Small Research Vessel Captain

Leidos Inc; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 87,000 - 157,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Small Research Vessel Captain to support waterfront operations at Palmer Station, Antarctica for the austral summer season (Oct-April). The role involves operating and maintaining a fleet of small boats and supporting maritime safety for station residents.

Deployment to Antarctica may be required; US citizenship and a public trust clearance are required, with the clearance process potentially taking up to four months.

Qualifications

• Active US citizenship is required.
• USCG Captain's OUVP license or equivalent experience.
• Minimum three years as Captain or equivalent in seasons without RHIBs.
• Two years' experience driving motorized small vessels.
• Experience in commercial marine operations preferred.
• Ability to maintain vessel logs and safety documentation.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a fleet of small boats and two 30' research vessels.
• Provide marine safety training and supervise station personnel.
• Maintain daily vessel logs and turnover reports.
• Assist with maritime planning and safety for Palmer Station.
• Oversee mooring maintenance and equipment upkeep.

Skills

USCG Captain's OUVP license

Captain experience

Small vessel operation

Vessel maintenance

Verbal and written communication

Customer service

Education

USCG Captain's license

College coursework in marine field

Bachelor's degree in marine science or related field

Tools

Small boat operation knowledge

Diesel and outboard maintenance

Job description

Description

Must have an active NSF Public Trust Security Clearance to be considered.

The Marine Division of the Antarctic Support Contract at Leidos has an opening for a Small Research Vessel Captain to work at Palmer Station, Antarctica for the coming austral summer season (Oct-April). The Small R/V Captain supports all aspects of waterfront operations at Palmer Station. The Small R/V Captain acts as one of three resident professional mariners on Station, advising Station Management on all aspects of marine operation. Duties consist of operating and maintaining a fleet of fifteen active small boats, plus a number of reserve vessels, and executing all aspects of maritime training and safety for Station residents.

*** Deployment to Antarctica may be necessary at the discretion of management (approximately 6 months/year). The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. ***

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.

Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

Your greatest work is ahead!

About the Antarctic Support Contract

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF's Office of Polar Program's Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision:Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.

• Mission:To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines. The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract,

The Challenge

• Maintains accountability for, commitment to, and involvement with personal, co-worker, community, and project safety as a constant priority

• Operates and maintains a fleet of an average of fifteen active small boats, including inflatable boats and outboard motors, as well as the two 30' research vessels in the program.

• Operates vehicles and equipment to launch and recover the small boats via trailer and oversees maintenance of said equipment, including, but not limited to, inboard diesel, hydraulics, outboard motors, inflatable boats, and rigid hull inflatables

• Provides training and oversite for station personnel in marine safety which may include basic seamanship, dead reckoning and electronic navigation, radio protocol, small boat handling, creating a float plan, rough weather operations, sea ice operations, vessel safety, cold water survival, deployment of oceanographic systems, trailering vessels, procedures for conducting operations in remote settings, and other topics as needed

• Maintains records of daily operations including vessel logs, situation reports, fuel usage, equipment maintenance, vessel launch/recovery, and turnover reports

• Prepares and maintains documentation for Palmer Station boating operations, including JHA's and Standard Operating Procedures.

• Maintains stock and records of extensive spares inventory in order fully support the scientific program.

• Performs timely inspections of safety, lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment.

• Responsible for mooring maintenance

• Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of various shop areas

What Sets You Apart

• USCG Captain's OUVP license. During seasons at Station where no 30' RHIBs are present, equivalent experience will be accepted

• Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain, or, in seasons with no RHIB operation, equivalent experience in vessel maintenance

• Minimum of two years of experience driving motorized small vessels

• Minimum two years of experience maintaining small vessel systems and hulls, or equivalent

• Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards

• Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation, trailering, troubleshooting and maintenance

• Proven ability to repair and troubleshoot engines and/or machinery including 4-stroke outboards, diesel, and inflatables

• High level independent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong customer service skills

You May Also Have

• USCG 25-ton (or higher) Captain's license

• Experience working on vessels with customers and/or students

• College level coursework in marine or a science-related field

• High-latitude experience is a plus

• Experience transporting, handling, deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment

Pay Range

Pay Range $87,100.00 - $157,450.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.