Offshore Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support (I-II)

Orchard LLC; Narragansett (RI); Remote; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC is hiring Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries’ research operations aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels along the Northeast U.S. coast. The role involves hands-on deck operations, gear deployment, and vessel maintenance in extended research trips with a small crew.

This positions requires seamanship, physical fitness, and the ability to work long shifts at sea, including watch duties and safety compliance under NOAA OIC guidance.

Qualifications

• Ability to work at sea for extended periods in varied weather.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying 55lbs, climbing ladders, and working on rolling decks.
• Willingness to work long days (12 hours standard, occasional extended shifts).
• Positive and professional demeanor in small crew environments.

Responsibilities

• Safely deploy and retrieve scientific sampling gear (trawls, dredges, grabs, CTDs, sensors, etc.).
• Conduct routine vessel operations, including docking, line handling, watches, and housekeeping.
• Assist with cruise staging/de-staging, loading/unloading of stores, supplies, and scientific equipment.
• Support deck operations during research missions, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Perform net mending, gear repair, and hydraulic/electrical maintenance as needed.
• Assist with vessel system maintenance (diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, deck machinery).
• Operate deck equipment (winches, cranes, derricks, reels, anchor windlass) under the officer's direction.
• Stand lookout, wheelhouse, and anchor watches using navigation equipment (charts, GPS, radar, fathometers).
• Support trawl repair and equipment troubleshooting while underway.
• Work in close quarters with diverse crews, maintaining professionalism in challenging conditions.
• Report safety issues and operational concerns to NOAA Officers in Charge (OIC/JOIC).

Job description

Orchard LLC is hiring Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries’ research operations aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels along the Northeast U.S. coast. The role involves hands-on deck operations, gear deployment, and vessel maintenance in extended research trips with a small crew.

This positions requires seamanship, physical fitness, and the ability to work long shifts at sea, including watch duties and safety compliance under NOAA OIC guidance.