Small Research Vessel Captain

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

Job summary

A science and technology solutions leader is seeking a Small Research Vessel Captain to support waterfront operations at Palmer Station, Antarctica. Responsibilities include maintaining a fleet of small boats, conducting maritime training, and ensuring safety during operations. Candidates must have a USCG Captain’s license, substantial experience in relevant maritime roles, and be US citizens. This is a unique opportunity with seasonal deployment to Antarctica and a generous pay range.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain or equivalent vessel maintenance experience.
• Minimum two years of experience driving motorized small vessels.
• Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation and maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a fleet of small boats and research vessels.
• Provide marine safety training for station personnel.
• Maintain records of daily operations and prepare necessary documentation.

Skills

USCG Captain’s OUVP license

Small vessel operation

Problem-solving skills

Customer service

Job description

Overview

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 waterfront operations at Palmer Station and serves as one of three resident professional mariners, advising Station Management on marine operations. Duties include operating and maintaining a fleet of fifteen active small boats (plus reserve vessels) and conducting maritime training and safety for Station residents.

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

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required. A Public Trust security clearance is required prior to start date (process could take up to 4 months).

Estimated pay rate: ~${"1700"} per week (~$91K annually).

Your greatest work is ahead!

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain a fleet of an average of fifteen active small boats, including inflatable boats and outboard motors, as well as two 30' research vessels in the program.
• Launch and recover small boats via trailer, and oversee maintenance of equipment (inboard diesel, hydraulics, outboard motors, inflatable boats, and rigid hull inflatable boats).
• Provide marine safety training and oversight for station personnel, covering topics such as basic seamanship, navigation (dead reckoning and electronic), radio protocol, small boat handling, float plans, rough weather and sea ice operations, vessel safety, cold water survival, deployment of oceanographic systems, and remote operations procedures.
• Maintain records of daily operations (vessel logs, situation reports, fuel usage, equipment maintenance, launch/recovery, turnover reports) and prepare documentation for Palmer Station boating operations (JHAs, SOPs).
• Maintain stock and records of spares inventory to support the scientific program; perform timely inspections of safety and emergency equipment; manage mooring maintenance; ensure shop areas are safe and clean.

What Sets You Apart

• USCG Captain’s OUVP license; during seasons with no 30' RHIBs, equivalent experience will be accepted.
• Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain or equivalent vessel maintenance experience in seasons without RHIB operation.
• Minimum 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 (merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards).
• Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation, trailering, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Ability to repair and troubleshoot engines/machinery including 4-stroke outboards, diesel, and inflatables.
• Strong independent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills; excellent verbal and written communication and customer service.

You May Also Have

• USCG 25-ton (or higher) Captain’s license.
• Experience working on vessels with customers and/or students.
• College coursework in marine or a science-related field.
• High-latitude experience is a plus; experience handling oceanographic sampling equipment is a plus.

Pay and Benefits

Original Posting: May 14, 2025

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

About the company

We Are Leidos. For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working across defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets.

Notice

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