human Resources
MASS Building 2 nd Floor
Edinburg, TX 78539

Edinburg: [phone]
Brownsville: [phone]

Office hours:
Monday-Friday
8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.

Faculty Recruitment:
College of Engineering & Computer Science: [e-mail]

Robert C. Vackar College of Business & Entrepreneurship: [e-mail]

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Dear Applicant,
Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:
*Date of Birth
*Gender
*Ethnicity/Race
Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.
If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site at https://careers.utrgv.edu for detailed contact information.

Position Information

Posting Number

Posting Number SRGV9211

Working Title

Working Title Boat Captain

Number of Vacancies

Number of Vacancies 1

Location

Department

Department College of Sciences / Coastal Studies

FTE

FTE 1

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Scope of Job

To operate and maintain University research vessels and small boats both at sea and in port, in support of the Department’s marine research program.

Description of Duties

• Responsible for the performance of vessel-related duties, as well as for the safety of University property and personnel.
• Operates boats, including performing precision piloting and navigation.
• Operates advanced vessel electronic systems (e.g., depth recorder, chart plotter and radar).
• Develops and implements routine preventative maintenance plan for diesel and outboard engines, drives, and other research vessel systems including electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment.
• Oversees the servicing and repairs of boats, motors, generators and trailers.
• Supervises trawling operations.
• Certifies new small boat operators during practical phases of boat operator exams.
• Coordinates maintenance and safe operation of small boat trailers.
• Responsible for the safe operation of the vessels and the safety of employees and passengers on board.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Work is performed under the general supervision of the chief scientist in charge of research or education conducted aboard the vessels and is evaluated through review of the condition of the vessels, 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 accredited university.

Licenses/Certifications

Required Experience

Five (5) years experience with small boat <24’ operation and maintenance, including three (3) years of experience as a boat captain. Considerable knowledge of local coastal waters and U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations governing the operation of a vessel inland and in offshore waters. Knowledge of the sea and weather, sufficient to safely direct the operation of a vessel on the 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 various sampling techniques used on board departmental research vessels, the use of trawl equipment, navigation, use of SCUBA diving equipment, and the use of standard and electronic navigation devices.

Working Conditions

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

Other

Hazardous Conditions – Operation of the research vessel exposes employee to inclement weather, rough seas, glare and extreme temperatures. When below decks, employees will be subject to noise, vibrations, fumes, oil, grease, steam and moving machinery when assisting others in repairs. Some hazard in operation of trawl and other equipment. Occasionally they may be exposed to unsafe conditions while assisting in the maintenance or repair of the research vessel and to moving equipment while loading or unloading the 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 of crisis such as equipment breakdown or inclement weather. Ability to pilot a vessel in inclement weather and heavy seas.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment Category

Employment Category Full-Time

Minimum Salary

Minimum Salary Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary

Posted Salary Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date

Position Available Date 10/22/2026

Grant Funded Position

Grant Funded Position No

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.