Marine Professional-First Mate

University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography seeks a Marine Professional-First Mate for the research vessel Savannah. The role requires a USCG 100-ton Master Near Coastal license and leadership in deck operations.

Responsibilities include navigation duties, vessel maintenance, safety oversight, and acting as MPIC. Will work at sea for multiple days/weeks with on-site work when not at sea.

Qualifications

• USCG 100-ton Master Near Coastal license required.
• Proficient with hydraulic winches, frames, and cranes.
• Knowledge of marine maintenance and repair.
• Knowledge of diesel and gas engines, pumps, compressors, and related equipment.
• Experience on large vessels preferred.
• Ability to work at sea for days to weeks.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Ability to operate in various conditions, climate controlled and outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• 30% Perform Watch Chief duties to safely navigate and execute research cruise missions.
• 25% Lead Deck department, manage repair and maintenance projects; log activities.
• 20% Overboard handling systems operation and crane operations for gear deployment/recovery.
• 15% Serve as primary Safety Officer and MPIC; organize drills and safety briefings.
• 10% Serve as relief Captain in Master’s absence.

Skills

USCG 100-ton Master Near Coastal

Hydraulic winches & cranes

Marine maintenance & repair

Diesel & gas engines knowledge

Vessel operation experience

Work at sea for days/weeks

Independent & team work

Adaptability to varied conditions

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posting Details

• Posting Number: S15967P
• Working Title: Marine Professional-First Mate
• Department: VPR-Skidaway Inst Oceanography
• About the University of Georgia: Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.
• About the College/Unit/Department: The University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO) founded in 1968 is a multidisciplinary research and training institution located on a 700-acre campus on Skidaway Island near Savannah. The Institute's primary goals are to further understanding of marine and environmental sciences, conduct leading edge research on marine and coastal systems, and train tomorrow's scientists. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography is home to the 104-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah. The R/V Savannah is owned and operated by the Institute and is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and Academic Research Fleet (ARF). Our campus is also a host to the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant facilities, the Shellfish Research Lab, and the Marine Education Center and Aquarium, as well as to NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.
• College/Unit/Department website: https://www.skio.uga.edu/about/uga-skidaway-institute-story/
• Posting Type: External
• Retirement Plan: TRS
• Employment Type: Employee
• Benefits Eligibility: Benefits Eligible
• Full/Part time: Full Time
• Additional Schedule Information: Ability to work at sea for periods of several days to several weeks based on R/V Savannah research cruise schedule. Position works onsite on campus when not at sea. The standard workweek when not at sea is 8 hours/day, 5 days/week.
• Advertised Salary: Commensurate with Experience
• Posting Date: 10/26/2026
• Open until filled: Yes
• Proposed Starting Date: 12/01/2026
• Location of Vacancy: Savannah Area
• EEO Policy Statement: The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ([e-mail]).
• USG Core Values Statement: The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02. Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

Position Information

• Classification Title: Ship Mate III
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• FTE: 1.00
• Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience
• Preferred Qualifications: See list of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities. Basic STCW endorsement required. MPIC and Adv Fire endorsements preferred.
• Position Summary: The 1st Mate reports to the Master of the Vessel (Captain) and assists in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the research vessel in order to perform required scientific research. The 1st Mate assists in the operation of the vessel and is responsible for all maintenance of deck and safety equipment. The position serves as a leadership role to other crew members in maintenance projects and related tasks. Work is performed under general direction of the captain of the research vessel and is reviewed through observation and inspection.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies:
  • Minimum of a USCG 100-ton Master Near Coastal deck license
  • Proficient with operation and maintenance of hydraulic winches, frames, and cranes.
  • Knowledge of marine maintenance and repair
  • Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of diesel and gas engines, pumps, compressors, generators, and auxiliary equipment common to marine vessels
  • Operation and maintenance experience on commercial, government, military or large private or research vessels preferred
  • Ability to work at sea from periods of several days to several week
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • Ability to operate in a variety of conditions, climate controlled and outdoor environments
• Physical Demands:
  • Lift and carry a minimum of 70 pounds repeatedly throughout the work day.
  • Meet the medical and physical standards required for a Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC).
  • Drive as needed to perform job responsibilities
• Is driving a responsibility of this position? Yes
• Is this a Position of Trust? No
• Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources? No
• Does this position require a P-Card? No
• Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position? No
• Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care? No
• Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records or access to chemicals and medications) No
• Credit and P-Card policy: Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.
• Background Investigation Policy: Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 30% Perform duties as Watch Chief to safely navigate and execute research cruise mission. Utilize electronic chart plotter, AIS, and radar to set and maintain course and avoid collisions.
• 25% Under direction of the Captain, serves as Deck department leader. Manages vessel repair and maintenance projects including chipping and painting. Uses vessel electronic maintenance program to log activities and create maintenance intervals.
• 20% Responsible for the operation and maintenance of vessel overboard handling systems at sea, including vessel A-frame, J-frame, and winches to ensure gear is safely deployed and recovered. Manage crane operations to safely load and unload science and vessel equipment and supplies.
• 15% Performs the duties of primary overboard Safety Officer. Oversees the maintenance and operation of emergency safety equipment. Organize and facilitate emergency response drills serving as Person in Charge on the scene. Conducts safety briefing for the science party. Serve as Medical Person in Charge (MPIC) to care for injured and ill personnel.
• 10% Second in command of the vessel. Serve as relief Captain in Master of the Vessel's absence.