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Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution seeks a QMED Oiler for an on-board assignment aboard a vessel operating from Norfolk, VA to Golfito, Costa Rica. You will support engineers in operation, maintenance, and repair of engine room equipment, perform lubrication, bilge pumping, and routine cleanliness duties, and log all watch data.
The position requires a USCG QMED Oiler credential, relevant sea duty, and adherence to safety procedures.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a QMED Oiler. This position is from 9/19/26 to 11/8/26. Norfolk, VA to Golfito, Costa Rica. Reporting to the Engineering Officer on Watch, assists engineers with the proper operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment, performs general engine room duties, and stands watches.
Performs general duties, including wiping oil; maintaining tools; and cleaning, preparing, and painting of machinery, equipment, and related spaces. Lubricates moving parts of propulsion engines and auxiliary equipment. Pumps bilges, and cleans strainers, filters, and centrifuges checks, during scheduled rounds, the proper operation of machinery; maintains proper temperatures and pressures; and records data in engineering log. Assists engineers, while in port, with maintenance and repair of engine room equipment and spaces; loading freshwater, stores, and bunkers; connecting to shore side power and water, and maintenance and inventory of spare parts. Keeps a log of all watch operations and conditions, including unusual occurrences and emergency signals. May stand engine room watch, and generator watch in port. May be assigned day work and performs other duties as required.
High school diploma or equivalent education and one year sea duty as an Oiler; in the absence of a diploma, equivalent work experience. Prefer Oiler experience on similar vessel.
Require a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as an QMED Oiler. Candidates must be familiar with a variety of engine room equipment and tools, have the ability to discern and help repair equipment malfunctions and to perform basic mathematical calculations, and demonstrate good safety practices and procedures.
All unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers and a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport. Must be able to pass a Pre-employment DOT drug screen. Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate.
Hourly rate: $31.83. The hourly rate provided for this position reflects the set base pay for new hires. Annual compensation will be based on this hourly rate and the number of hours worked, in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws. In addition to hourly pay, eligible employees may also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
Work Condition Example of Hazardous Area/Duty Confined areas Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks Potential allergens and irritants Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases Adverse weather On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance Extreme temperatures On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room Potential hazards Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft Noise Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans Schedule Protracted and irregular working hours Vibrations Ship's engines and chipping hammer.