Small Research Vessel Captain

Leidos; United States; Remote; USD 85,000 - 154,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Small Research Vessel Captain at Palmer Station, Antarctica. You'll operate and maintain a fleet of small boats, ensuring safety and training for station personnel. This role supports vital scientific operations in one of the most remote locations on Earth, offering a unique and rewarding experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain.
• Minimum two years of experience driving motorized small vessels.

Responsibilities

• Operates and maintains a fleet of small boats.
• Provides training in marine safety for station personnel.
• Maintains records of daily operations including vessel logs.

Skills

Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

College level coursework in marine or a science-related field

Tools

USCG Captain’s OUVP license

25-ton (or higher) Captain’s license

Job description

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 66 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.

The estimated pay rate for this role is ~$1700 per week (~$91K annually).

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, click here .

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission? Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today!

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

Original Posting: May 14, 2025

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range: Pay Range $85,150.00 - $153,925.00

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.