Marine Electrician - 137260

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography seeks an Electrician to maintain and repair shipboard electrical and electronic systems aboard research vessels. You will support engineering and scientific systems during cruises, perform Oiler/watchstanding duties when assigned, and participate in vessel safety and emergency procedures.

Requires MMC with Oiler/Electrician endorsements, STCW-95, VPDSD, and ability to work at sea.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Demonstrated experience with marine or industrial electrical systems.
• Ability and willingness to work at sea for extended periods.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. Coast Guard MMC with Oiler and Electrician endorsements
• STCW-95 certification (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).
• Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) endorsement.
• Must pass a physical examination and meet U.S. Coast Guard (DOT) regulations for Chemical Drug and Alcohol testing
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by TSA
• Employment is contingent upon passing a background check

Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair shipboard electrical and electronic systems and components.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues to ensure safe and continuous vessel operations.
• Support shipboard engineering and scientific systems during research cruises.
• Perform Oiler or watchstanding duties when assigned.
• Participate in vessel safety management and emergency procedures.
• Uphold UC San Diego and U.S. Coast Guard standards for safety, conduct, and maintenance.

Skills

Marine electrical systems

Troubleshooting

Communication

Reading schematics

Math basics

Seamanship knowledge

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

U.S. Coast Guard MMC with Oiler and Electrician endorsements

STCW-95 certification

VPDSD endorsement

Valid U.S. Passport

TWIC

Background check clearance

Tools

Inventory management systems

Job description

This position will remain open until filled.

Description

• Join one of the world's premier centers for ocean and earth science research, education, and exploration. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at UC San Diego operates a global fleet of research vessels, some of the most advanced in the academic community, supporting cutting-edge studies of marine life, the seafloor, and the atmosphere. Our ships have traveled more than six million nautical miles to advance understanding of our planet's oceans.
• We are seeking a skilled and dedicated Electrician to support operations aboard Scripps research vessels.
• Under the direction of the Chief Engineer, the Electrician is responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing shipboard electrical and electronic systems. This role ensures the reliability and safety of all vessel electrical operations while supporting the scientific mission of each voyage.
• The Electrician may also perform Oiler duties, Oiler watchstanding, or security watches in port as needed, and plays a key role in emergency response and safety programs aboard ship.

Key Responsibilities

• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair shipboard electrical and electronic systems and components.
• Troubleshoot electrical issues to ensure safe and continuous vessel operations.
• Support shipboard engineering and scientific systems during research cruises.
• Perform Oiler or watchstanding duties when assigned.
• Participate in vessel safety management and emergency procedures.
• Uphold UC San Diego and U.S. Coast Guard standards for safety, conduct, and maintenance.
• At Scripps, you'll contribute to meaningful research that helps protect and understand our oceans. You'll be part of a respected maritime team that maintains one of the world's leading oceanographic research fleets-sailing alongside scientists who are shaping the future of marine discovery.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Demonstrated experience with marine or industrial electrical systems.
• Ability and willingness to work at sea for extended periods.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with Oiler and Electrician endorsements
• STCW-95 certification (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers).
• Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties (VPDSD) endorsement.
• Must pass a physical examination and meet U.S. Coast Guard (DOT) regulations for Chemical Drug and Alcohol testing
• Valid U.S. Passport
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by TSA
• Employment is contingent upon passing a background check

Qualifications

• Proven skills as an electrician, especially in area of trouble shooting, new installations, and upkeep of existing equipment. Demonstrated knowledge and experience to identify all marine electrical / electronic equipment.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with diverse ship board personnel.
• Proven ability to use standard office software applications, inventory and database management systems.
• Proven experience keeping records, including inventory of spare parts as required.
• Proven experience reading blue prints and electrical / electronic schematics of all electrical and electronic equipment on board.
• Proven critical thinking skills using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Thorough knowledge of seamanship practices, general shipboard maintenance and care, operation of deck equipment. Includes, but is not limited to: knots, line-handling, preparation/preservation of steel surfaces, operation of winches, etc.
• Thorough knowledge of and familiarity with federal regulations relevant to maritime operations and international regulations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience to identify all marine electrical/electronic equipment and its condition to justify maintenance or replacement.
• Demonstrated skills as an Oiler including familiarity with a variety of engine room related equipment, including experience accurately reading gauges for oil, fuel and water levels, temperatures and pressures.
• Demonstrated basic math skills that include the ability to add, subtract, multiply, perform percentage calculations, fractions, decimals with or without a calculator or computer.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $82,622 - $120,331 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $39.57 - $57.63

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).