Small Research Vessel Captain

Leidos

11d•$87,100 - $157,450•Onsite

About The Position

The Marine Division of the Antarctic Support Contract at Leidos has an opening for a Small Research Vessel Captain to work at Palmer Station, Antarctica for the coming austral summer season (Oct-April). The Small R/V Captain supports all aspects of waterfront operations at Palmer Station. The Small R/V Captain acts as one of three resident professional mariners on Station, advising Station Management on all aspects of marine operation. Duties consist of operating and maintaining a fleet of fifteen active small boats, plus a number of reserve vessels, and executing all aspects of maritime training and safety for Station residents. Deployment to Antarctica may be necessary at the discretion of management (approximately 6 months/year). The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required. Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

Requirements

Must have an active NSF Public Trust Security Clearance to be considered.
US Citizenship is required.
USCG Captain’s OUVP license. During seasons at Station where no 30’ RHIBs are present, equivalent experience will be accepted
Minimum three years of experience acting as Captain, or, in seasons with no RHIB operation, equivalent experience in vessel maintenance
Minimum of two years of experience driving motorized small vessels
Minimum two years of experience maintaining small vessel systems and hulls, or equivalent
Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards
Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation, trailering, troubleshooting and maintenance
Proven ability to repair and troubleshoot engines and/or machinery including 4-stroke outboards, diesel, and inflatables
High level independent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong customer service skills

Nice To Haves

USCG 25-ton (or higher) Captain’s license
Experience working on vessels with customers and/or students
College level coursework in marine or a science-related field
High-latitude experience is a plus
Experience transporting, handling, deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment

Responsibilities

Maintains accountability for, commitment to, and involvement with personal, co-worker, community, and project safety as a constant priority
Operates and maintains a fleet of an average of fifteen active small boats, including inflatable boats and outboard motors, as well as the two 30' research vessels in the program.
Operates vehicles and equipment to launch and recover the small boats via trailer and oversees maintenance of said equipment, including, but not limited to, inboard diesel, hydraulics, outboard motors, inflatable boats, and rigid hull inflatables
Provides training and oversite for station personnel in marine safety which may include basic seamanship, dead reckoning and electronic navigation, radio protocol, small boat handling, creating a float plan, rough weather operations, sea ice operations, vessel safety, cold water survival, deployment of oceanographic systems, trailering vessels, procedures for conducting operations in remote settings, and other topics as needed
Maintains records of daily operations including vessel logs, situation reports, fuel usage, equipment maintenance, vessel launch/recovery, and turnover reports
Prepares and maintains documentation for Palmer Station boating operations, including JHA’s and Standard Operating Procedures.
Maintains stock and records of extensive spares inventory in order fully support the scientific program.
Performs timely inspections of safety, lifesaving, firefighting, and other emergency equipment.
Responsible for mooring maintenance
Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of various shop areas