Senior Deckhand & Vessel Operator (NOAA Research Vessel)

Orchard LLC; Falmouth (MA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Orchard LLC is seeking a Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator (USCG Master I & II) to support two Level I/II positions on a 72' NOAA research vessel based in Falmouth, MA, Pocasset, MA, and Narragansett, RI. The role emphasizes deck operations, gear deployment, and vessel maintenance in a dynamic at-sea environment.

Ideal candidates have multi-year trawling experience, USCG Master License, and CPR/First Aid certification.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years hands-on trawling experience for Level I; includes operating hydraulic winches/cranes and deploying/retrieving bottom/midwater trawls.
• Minimum 6 years hands-on trawling experience for Level II; includes same gear operations and net repair/mending.
• Valid USCG Master License (100 GT) and NOAA Small Boat Policy training per NAO 217-103; CPR/First Aid/AED certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead deck operations and gear management while underway.
• Deploy/retrieve sampling gear (bottom/midwater trawls, dredges, probes, CTDs).
• Maintain and repair trawl gear; boat/net repair.
• Operate deck equipment (cranes, winches, net reels, winches, windlasses).
• Assist docking, line handling, and knot-tying tasks.
• Maintain vessel systems: engine, generators, hydraulics, electrical/plumbing.
• Perform wheelhouse watchkeeping and navigation using charts, GPS, RADAR.
• Uphold safety standards and assist with loading stores and routine chores.

Skills

Trawling experience

Deck operations

Diesel mechanics

Boat handling

CPR/First Aid

Education

USCG Master License (100 GT)

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Tools

Hydraulic winches

Cranes

Net reels and trawl gear

Job description

Orchard LLC is seeking a Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator (USCG Master I & II) to support two Level I/II positions on a 72' NOAA research vessel based in Falmouth, MA, Pocasset, MA, and Narragansett, RI. The role emphasizes deck operations, gear deployment, and vessel maintenance in a dynamic at-sea environment.

Ideal candidates have multi-year trawling experience, USCG Master License, and CPR/First Aid certification.