PORT ENGINEER

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) seeks a Port Engineer to manage material readiness and ship operations for its oceanographic research vessels, including Pelican, Point Sur, and Acadiana. The role supports ongoing operations, maintenance planning, and a forthcoming regional research vessel.

Ideal candidates hold an engineering degree, a current USCG Designated Duty Engineer license (4000 HP+), and STCW certification, with EPA refrigerant credentials or ability to obtain within

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field from maritime or military academy or equivalent.
• USCG License Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP or better.
• STCW certificate current.
• EPA Refrigerant Technician Certificate or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Manage material readiness of research vessels operated by LUMCON Ship Operations.
• Oversee and coordinate shipyard repair work and maintenance activities.
• Ensure compliance with applicable international and US regulations for sea‑going vessels.
• Interact with crew, marine technicians and scientific personnel to support operations.
• Prepare for new Regional Class Research Vessel operations and fleet modernization.

Skills

Port engineering

Marine operations

USCG License

STCW

EPA certificate

Regulations knowledge

Lift 40 lbs

Education

Engineering degree

USCG License 4000 HP+

STCW certificate

EPA Refrigerant Certificate

Tools

Drafting shipyard specs

Maintenance systems knowledge

Job description

About This Job

LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, as a consortium is a statewide academic endeavor to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of foundational marine science needed to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing Louisiana and the nation.

About This Job

LUMCON, a program of the Board of Regents, as a consortium is a statewide academic endeavor to focus and strengthen the effectiveness of foundational marine science needed to address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges facing Louisiana and the nation.

LUMCON has provided unparalleled opportunities in marine science and education to the research community and public alike. Anchored by a first‑rate marine laboratory, the DeFelice Marine Center, LUMCON is embedded in Louisiana’s dynamic wetland environment and conveniently located on a gateway to the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

From this facility, LUMCON operates a world‑class fleet of research vessels unmatched in the Gulf of Mexico.

In 2023, LUMCON is expanding its programs through the opening of a maritime research and outreach facility in Houma.

Position Overview

The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is seeking a motivated individual to be a Port Engineer. The Port Engineer supports oceanographic research for Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium in the Ship Operations group. Ship Operations is responsible for the scheduling, operation, maintenance, and repair of three oceanographic research vessels (R/V). The vessels are used in support of research and education conducted by LUMCON, Consortium Members, Federal Agencies and other oceanographic industries. Our success is based on an interdisciplinary approach and state‑of‑the‑art technology and facilities.

The primary duty of the Port Engineer is to manage the material readiness of the Research Vessels operated by LUMCON Ship Operations, the future ship operations facility in Houma, LA and current marine operations in Cocodrie, LA. Currently LUMCON manages and operates the R/V Pelican, R/V Point Sur, and R/V Acadiana. Beginning in 2023, LUMCON will also manage and operate a new Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV), the R/V Gilbert R. Mason for the National Science Foundation. The Pelican and Point Sur will be retired within approximately 4 years and replaced with a Pelican Replacement vessel.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field from a maritime or military academy, college, or university. Acceptable substitutions for a degree are:
• A minimum of 6 years’ experience with research vessel management as a Port Engineer (or equivalent) at another UNOLS facility or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Operations Center.
• Four (4) years of sea service as a First Assistant or Chief Engineer on research or commercial vessels.
• Military experience equal to or greater than the above qualifications.
• Meet USCG drug testing requirements.
• Current USCG License Designated Duty Engineer 4000 HP equivalent or better.
• A technical knowledge of ships and related equipment, maintenance operations, overhaul, and design.
• Direct and cooperative interaction with research vessel crew, marine technicians, and scientific personnel.
• Familiarity with applicable international and US regulations pertaining to the operation and maintenance of sea‑going research vessels.
• Competency with word processing, spreadsheets, and other standard computing skills.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. Passport and Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC) credentials.
• The ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects weighing up to 40 pounds is required.

IDEAL CANDIDATE/PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from maritime or military academy, college, or university.
• Experience in drafting shipyard work specifications and overseeing shipyard repair work.
• Previous duty as an Engineer at sea on research vessels.
• Current US Coast Guard (USCG) License as Chief Engineer Unlimited HP.
• Current Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certificate.
• Current EPA Refrigerant Technician Certificate, or ability to obtain within six months of start date.
• A demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Experience with new builds and sea trials preparing a vessel for service.
• Experience with computer‑based maintenance systems for vessels and facilities.
• Ability to work effectively in an administrative environment and follow highly structured policies and procedures while managing operations and services of a busy maritime operation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited the following:

• Ship Operations is a seven day per week operation; therefore, weekend and holiday work may be periodically required. Shift and/or work assignment may change based on operational needs.
• Up to 10% of duties require working at sea aboard vessels.
• This position requires working in a port/dock environment. The ability to move about in small and confined shipboard spaces, operate forklift and lift equipment, assist with vessel mooring, etc. is required.
• Work may involve heights such as a ship’s mast, may be performed over water, and where lock‑out/tag procedures are required.
• Work may require exposure to high noise levels, or paint, fuel or other fumes. Use of protective equipment including safety eyewear, hearing protection and a respirator or dust mask is required.

Contact Information

Joseph Malbrough

[e-mail]

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 at http://www.laworks.net/Downloads/LRS/EmploymentResourceGuide_2018.pdf(Download PDF reader)

Board of Regents is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Vacancy Information

This is an unclassified position.

This position is located in Cocodrie, LA.

In compliance with federal law, all individuals hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form (I-9) upon hire.

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