The University of Delaware is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and is one of the few institutions nationwide that operates a regional class research vessel. They are currently seeking to fill the position of Junior Marine Engineer to support their team.
Under direction of the Captain, Chief Engineer, or Assistant Chief Engineer, the Junior Marine Engineer/AB performs skilled work to ensure the power plant and auxiliary machinery aboard the ship is operating properly, performing routine maintenance, and assisting with emergency repairs to keep the ship on mission projects. They also maintain cleanliness and perform preservation of engineering and other spaces aboard ship. As AB they will support deck operations and maintenance underway or in port. The SHARP is a highly technical research vessel with numerous electronic controls and a twin azimuth-drive propulsion system. When standing watch as Duty Engineer, the Junior Marine Engineer is responsible for monitoring all engineering systems and operating deck equipment while the Chief or Assistant Chief Engineer is off duty. Independent judgment and initiative are required in ensuring safety of personnel and equipment while operating deck equipment and detecting and reacting to problems with engineering systems or to emergency situations.
Major Responsibilities:
- Stand engineering watch while underway (six hours on/six hours off) as a trainee and solo when qualified; operate and monitor major engine room machinery, equipment, and auxiliary systems; make periodic rounds of the machinery spaces and ship. Maintain log/record books to document rounds, maintenance, and pass down information. Assist the Navigation watch as vessel look out as needed.
- Maintain awareness of the condition of all ship’s engineering systems and tank levels. Advise the Chief Engineer and/or Officer of the Watch (Mate) of issues that may impact the safety or operational capability of the vessel.
- Perform assigned maintenance and assist with repairs to the ship’s propulsion, power generation, deck equipment, and other systems while ashore and during shipyard periods. Assist with the overhaul and repair of complex engineering systems (i.e., azimuth drives, power management systems, hydraulic cranes/frames, and ship hotel services systems) under direction of the Chief Engineer.
- Assist with the safe and proper fueling of the ship.
- Operate the ship’s small boat and deck equipment including cranes, winches, frames, and windlasses at sea and alongside. Responsible for following protocols to keep equipment and nearby personnel safe.
- Assist with the repair of shipboard or science related equipment.
- With coordination with the Mate on Watch and the Chief Scientist, deploy and recover high value (up to $1 million+), complex scientific systems at sea using ship’s deck equipment. Ensure embarked science personnel assist in a safe manner.
- Assist with mobilization and demobilization of scientific cruises while alongside.
- Serve on emergency response teams and participate in drills and training (fire – first responder: dress out in turnout gear and breathing apparatus (SCBA); man overboard – recover victim with deck equipment; flooding, medical, lifeboat duties. Can be called out at any time at sea to assist with an emergency or urgent repair.
- Make progress in obtaining a USCG QMED—Junior Marine Engineer endorsement per the Supervisory chain expectations relative to operational schedule.
- Sail as Able Seaman / Ordinary Seaman as staffing requires.
- Perform cleaning, painting, and maintenance of ship spaces.
- Assist with the maintenance of Marine Operation’s vehicles and workshops.
- Procure pre-approved repair parts and engineering supplies. Adhere to University purchase card policies and procedures.
- Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Must hold, or obtain within six months of hire, a US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential as Wiper and/or Ordinary Seaman.
- A “Qualified Member of the Engineering Department” (QMED) Junior Marine Engineer endorsement is preferred.
- An “Able Seaman” (AB) endorsement is preferred.
- High school diploma or GED and at least one years’ experience on research, towing, or fishing vessels; or related experience with operation and repair of diesel engines, motors, pumps, or electrical systems.
- Experience with the general maintenance and repair of typical marine systems.
- Experience with deployment and recovery of equipment at sea, such as oceanographic, fishing, supply, or towing vessel operations is preferred.
- Must obtain and maintain other required certifications and training for the vessel’s size and class including but not limited to STCW, Marine Fire Fighting, First Aid, and CPR.
- Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities, cultures, and backgrounds.
- Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging, where diversity is celebrated, and equity is a core value.
Occupational/Environmental Exposures:
- The physical environment requires the employee to work exposed to all conditions found aboard a ship at sea. This includes heavy weather, extreme heat/cold, and all forms of precipitation.
- Occasionally required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials (paint, solvents, etc.) and other risks during maintenance.
Special Requirements:
- Must be able to perform normal duties aboard ship such as: climbing and descending ladders, handling mooring lines, opening, and closing watertight doors, wearing an emergency breathing apparatus, reaching, handling, grasping, and lifting lifesaving and firefighting equipment, handling moderate loads (at least 40 pounds).
- Must meet the US Coast Guard (USCG) physical requirements for merchant seaman as outlined in 46 CFR and given on USCG Form CG-719K.
- Must be able to spend extended periods away from homeport including sailing as much as 140 days (2/3 of the ship’s maximum sailing schedule) and be at sea for up to three weeks at a time depending on operational demands.
- Must be willing to work weekends and holidays at sea and in port as operations require.
- Must have interpersonal skills to interact appropriately with crew and scientific users to ensure safe and effective engineering, deck, and scientific operations while maintaining a customer service and mission accomplishment environment.
- Must be willing to be enrolled in a Department of Transportation (DOT) random drug-testing program and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must have a valid, state issued driver’s license to operate ship’s vehicles for crew transfers and conducting ship’s business.
- Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to safety hazards/hazardous materials.
