Captain – Offshore Research Vessels (Liveaboard)

U.S. Department of the Interior; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 72,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Channel Islands National Park within the U.S. Department of the Interior seeks a Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain) to lead vessel operations and crew. You will captain multiple boats, oversee docking, live-aboard missions, and scientific cruises, while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Positions require MOCC and a Coast Guard 100-ton license, willingness to travel up to 15 days per month, and the ability to obtain a government charge card for travel.

Qualifications

• Must know Rules of the Road for operations in harbors and open ocean.
• Experience captaining multiple vessels and supervising crew.
• Valid certifications and licenses as required for marine operations.

Responsibilities

• Captain on Ocean Ranger 98-foot Camcraft vessel across the Santa Barbara Channel.
• Captain on Surf Ranger 74-foot LCM-8 landing craft operating at offshore beaches.
• Captain on Sea Ranger II 58-foot live-aboard/multiday scientific cruises.
• Direct the work of 1–3 employees during docking, loading, and cargo transfer.

Skills

Ability to drive safely

Rules of the Road knowledge

Crew supervision

Tools

MOCC

Coast Guard license

Job description

Channel Islands National Park within the U.S. Department of the Interior seeks a Small Craft Operator (Boat Captain) to lead vessel operations and crew. You will captain multiple boats, oversee docking, live-aboard missions, and scientific cruises, while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

Positions require MOCC and a Coast Guard 100-ton license, willingness to travel up to 15 days per month, and the ability to obtain a government charge card for travel.