MASTER RESEARCH VESSEL CAPTAIN

State of Louisiana; Houma (LA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents, seeks an experienced Master Research Vessel Captain to lead marine operations aboard the R/V Pelican along the Gulf Coast. You will serve as Master-in-Command, ensure safe navigation, regulatory compliance, and coordinate with marine staff and scientists to execute complex expeditions.

This role requires five years marine experience and a USCG 200-ton master license, with travel including itinerant,

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• STCW compliance required.
• Coast Guard COC for applicable vessel class and tonnage.
• USCG 200-ton master license required.
• Passport and Seaman’s Book for international ops.
• Current medical certification with USCG requirements.
• Knowledge of navigation systems including electronic navigation, pilotage, and dead reckoning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Master of the vessel and navigate safely to support research missions.
• Foster professionalism, teamwork, and commitment among crew.
• Oversee deployment and operation of scientific equipment (CTD, ADCP, cores, tow nets).
• Maintain and ensure all vessel equipment is operational and maintained for safe cruises.
• Direct daily vessel operations and supervise crew to maintain seaworthiness.
• Maintain and troubleshoot major mechanical systems aboard the vessel.
• Ensure safety equipment is maintained and drills conducted.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and vessel policies.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

STCW compliance

Coast Guard COC for applicable vessel class and tonnage

United States Coast Guard 200 Ton Master License

Passport and Seaman’s Book

Current medical certification

Knowledge of navigation systems

Job description

About This Job

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents (Regents), is seeking an experienced and mission-driven MASTER RESEARCH VESSEL CAPTAIN to lead marine operations aboard the R/V Pelican in support of scientific research, education, and coastal exploration throughout the Gulf Coast region.

The Vessel Captain serves as Master-in-Command of the R/V Pelican and is responsible for the safe navigation, operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and overall leadership of vessel operations supporting marine science missions. The selected candidate will report to the Marine Superintendent and work closely with the Port Captain, Port Engineer, scientific personnel, and vessel crew to ensure the successful execution of complex research expeditions.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent
• STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) compliance
• Coast Guard Certificate of Competency (COC) for applicable vessel class and tonnage
• United States Coast Guard 200 Ton Master License
• Valid passport and Seaman’s Book for international operations
• Current medical certification, including U.S. Coast Guard medical requirements
• Knowledge of navigation systems, including electronic navigation, pilotage, and dead reckoning

Experience

• Five (5) years of marine or seagoing experience
• Three (3) years of prior service in a Master capacity

Preference May Be Given To Candidates Possessing

• Radar Observer Unlimited certification
• Advanced Marine Firefighting certification
• STCW95 certification
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Familiarity with University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Research Vessel Safety Standards
• Knowledge of applicable sections of Title 46 CFR related to research vessel operations
• Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, marine engineering, or related field

Job Duties

• Serves as Master of the vessel by safely navigating and operating the vessel in support of research, educational, and scientific missions. Demonstrates advanced vessel handling skills and maintains operational readiness to ensure the vessel consistently meets the requirements of assigned science missions and cruise directives.
• Fosters a strong sense of professionalism, teamwork, camaraderie, and commitment among crew members in support of vessel operations and mission success.
• Directs and oversees the safe deployment, retrieval, and operation of scientific equipment utilized during research missions, including but not limited to conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) profilers, acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP), multi-cores, tow nets, and chemical and biological sampling equipment. Coordinates closely with scientific personnel to ensure scientific operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with vessel capabilities and operational standards.
• Maintains responsibility for ensuring all vessel equipment is operational, properly maintained, and available to support safe and successful cruises for clients, researchers, and educational partners.
• Oversees daily vessel operations and directs crew members in the performance of assigned duties necessary to maintain the integrity, cleanliness, functionality, and seaworthiness of the vessel.
• Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots major mechanical and operational systems aboard the vessel, including marine engines, transmissions, generators, hydraulic systems, cranes, winches, and related vessel equipment. Coordinates preventative maintenance activities and assists in identifying repair needs to ensure uninterrupted vessel operations and compliance with maintenance standards.
• Ensures all vessel safety equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and operational in accordance with applicable safety standards, agency policies, and regulatory requirements. Conducts routine emergency drills and training exercises with crew members to ensure preparedness and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies at sea.
• Maintains certifications in First Aid, CPR, and DAN Oxygen First Aid and demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making during emergencies and vessel operations. Applies extensive maritime knowledge and operational expertise to ensure the safety of personnel, vessel assets, and scientific equipment during all phases of vessel activity.
• Maintains working knowledge of and compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, maritime regulations, licensing requirements, and LUMCON Vessel Operations policies and procedures. Ensures vessel operations remain compliant with governing agency standards and operational requirements.

POSITION-SPECIFIC DETAILS

Appointment Type: This position is unclassified and will be filled by a new hire or by promotion of a current Regents employee.

Worksite Location: This position works on a vessel that operates from Cocodrie and Houma.

Security Requirements: This position is designated as security-sensitive. A criminal history check will be conducted on all new hires as well as employees changing positions including promotions, demotions, details, reassignments, transfers, and every five years.

In accordance with LUMCONS’s Vessel Operations Drug Procedure (V004), prospective employees must pass a pre-employment drug test as well as random testing at the discretion of the agency.

New hires must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States through the federal government's E-Verify system.

Physical Demands

LUMCON vessel captains must possess sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of the job, including exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time. The physical essential functions of this job include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Frequently exerting 10 to 40 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force.
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Ability to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and work at particular heights

Work Environment

This is an itinerant, primarily at-sea position requiring 12-hour shifts per day, with assignments that last for the duration of each voyage.

The Board of Regents is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide. (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)

Benefits for unclassified employees are determined by the individual hiring authority.

The Board of Regents’ Human Capital Management Office

Kim Langlois

Employee Relations Specialist

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