Research Vessel Captain TC-

Introduction

Are you seeking career growth within the State of Connecticut? If so, consider this new and exciting opportunity! The State of Connecticut, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is hiring a Research Vessel Captain to work closely with other Research Vessel Captains as well as the scientific staff of the Bureaus of Natural Resources, Water Protection, and Land Reuse in support of the Long Island Sound Trawl Survey and Long Island Sound Water Quality Monitoring Programs.

The Research Vessel Captain will provide maintenance, logistics, and operation of the department’s primary research vessels—a 40‑foot catamaran and a 50‑foot research trawler—and periodically operate and maintain smaller vessels.

Professional growth and development opportunities, a healthy work/life balance for all employees, and the State of Connecticut being an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer (allowing qualifying student loans to be forgiven after 10 years of service).

• Directing operation of assigned vessels in fisheries and environmental monitoring surveys.
• Supervising and assisting in maintenance, repair, and needed modifications of research vessels.
• Supervising loading of equipment.
• Performing precise stellar, line‑of‑sight, and electronic navigation.
• Planning work schedules and assigning duties to crew members.
• Keeping records and preparing reports.
• Assisting in designing and constructing research equipment in conjunction with other staff.
• Promoting teamwork, mutual respect, and open communication among crew members and staff to ensure safe, efficient, and cohesive vessel operations.
• Performing related duties as required.

• Five (5) years of experience in the navigation and operation of motor vessels in coastal waters.

• At least two (2) of those years must have been as a captain of a vessel 50 feet or larger.

• Experience working in a team environment and maintaining productive relationships with collaborators.
• Experience adapting to changing operational requirements or conditions at sea and communicating with co‑workers to overcome challenges.
• Experience navigating and operating motor‑powered vessels year‑round in coastal waters, including adhering to safe weather protocols.
• Experience making decisions related to crew safety and safe operation of a vessel in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations Title 46 Subchapter T.
• Experience maintaining vessel systems (marine engines, hydraulics, electrical, structural).
• Experience developing and implementing long‑term maintenance priorities and schedules for water monitoring and fisheries research or commercial fishing vessels.
• Experience using hand, power, and machine tools to repair and maintain vessels or machinery.
• Experience operating a power vessel while deploying water‑quality data‑collection instruments, and common commercial fishing gears including otter trawls.

Incumbents in this class will be required by the appointing authority to possess and retain appropriate current licenses, permits, and/or certifications, including a valid United States Coast Guard 25, 50, or 100‑Ton Operator’s license depending on the agency’s vessel inventory.

• Incumbents must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility, and visual and auditory acuity, and must maintain such physical fitness to perform the duties.
• A physical examination may be required.

Incumbents may be required to lift; may be exposed to extreme weather conditions, noise and fumes, and risk of injury from equipment.

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.