Deckhand

University of Southern California

1d•$20 - $22•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Southern California (USC) Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability (WIES) seeks a skilled, safety-focused, and service-oriented individual to serve as a full-time hourly Deckhand supporting marine operations at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Santa Catalina Island. This position is a primary member of the boat crew for the USC-inspected 45-foot passenger vessel Miss Christi, which provides essential transportation between San Pedro (Terminal Island) and WMSC for students, faculty, staff, researchers, and guests. The Deckhand plays a critical role in ensuring safe vessel operations, passenger safety, cargo handling, and emergency preparedness, while providing a high level of customer service as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving at the island campus. This position reports to the Marine Operations Manager and works closely with marine, facilities, and operations staff to support the academic and research mission of the Center. This is a benefited, non-exempt (hourly) position. Work is performed in a marine and outdoor environment and requires the ability to lift heavy objects, work in varying weather conditions, and stand for extended periods. About the Wrigley Marine Science Center The Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) is a USC campus and field station advancing the understanding of the environment and sustainability. Located in a pristine environment on Santa Catalina Island, just 22 miles from Los Angeles, WMSC provides unparalleled access to both unspoiled natural systems and areas heavily affected by human activity. WMSC is equipped to host both undergraduate and graduate courses and individual academic researchers and hosts approximately 10,000 visitors per year. WMSC offers wet and dry labs, sized for individual researchers or groups; a lecture hall and classrooms with A/V setup; a greenhouse and blue house; and dive facilities. Getting to the island is convenient aboard the USC vessel, Miss Christi, which provides transportation to and from WMSC, plus a full-service waterfront to support research and educational activities like kayaking, snorkeling, etc. We offer full support for research diving, including access to boating and the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Our dining hall serves three meals each day. Housing options include dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms; one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and living/dining spaces; and 2- and 3-bedroom cottages with full kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. The George and MaryLou Boone Center for Environmental Research is our premium housing option which offers a retreat facility for public- and private-sector leaders looking to develop solutions to environmental and sustainability problems. It consists of six semi-detached homes situated around a central courtyard with a view of Big Fisherman’s Cove.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent; combined education and experience may substitute for formal education requirements.
Up to one year of experience in boating operations, marine safety, vessel maintenance, or related marine work. Less experience may be considered with relevant training or certifications.
Valid California Driver’s License.
CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Oxygen Administration certifications required; must be obtained and maintained within a specified timeframe if not held at time of hire.
Additional maritime credentials as required by USC or regulatory agencies.
Knowledge of boating safety practices and boating operation procedures and regulations.
Ability to assist with piloting and safe operation of a passenger-carrying vessel.
Knowledge of preventive vessel maintenance and ability to perform minor repairs.
Strong customer service and communication skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.
Ability to perform physically demanding work in a marine and outdoor environment, including lifting, carrying, and working in varying weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree or equivalent; combined education and experience may substitute for formal education requirements.
One year or more of relevant work experience
United States Coast Guard Master’s License (minimum 50-ton, coastal) required only if serving as relief captain.

Responsibilities

Assist with the safe operation of passenger-carrying vessels, including passenger boarding and disembarking, cargo loading and unloading, and line handling.
Confirm passenger counts and cargo against ship manifests.
Deliver required pre-trip safety briefings and ensure compliance with safety protocols during transit.
Assist the captain with navigation support, lookout duties, docking, and mooring operations.
Stand steering or lookout watches while underway, as assigned.
Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of vessels, skiffs, and waterfront work areas.
Perform routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on vessels, skiffs, mooring systems, and waterfront equipment, including cleaning, inspections, rope work, and basic repairs.
Support emergency response procedures, including readiness and proper use of lifesaving and safety equipment.
Assist researchers, instructors, and staff with equipment transport and on-board activities, including ocean sampling and field operations, as needed.
Provide excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, and external guests.
Support maintenance and repair of cross-channel vessels, registered skiffs, mooring systems, floats, and associated waterfront facilities.
Inspect and maintain waterfront facilities, storage areas, and small craft equipment to ensure safe, clean, and operational conditions.
Assist with waterfront activities such as small boat operations, snorkeling or kayak support, chase boat duties, and orientations, as needed.
Assist with and adhere to the University’s Boating Safety Program, environmental rules, and applicable federal, state, and local maritime regulations.
Serve as a relief captain of a certified passenger-carrying vessel when qualified and authorized, or complete required training to become eligible for relief captain duties.