Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support

Orchard LLC; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC seeks Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries research aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels. This hands-on role emphasizes seamanship, deck operations, and maintenance in a small crew during extended research trips along the Northeast U.S.

Responsibilities include deploying gear, handling lines, performing routine vessel operations, and ensuring safety. Level II requires 3+ years of experience or AB fishing credential; Level I is entry-level.

Qualifications

• Ability to work at sea for extended periods in varied weather.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying 55lbs, climbing ladders, and working on rolling decks.
• Willingness to work long days (12 hours standard, occasional extended shifts).
• Positive and professional demeanor in small crew environments.
• Pass drug test, background check, and NOAA medical clearance (including TB test).

Responsibilities

• Safely deploy and retrieve scientific sampling gear (trawls, dredges, grabs, CTDs, sensors, etc.).Conduct routine vessel operations, including docking, line handling, watches, and housekeeping.
• Assist with cruise staging/de-staging, loading/unloading of stores, supplies, and scientific equipment.
• Support deck operations during research missions, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Perform net mending, gear repair, and hydraulic/electrical maintenance as needed.
• Assist with vessel system maintenance (diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, deck machinery).
• Operate deck equipment (winches, cranes, derricks, reels, anchor windlass) under the officer's direction.

Skills

Seamanship

Safety

Teamwork

CPR/First Aid

Education

Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing credential

Tools

GPS

Radar

Charts & navigation

Job description

Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support (Levels I & II) Remote/Offshore within Massachusetts or Rhode Island - accessible to Falmouth/Woods Hole, MA, and Narragansett RI (with assignments on NOAA and partner vessels throughout the Northeast U.S.) @Orchard LLC has been awarded the PEMAD sea-going support contract through NOAA Fisheries. We are actively hiring Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries' research operations aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels. Deckhands are essential to the safe and effective deployment of scientific gear, vessel operations, and maintenance. This is a hands-on role requiring seamanship, technical skills, and the ability to work in a small crew environment on extended research trips.

Responsibilities

• Safely deploy and retrieve scientific sampling gear (trawls, dredges, grabs, CTDs, sensors, etc.).Conduct routine vessel operations, including docking, line handling, watches, and housekeeping.
• Assist with cruise staging/de-staging, loading/unloading of stores, supplies, and scientific equipment.
• Support deck operations during research missions, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Perform net mending, gear repair, and hydraulic/electrical maintenance as needed.
• Assist with vessel system maintenance (diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, deck machinery).
• Operate deck equipment (winches, cranes, derricks, reels, anchor windlass) under the officer's direction.
• Stand lookout, wheelhouse, and anchor watches using navigation equipment (charts, GPS, radar, fathometers).
• Support trawl repair and equipment troubleshooting while underway.
• Work in close quarters with diverse crews, maintaining professionalism in challenging conditions.
• Report safety issues and operational concerns to NOAA Officers in Charge (OIC/JOIC).

Qualifications

General Requirements (all levels)

• Ability to work at sea for extended periods in varied weather.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying 55lbs, climbing ladders, and working on rolling decks.
• Willingness to work long days (12 hours standard, occasional extended shifts).
• Positive and professional demeanor in small crew environments.
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or ability to obtain before starting).
• Valid driver's license and ability to operate government vehicles.
• Applicants must pass a drug test, background check, and NOAA medical clearance (including TB test).

Level I (Assistant Deckhand / Junior)

• Entry-level trawling or oceanographic gear-handling experience desired but not required.
• Exposure to hydraulic winches, cranes, or trawl operations is a plus.
• Able to follow instructions and support the senior deck crew with gear operations and maintenance.

Level II (Experienced Deckhand / Lead)

• Minimum 3 years of trawling/oceanographic experience (hydraulic winches, cranes, trawls, net mending, gear repair).
• Strong preference for candidates with an Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing credential (experience requirement may be halved).
• Demonstrated ability to operate and repair vessel systems (diesel, hydraulics, deck machinery).
• Proven experience managing deck operations safely and efficiently while underway.
• Familiarity with NOAA Small Boat Policy requirements is strongly preferred.