Deckhand, Marine Support Technician

Sse Anc; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 27,552 - 55,104; Full time

Job summary

SpecPro Sustainment & Environmental, LLC (SSE) seeks a Marine Support Technician to assist with vessel operation, maintenance, and scientific sampling aboard the EPA Research Vessel Lake Explorer II and other vessels. The role supports SSE’s mission and requires willingness to travel with the crew on long trips.

The candidate must have a valid U.S. passport for the 2026 season, hands-on experience with mechanical/electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic systems, and be able to handle physically demanding

Qualifications

• U.S. Passport valid for the 2026 sailing season.
• Experience operating, maintaining, repairing mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience using machine shop tools including welding, carpentry, and fabrication.
• Fluent English (spoken and written).
• Must be physically capable of long hours and strenuous work at sea.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Assist Captain/First Mate/Chief Engineer with service, maintenance, and repair of all shipboard systems.
• Operate heavy machinery such as cranes, winches, and A-frames.
• Serve as Deckhand/Assistant Engineer at sea; perform engine room checks and deck operations.
• Maintain vessel spaces and crew living areas.
• Participate in extended sampling trips (3–4 weeks away from home port).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Mechanical systems

Electrical systems

Hydraulic systems

Pneumatic systems

Welding

Carpentry

Fabrication

English fluency

Physical stamina

Log keeping & admin

Tools

Welding equipment

Machine shop tools

Job description

Overview

SpecPro Sustainment & Environmental, LLC (SSE) is seeking a Marine Support Technician to provide support with vessel operation and maintenance, and scientific sampling operations aboard the EPA Research Vessel Lake Explorer II (LEII) and other smaller crafts. The LEII is a 90-foot, diesel-powered vessel with 850 HP, an unmanned engine room, and supports SSE’s contract with the USEPA’s Laboratory in Duluth, MN.

Primary Duties

• Assist Captain/First Mate/Chief Engineer with service, maintenance, and repair of all shipboard systems, including propulsion engines, electrical power plant, hydraulic equipment, pumps, heating system, winches, cranes, and anchor windlass.
• Operate heavy machinery such as cranes, winches, and A-frames.
• At sea, serve as Deckhand/Assistant Engineer; perform engine room checks, run deck equipment, and manage galley duties.
• Participate in the general upkeep of vessel spaces and living quarters to maintain cleanliness and orderly appearance.
• Participate in extended sampling trips on the Great Lakes, away from home port for 3–4 weeks at a time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

License Requirements

U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Card required at the start date. The company will assist applicants to earn the original MMC upon start date.

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Passport valid for the entirety of the 2026 sailing season.
• Experience with operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
• Experience using standard machine shop tools, including welding, carpentry, and fabrication.
• Basic computer skills for email communication, maintaining logs, and completing administrative duties such as timecards and expense reports.
• Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing/reading.
• Incumbent must be in sound physical and mental condition. Requires vigorous and highly physical work; be prepared for long hours and challenging work under tough conditions.
• Must be physically capable of performing lifesaving and emergency duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and components of marine machinery.
• Experience with marine diesel engines, generators, electrical generating equipment, potable water systems, high- and low-pressure servo/electric hydraulic systems, hot water heating systems, HVAC systems, and deck machinery equipment.
• Previous experience aboard research vessels and the Great Lakes.
• Experience with research vessel scientific sampling equipment.
• Sampling activities take place on all Great Lakes; shift work will be necessary during transit periods. Crew works six on and six off shifts while transiting. Two six-hour shifts will be worked in a 24-hour period. Underway science sampling operations are typically from 07:00–19:00.
• Live and work aboard the vessel while underway.
• Typical sampling season includes 6 weeks of underway time (not necessarily consecutive). Sampling schedule may change; a flexible schedule is required.
• The weather on the Great Lakes is variable. Must be willing to work on a rolling deck requiring strength and agility. Work may be required day and night.

Work Culture

• Opportunity to support the USEPA’s mission and work alongside top scientists and boat crew.
• Successful performance depends on close cooperation and a good working relationship between vessel crew and scientific staff.
• The ship will be staffed with four ship crew, plus up to six scientists during trips. You will join a crew led by an SSE Captain, SSE First Mate, SSE Chief Engineer, and SSE Deckhand.
• Vessel home port and dock: Superior, WI.
• Opportunity for career growth; support in further education, training, and certifications.

Pay Type

• Hourly position (rate/ hour DOE) with 1.5x hourly rate for overtime (over 40 hours per week).
• In home port: 8-hour days (M–F) and 40 hours per week (no overtime) when docked in Superior, WI.
• Underway: 12-hour days on sampling trips, with overtime for over 40 hours.
• Meal per diem provided when on sampling trips, but not when at port in Superior.

Special Requirements/Certifications

Must pass corporate and federal background checks.