Able Mariner: Marine Operations Midsize Vessel Relief Pool

Position Title

Able Mariner:
Marine Operations Midsize Vessel Relief Pool

Newport, Oregon

Classified Staff, Intermittent

This position will fill future full-time, hourly, intermittent Able Mariner roles in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University. The Relief Able Mariner supports the Master and deck department aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient vessel operation and effective conduct of scientific missions.

• 45% – Operates/tends ship’s equipment—winches, A-frame, ship’s boat and davits, anchor windlass, and capstan—to support scientific operations  port, operates ship’s deck gear (e.g., cranes and winches) to load and unload supplies and equipment.
• 30% – Maintains the ship’s hull, decks, bulkheads, equipment, masts, quarters, heads, and tanks. Assists in mooring, unmooring, rigging, and handling scientific gear, and loading/unloading equipment and stores.
• 20% – Stands watch as helmsperson, visual and radar lookout at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels. May perform security watch in port and other watches as assigned.
• 5% – Participates in shipboard drills and emergency training, maintains firefighting and safety equipment, and responds to emergencies per the Station Bill.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma (or equivalent) and six months of maritime experience.

• Merchant Mariner’s Credential with an endorsement of Able Seaman, Special, or higher issued by the Coast Guard
• STCW endorsements as appropriate for this position
• Ability to obtain a passport
• Ability to read, speak, and write in English
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements

Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

• Experience working at sea on research vessels (one year or more preferred)
• Experience operating deck machinery—oceanographic winches, A-frame, capstans, anchor windlass, and deck cranes—in accordance with standing orders and SOPs
• Mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding, or other specialized skills applicable to vessel maintenance and repair
• Proficiency in seamanship and rigging (line handling, knots/splices, safe gear handling for over-the-side ops)
• Experience supporting scientific deployments (e.g., CTD casts, nets/trawls, coring, moorings) in coordination with the bridge and deck team
• First Aid/CPR (current) beyond STCW Basic Training
• Experience operating in Pacific Northwest/Alaska coastal waters (OR/WA/CA/AK)
• Commitment to a respectful, safe, and inclusive shipboard environment

The position requires periods at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels ranging from a few hours to several days, and, depending on vessel/mission, extended overnight voyages up to ~30 days. This is an intermittent relief pool position; work is scheduled as needed on a voyage/project basis. Assignments vary with operational needs. The incumbent must not be incapacitated by seasickness and must be able to stand lookout/helm and deck watches in rough, unpredictable conditions.

Ship Operations is a seven‑day‑per‑week program; weekend and holiday work may be required. Shift and/or work assignments may change based on operational needs. Public‑health mitigation measures may be required under OSU policy. Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds, and to move/secure lines and scientific equipment on deck is required. Assignments are Newport‑based but may require travel to/from other ports for vessel mobilization or demobilization.

Hourly: $20.19 – $30.11 per hour. Pay period: 16th – 15th of the following month. Pay date: last working day of the month.

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying…