Research Vessel Captain - Scientific Technician - Non

Description

Working Title: Research Vessel Captain

Classification: Scientific Technician 4

Job Status: Full‑Time/Non‑Permanent

Appointment Length: 12 Months – June 15, 2026 – June 15, 2027

WDFW Program: Fish Program – Fish Science Division

Duty Station: Port Townsend, Washington – Jefferson County; or Mill Creek, Washington – Snohomish County depending on the successful candidate.

This position serves as the primary captain of the R/V Salish Rover, a 56‑ft (52‑ton) vessel used to conduct marine fish and ecosystem surveys throughout Puget Sound. In this dynamic role you will ensure the safe operation and maintenance of a technologically sophisticated research vessel, supporting critical ecosystem and population monitoring work in the marine environment. You will support innovation in marine technology, enable high‑quality scientific data collection, and directly contribute to the monitoring and recovery of marine species, including ESA‑listed rockfish.

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, this position will:

• Serve as the lead captain of the R/V Salish Rover in support of marine population and ecosystem surveys, including operating the vessel on multi‑day cruises, navigating Puget Sound, selecting safe overnight anchorages, and adjusting plans according to changing weather and ocean conditions.
• Ensure all vessel systems – power, propulsion, mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, electronic, gray/blackwater, fire control, lifesaving, and communication – are maintained in good working order.
• Maintain the hull, superstructure, and crane in good working order and conduct regular inspections.
• Continuously monitor VHF radio communications with the USCG and other vessels to ensure collision avoidance and prompt response to safety broadcasts.
• Communicate effectively with crew and scientific staff during docking, transiting complex waterways, and deploying scientific equipment, following standard operating procedures and safety protocols.
• Maintain and archive vessel log and maintenance records.

Marine Vessel Safety Lead

• Develop and conduct at‑sea safety drills relevant to a larger vessel for unit staff, such as cold‑water immersion training, man‑overboard, and fire suppression.
• Maintain vessel drill instructor training and certification through a recognized maritime safety organization such as AMSEA.
• Review and provide expert input on safety training manuals as needed by the safety office.

Assistance with Marine Fish Science Surveys and Research

• Participate in the WDFW biennial bottom trawl survey for four weeks every other year, assisting with catch processing, data collection and entry, and vessel operation.
• Assist with other research as needed, including hook and line sampling, collection of genetic material, data entry, and operation of acoustic and/or sonar equipment.
• Assist senior staff with writing agency documents and scientific papers when time permits.

Work setting: Mix of office and field tasks.

Physical and environmental requirements:

• Lift and carry equipment up to 70 pounds.
• Operate a vessel greater than 50 gross metric tons in rough seas and high winds, while exposed to cold or hot weather and slippery deck conditions.
• Navigate tight channels, locks, and hazardous waterways.
• Operate a crane and haul loads up to 1,000 pounds.
• Use sharp objects to collect samples, such as scalpels, scissors, or fishhooks.
• Work with electrical wiring and electronic equipment; on engines, in confined spaces, around hydraulic equipment, and machinery with moving parts.
• Operate in sustained loud noise environments requiring hearing protection.
• May work in or near water, including executing tasks related to water environments.

Schedule: Full‑time, 40 hours per week; multi‑day vessel trips may exceed 40 hours and days may exceed 10 hours. Weekend work may be required infrequently; schedules may vary based on business needs, time of year, and weather conditions.

Travel requirements: Frequent multi‑day trips on vessels throughout Puget Sound; up to 50% of time spent traveling. Infrequent overnight travel to other areas of Washington, up to 1 week, may occur for conferences, trainings,…