Deckhand

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Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is looking for a deckhand with experience in offshore marine environments to provide vessel and research field operations support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) in Savannah, GA.

Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary (GRNMS) consists of an area of approximately 22 square miles of marine waters and live-bottom habitat approximately 19nm off the Georgia coast. It is a place of regional, national and global significance. GRNMS requires vessel crew to lead marine operations along the South Atlantic Bight from inshore to offshore waters generally not exceeding 100 miles or 200 meters in depth.

GRNMS small boat fleet includes a newly built 52’, aluminum catamaran research vessel (R/V Gannett) and a 36’ rigid hull inflatable boat. The vessels support the sanctuary and partner organization scientific research and long-term monitoring activities (e.g., scuba diving, glider and ROV deployment, and deploying and retrieving instruments), resource protection activities (e.g., mapping, habitat characterization, marine debris, invasive species, response), and education and outreach activities as well as assisting with local emergency response situations.

GRNMS vessels are home ported at the University of Georgia’s (UGA) Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO) at Skidaway Island, Savannah, GA; however, missions may require extended transit and temporary mooring from Cape Hatteras, NC to Cape Canaveral, FL depending on the mission.

• Relocation:
  No relocation offered for this position
• Worksite: NOAA Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary
• Status:
  Part Time
• Classification:
  Non-Exempt
• Travel:
  Yes

• Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements.
• Assist with diving operations, including preparation of dive equipment, if needed.
• Adhere to established procedures and NOAA safety programs including but not limited to NOAA Administrative Order 209-125 and the NOAA small boat operations manual.
• Participate in at-sea and coastal field work and biological surveys from land, small boats, and large research vessels. Tasks include cruise planning and preparation, participating in multi-day research activities.
• Assist the crew with operation of the vessel and completion of science activities conducted off NOAA small boats.
• Assist with mobilizing the vessel and vehicles before each cruise, including cleaning and organizing, loading and storing gear and scientific equipment, and staging of additional gear as needed.
• If needed, perform regular vessel maintenance, preventative maintenance, and boat checks to ensure safe mechanical operation of the vessel at all times.
• Be willing and able to respond to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills.
• Promote safety at sea and ensure safe operations.

• At least 3 years of vessel deck management experience in offshore marine environments.
• Knowledge/experience with waterways in the Savannah and GRNMS area is preferred.
• Able to lift and carry equipment and gear up to seventy-five (75) pounds to assist in mobilization and safely work in a variety of outdoor conditions performing field activities for an 8-10 hour work day, often working multiple days in a row.
• Experience in conducting basic maintenance activities including fueling, engine oil changes, boat transport trailer repairs, dock repairs, and maintaining boatyard facilities.
• Possess or able to obtain NOAA Component Course certification.
• Current valid driver’s license.
• First Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• Proven track record of punctuality and professionalism.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Able to adjust to changes in schedule due to weather conditions and/or emergency operations.
• Must be able to drive a government vehicle for field work, movement of equipment and/or supplies between buildings, acquisition of supplies, or meetings at other locations.
• Requires appropriate vessel deck experience in offshore marine environments.
• Experience in load‑handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A‑Frames, and davits is required.

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.