Relief Captain - Shoals Marine Lab

University System of New Hampshire; Durham (NH); On-site; USD 37,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Room and board provided

Residential on Appledore Island

Job summary

University of New Hampshire's Shoals Marine Laboratory seeks a Captain to maintain, operate, and ensure the safety of its vessels and waterfront on Appledore Island. The role includes commanding USCG-inspected vessels and supervising a crew to support lab and oceanographic activities.

You will train student staff, perform routine maintenance, and ensure proper documentation, inspections, and permits while contributing to a safe, inclusive environment on a remote island.

Qualifications

• Candidate must hold USCG 50-ton Master license and be eligible to work in the United States.
• Ability to operate and supervise vessels in challenging currents.
• Experience in remote educational environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain, operate, and ensure safety of SML vessels and waterfront.
• Act as captain of USCG-inspected vessels and supervise crew.
• Train and supervise student staff in vessel operations.
• Perform routine maintenance on vessels and waterfront infrastructure.

Skills

Emergency response

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Adaptability

Education

USCG 50 ton inland Master License

Valid driver’s license

Background checks compliance

Tools

Maintenance software

Job description

This position assists in maintaining, operating, and ensuring the safety of Shoals Marine Laboratory's vessels and waterfront under the direction of the Lead Captain. Responsibilities include acting as captain of SML's USCG-inspected vessels, overseeing laboratory and oceanographic equipment use during open-water activities, and ensuring the safety of all vessel occupants. The role also involves training and supervising student staff, conducting routine maintenance on vessels and waterfront infrastructure, and managing documentation, inspections, and permits. Additionally, the position fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment. The individual must be available for emergency response while on duty and assist with various operational needs. Other duties may be assigned as necessary. Dates of employment will vary based on SML need, between July 1 and Sept 15, 2026.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Under the direction ofSMLLead Captain assist to maintain, operate and ensure the safety of the R/V John M. Kingsbury, R/V J.B. Heiser, other small vessels in theSMLfleet and all related elements of the waterfront providing transportation, supply, and program services for Shoals Marine Laboratory.
• Regularly act in full capacity as captain of SML'sUSCGinspected vessels (R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V Heiser) including the onboard supervision of at least one crew member.
• Oversee the operation of laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water laboratories, paying particular attention to the health and safety of all vessel occupants.
• Train and supervise student staff with assigned tasks within purview of vessel and waterfront operations.
• Routine preventative maintenance and troubleshoot problems on allSMLwatercraft including vessels, motors, floats, moorings, barges, and docks.
• Utilizing application-based maintenance software to track tasks and duties.
• Assist in ensuring that all vessels have proper documentation, inspections, permits and registrations.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.
• Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Expected to be available for consultation and emergency response at all times, on days scheduled to be working, and while onSMLproperty and vessels.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience

• Applicants must possess a 50 ton inland (minimum)USCGMaster's license and be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Ability to adapt to vessels with different and unique handling characteristics in challenging currents and conditions.
• Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Meet the University of New Hampshire's hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).
• Applicants must have interest in working in a remote educational environment.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment.
• Knowledge of basic computer skills; proven organizational skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel, Merchant Mariner Credential, minimum US Coast Guard 50-ton Master License Valid Drivers License and Safe Driving Record.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must be able to work as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
• Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.
• Must be able to lift and move more than 50 lbs.

Other Requirements

• Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a residential, teaching facility located on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. The island field station is open seasonally from May-September, and supports students, faculty, visitors and staff in a close-knit, sustainable community.
• Room and board are provided for island staff. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML's programs. It is everyone's responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.
• Living and working on a remote island is a unique experience which requires that everyone pitch in to help, even when it is not part of their job description, or during their scheduled hours. This includes, but is not limited to helping clean up after meals, helping transport goods from the vessels to other locations on the island, operating as crew aboard vessels, and generally being supportive and helpful with other members of our community.
• The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. AllUNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

Compensation Pay Range

$200-$350

Salary will be dependent on dates worked and experience.

The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.

The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire's lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.

EEO Statement

The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.

The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources

Location

Durham

Salary Grade

Period Activity