Marine Professional-First Mate

Ugajobsearch

Savannah (GA)

On-site

USD 70,000 - 90,000

Full time

7 days ago

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Job summary

The University of Georgia’s Skidaway Institute of Oceanography on Skidaway Island near Savannah seeks a Marine Professional-First Mate to lead deck operations during research cruises. This role requires a USCG 100-ton license and basic STCW endorsements, with responsibilities including navigation and safety supervision under the Captain.

As Watch Chief and Deck department leader, you will oversee vessel repair, crane operations, and maintenance of marine systems.

Qualifications

USCG 100-ton Master Near Coastal deck license is required.
Proficient with operation and maintenance of hydraulic winches, frames, and cranes.
Knowledge of marine maintenance and repair.
Knowledge of operation and maintenance of diesel and gas engines, pumps, compressors, generators, and auxiliary equipment on marine vessels.
Ability to work at sea for periods of several days to several weeks.

Responsibilities

Perform duties as Watch Chief to safely navigate and execute research cruise missions.
Serve as Deck department leader and manage vessel repair and maintenance projects.
Oversee operation and maintenance of overboard handling systems and crane operations.
Act as Safety Officer and Medical Person in Charge (MPIC) during emergencies and drills.
Second in command of the vessel and provide relief Captain duties as needed.

Skills

USCG 100t Master

Hydraulic winches

Marine maintenance

Diesel & gas engines

Vessel operations

Sea-time at sea

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Marine Professional-First Mate

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

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

Work Schedule: 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

Closing Date: Proposed Starting Date 12/01/2026

Special Instructions to Applicants: 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 (hrweb@uga.edu).

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.

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/Responsibilities

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. Percentage of time 30
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. Percentage of time 25
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. Percentage of time 20
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. Percentage of time 15
Second in command of the vessel. Serve as relief Captain in Master of the Vessel’s absence. Percentage of time 10

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

* This position is located on Skidaway Island in Savannah, GA. Are you willing to work from this location?
- Yes
- No
* Do you have knowledge of the operation and maintenance of diesel and gas engines, pumps, compressors, generators, and auxiliary equipment common to marine vessels?
- Yes
- No
* Please describe your experience working with hydraulic equipment and controls such as cranes, winches, and frames.
(Open Ended Question)

Applicant Documents

Required Documents