Master

WCT MARINE AND CONSTRUCTION INC; Astoria (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

WCT Marine and Construction Inc. in Astoria, OR is looking for a Master to oversee safe, efficient operation of vessels and marine projects on-site.

You will lead deck and engineering crews, plan voyages, monitor performance, conduct drills, maintain logs, and coordinate with shipyard and customers. A USCG license and strong leadership are required.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as Master, Captain, or equivalent senior vessel command position with navigation and marine operations knowledge.
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard license appropriate to vessel type and tonnage, with current medical certificate and endorsements.
• Proficiency in maritime safety practices, including risk assessment, drills, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience coordinating docking, haul-out, repair schedules in shipyards with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong leadership and crew management abilities with training and mentoring skills.
• Effective communication and documentation skills, including logs and reports for customers and managers.
• Solid understanding of basic vessel mechanical and electrical systems for troubleshooting and maintenance planning.
• High situational awareness and decision-making in dynamic marine environments.
• Willingness to work on-site in Astoria, OR.

Responsibilities

• Oversee navigation, vessel handling, and regulatory compliance for assigned vessels and projects.
• Lead and supervise deck and engineering crews; ensure safe work practices and clear communication.
• Plan voyages, monitor performance, conduct safety drills, and maintain logs and records.
• Coordinate with shipyard, project management, and customer representatives to support operations and repairs.
• Support scheduling and continuous improvement of safety and efficiency standards across marine operations.

Skills

Vessel command

Navigation knowledge

Seamanship

USCG licensed

Maritime safety

Shipyard coordination

Leadership

Communication

Mechanical & electrical systems

Situational awareness

Job description

Company Description

WCT Marine and Construction Inc., based in Astoria, Oregon, operates one of the region’s largest shipyards and marine repair facilities on the lower Columbia River. With more than 35–40 years of combined vessel construction and outfitting experience, the company delivers new vessel builds, complex repairs, and detailed outfitting services. The shipyard is equipped to handle vessels up to 250 tons with specialized haul-out trailers and barge launching systems. Certified welders, skilled crews, and dedicated project management teams ensure high-quality metal fabrication, precise workmanship, and on-time, on-budget project delivery. WCT Marine is recognized on the Oregon coast for its commitment to uncompromising quality, expert craftsmanship, and superior customer service.

Role Description

The Master is a full-time, on-site role located in Astoria, OR, responsible for the safe and efficient operation of assigned vessels and marine projects. This role oversees navigation, vessel handling, and compliance with all applicable maritime regulations and company procedures. The Master leads and supervises deck and engineering crews, ensuring safe work practices, clear communication, and effective coordination of vessel operations, maintenance, and repair activities. Day-to-day tasks include voyage planning, monitoring vessel performance, conducting safety drills, maintaining logs and records, and liaising with shipyard, project management, and customer representatives. The Master also supports scheduling, operational decision-making, and continuous improvement of safety and efficiency standards across marine operations.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience as Master, Captain, or equivalent senior vessel command position, with strong knowledge of navigation, seamanship, and marine operations.
• Valid U.S. Coast Guard license appropriate to vessel type and tonnage, with current medical certificate and required endorsements (e.g., radar, towing, STCW, if applicable).
• Proficiency in maritime safety practices, including risk assessment, emergency response, drills, and adherence to OSHA, USCG, and other regulatory requirements.
• Experience working in or with shipyards, including coordination of docking, haul-out, repair schedules, and communication with marine construction and fabrication teams.
• Strong leadership and crew management skills, with the ability to train, mentor, and motivate diverse team members and maintain a respectful, inclusive work environment.
• Effective communication and documentation skills, including maintaining logs, reports, and operational records, and communicating clearly with customers and project managers.
• Solid understanding of basic vessel mechanical and electrical systems to support troubleshooting, maintenance planning, and collaboration with engineering personnel.
• High level of situational awareness and decision-making ability in dynamic marine environments, including river and coastal operations.
• Willingness to work on-site