OPS ​/ Temporary Marine Chief Engineer

OPS / Temporary Marine Chief Engineer (Finance)

The OPS Marine Chief Engineer's primary function is to ensure the safe, reliable, compliant, and mission-ready operation of all engineering systems aboard FIO research vessel(s), both in port and at sea.

This position serves as the senior engineering representative aboard the vessel and is responsible for routine, preventive, and corrective maintenance of vessel propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, HVAC, plumbing, firefighting, fuel, pneumatic, damage control, potable water, sewage, and auxiliary systems.

In addition to technical repair and maintenance duties, the OPS Marine Chief Engineer is responsible for significant administrative and management functions, including preventive maintenance tracking, engineering logs, equipment records, repair planning, spare parts and inventory control, shipyard work list development, regulatory inspection support, safety compliance, vendor coordination, and training or mentoring assigned engineering personnel.

The position works closely with the Vessel Captain, Marine Operations Manager, Fleet Readiness Manager, Assistant Engineer, deck department, science users, contractors, and shoreside support personnel to ensure FIO vessels are prepared to safely and effectively support research, education, outreach, and marine operations.

High School Degree and minimum of four years of experience assigned as an Assistant or Chief Engineer. Experience must include demonstrated ability to maintain engineering logs, document repairs and maintenance, support preventive maintenance programs, troubleshoot vessel systems, and work safely aboard marine vessels in port and at sea.

Certifications for Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, Basic Safety Training, STCW-95/BST, first aid, and CPR must be achieved within 3 months of employment. Must have a valid driver's license and U.S. passport at the time of hire. Required Level 1 background screening and drug screening.

• Experience working in an academic, research, or educational vessel environment with students, researchers, faculty, technicians, or science users is preferred.
• Preferred qualifications include experience with:
• Research vessel operations.
• Marine diesel propulsion and ship service generators.
• Hydraulic, electrical, HVAC, fuel, plumbing, firefighting, sewage, potable water, bilge, steering, and auxiliary systems.
• Preventive maintenance systems and engineering recordkeeping.
• Shipyard repair periods, dry dock planning, and contractor coordination.
• U.S. Coast Guard inspections, ABS/class surveys, load line requirements, or vessel safety management systems.
• Scientific mission support, including cranes, winches, A-frames, small boats, over-the-side equipment, ROV/AUV support, and deck machinery.
• Training and mentoring assistant engineering personnel.
• Certifications for STCW Basic Safety Training, first aid, CPR, MMC Engine Dept, and TWIC card.

• Marine diesel engine maintenance and troubleshooting
• Ship service generator operation and repair
• Hydraulic, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, fuel, firefighting, pneumatic, and damage-control system knowledge
• Preventive maintenance planning and documentation
• Engineering log keeping and regulatory record management
• Shipyard repair planning and contractor coordination
• Ability to work safely aboard vessels at sea and in port
• Ability to train and mentor assistant engineering personnel
• Familiarity with research vessel operations and over-the-side scientific mission support preferred

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No.

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