Small Boat Operator

University of Texas; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 44,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas, TX seeks a qualified Small Boat Operator to support field research. You will safely operate small vessels (<30’), transport personnel and equipment, deploy and recover instruments, and maintain boats, trailers, and engines.

The role requires at least five years of boat handling experience, familiarity with marine electronics (GPS, radar, VHF, sonar), and a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license (OUPV six-pack). Immediate start preferred.

Qualifications

• Five years of experience in trailer­ing, launching, and retrieving boats.
• Familiarity with marine electronics (GPS, radar, VHF, sonar).
• OUPV six-pack Coast Guard license preferred, Master near‑coastal or higher.

Responsibilities

• Operate boats during sampling trips to support UTMSI fieldwork.
• Teach grad students and staff proper boat handling and wash procedures.
• Perform routine vessel maintenance and assist with repairs.

Skills

Small boat operation

Coast Guard captain’s license

Marine electronics knowledge

5+ years field boating experience

Boat maintenance

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

GPS

Radar

VHF radio

Sonar

Job description

Job Posting Title: Small Boat Operator

Hiring Department: Marine Science Institute

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue Until Sep 30, 2027

Location: PORT ARANSAS, TX

Job Details: General Notes

We seek a qualified and experienced Small Boat Operator to support marine research operations at the University of Texas at Austin Marine Science Institute in Port Aransas. The successful candidate will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of small vessels supporting scientific fieldwork, including transportation of personnel and equipment, deployment and recovery of research instruments, and adherence to all safety and environmental regulations.

Purpose

The Small Boat Operator supports UT Marine Science Institute research by safely operating small vessels during sampling trips, transporting personnel and equipment, and assisting with research operations. The role also includes boat, trailer, and engine maintenance and requires at least five years of relevant experience, marine electronics and mechanical skills, and a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license. Applicants who are not legally authorized to work in the U.S. will not be considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist UTMSI personnel by operating boats during sampling trips
• Teach grad students and UT employees how to operate and wash boats properly
• Perform routine vessel maintenance and assist with repairs as needed
• Boat, trailer, engine maintenance and repair
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Skilled at small boat (<30’) operation, in coastal (including shallow waters), offshore, and nearshore environments under varying weather and sea conditions
• Five years of experience in trailering, launching, and retrieving boats
• Mechanical work (such as working in the auto or marine repair field) and electrical experience (trailer and boat wiring).
• Familiarity with marine electronics (GPS, radar, VHF radio, sonar, etc.)
• At least an OUPV six-pack Coast Guard license, preferably a 50 gross tons Master near-coastal waters or higher.
• High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred Qualifications

• Open water dive certified.
• Knowledge of local marine environments and ecosystems preferred.

Driving Required

This job requires a class "C" operator's driver's license. The applicant selected must provide a current three year driving record from the current state of residence. If not currently a Texas resident, a Texas driver's license must be obtained within 30 days of becoming a Texas resident. Employees who are required to have a CDL are subject to drug and alcohol testing (pre-employment, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, random, return-to-duty, and follow-up drug and alcohol testing).

Salary Range

$44,000+ depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Fieldwork may involve long hours, early mornings, or overnight trips. Exposure to wet, cold, and hot environments and rough seas. Occasional weekend or holiday work, depending on research needs.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701. Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site. Comments and Inquiries: Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus