Lead Deck Hand & Vessel Operator

Orchard LLC; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC is seeking a Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator (USCG Master I & II) to support two Level I/II positions on a 72' NOAA research vessel based in Falmouth, MA, Pocasset, MA, and Narragansett, RI. The role emphasizes deck operations, gear deployment, and vessel maintenance in a dynamic at-sea environment.

Ideal candidates have multi-year trawling experience, USCG Master License, and CPR/First Aid certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years hands-on trawling experience for Level I; includes operating hydraulic winches/cranes and deploying/retrieving bottom/midwater trawls.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on trawling experience for Level II; includes same gear operations and net repair/mending.
• Valid USCG Master License (100 GT) and NOAA Small Boat Policy training per NAO 217-103; CPR/First Aid/AED certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead deck operations and gear management while underway.
• Deploy/retrieve sampling gear (bottom/midwater trawls, dredges, probes, CTDs).
• Maintain and repair trawl gear; boat/net repair.
• Operate deck equipment (cranes, winches, net reels, winches, windlasses).
• Assist docking, line handling, and knot-tying tasks.
• Maintain vessel systems: engine, generators, hydraulics, electrical/plumbing.
• Perform wheelhouse watchkeeping and navigation using charts, GPS, RADAR.
• Uphold safety standards and assist with loading stores and routine chores.

Skills

Trawling experience

Deck operations

Diesel mechanics

Boat handling

CPR/First Aid

Education

USCG Master License (100 GT)

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Tools

Hydraulic winches

Cranes

Net reels and trawl gear

Job description

Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator (USCG Master I & II)

Falmouth, MA (WHOI); Pocasset, MA; and Narragansett, RI

This role involves significant time on board research vessels at sea. Join @Orchard and become the operational backbone of a critical national mission with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This role provides essential, hands-on support aboard a NOAA research vessel, enabling scientific surveys that are fundamental to managing and sustaining our nation's living marine resources. Your professional seamanship, technical skills, and leadership on deck ensure the safety and success of every research cruise, making science possible. @Orchard is seeking an experienced and licensed Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator to support a 72' NOAA research vessel. This is a hands-on role for a seasoned mariner who excels in deck operations, vessel maintenance, and navigational support. You will be responsible for everything from deploying and repairing complex trawl gear to maintaining the ship's engine and standing watch in the wheelhouse. We are hiring for two levels of experience (Level I and Level II) based on qualifications. This position requires a professional with a broad skillset, commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively as part of a small, dedicated team in a dynamic at-sea environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Deck Operations & Gear Management Safely and efficiently manage all deck operations while underway.
• Lead the deployment and retrieval of sampling gear, including bottom/midwater trawls, dredges, probes, and CTDs.
• Perform expert maintenance and repair on fishing trawls and other sampling gear, with a strong focus on fishing net repair and mending.
• Operate all deck equipment, including articulating cranes, net reels, trawl winches, and anchor windlasses.
• Assist with docking exercises, line handling, and tying various rope knots.
• Vessel Systems & Maintenance Assist with and independently operate, maintain, and repair all vessel systems as needed, including the Caterpillar 3406 main engine, Isuzu diesel generators, propulsion gear, and hydraulic systems.
• Assist in maintaining the vessel's electrical and plumbing systems as required.
• Repair trawl gear and hydraulic equipment as necessary while underway.
• Navigation & Watchkeeping Perform wheelhouse and anchor watches as requested by the Officer in Charge (OIC).
• Utilize all wheelhouse instruments and resources-including charts, chart plotters, GPS, fathometers, and RADAR-to safely navigate the vessel.
• Safety & General Shipboard Duties Abide by and enforce all statutory, safety, and operational standards for ships and seamen. In emergencies (fire, flooding, collision, man overboard), obey the lawful orders of the OIC.
• Assist in the loading and unloading of the ship's stores, supplies, and scientific gear.
• Assist with meal preparation and routine housekeeping chores.
• Effectively communicate and work as a crucial member of the vessel team.

Required Experience & Qualifications

• Experience Level (One of the following is required):
• Level I: A minimum of three (3) years of hands-on trawling experience. This must include operating hydraulic winches and cranes, deploying and retrieving bottom or midwater trawls, rigging trawl equipment, and net repair/mending.
• Level II: A minimum of six (6) years of hands-on trawling experience. This must include operating hydraulic winches and cranes, deploying and retrieving bottom or midwater trawls, rigging trawl equipment, and net repair/mending.
• Licenses & Certifications: A valid USCG 100 Gross Ton Master's License (or higher). Must meet all training and experience requirements set by NOAA Small Boat Policy (NAO 217-103) for a Small Research Vessel Operator. A current and valid certification in CPR/First Aid/AED.
• Technical Skills & Knowledge: Possess a strong combination of experience and/or training in one or more of the following areas: diesel mechanics, electronics/wiring, plumbing, deck maintenance, carpentry, metalworking, and hydraulics.
• Essential Personal & Physical Requirements: Must possess the physical fitness and stamina necessary for performing demanding duties in various weather conditions, often for long hours. Must exhibit a positive, calm, and amiable demeanor suitable for close living quarters and challenging situations. You must successfully pass a pre-employment drug test and a comprehensive background check. Must be accessible to vessel homeports in Falmouth, MA; Pocasset, MA; and Narragansett, RI.

About @Orchard

Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI. Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atOrchard.com.