The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.
Position Summary
The Research Vessel (R/V) Chief Engineer serves as Chief Engineer on the R/V Virginia. This position may provide shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet if needed. The Chief Engineer is primarily responsible for ensuring that all federal and state maritime regulations, as they relate to engineering, are observed and complied with during the operation of R/V Virginia. The position also ensures that all VIMS rules and policies are followed.
Reporting to the Captain of the R/V Virginia, the Chief Engineer directs all shipboard engineering activities while on watch and accepts full responsibility for the proper operation of all shipboard systems.
Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Overseeing the maintenance and operation of all deck and safety equipment.
- Effectively operating and maintaining all engineering related aspects of the R/V Virginia. Such as operating the A-Frame, J-Frame, crane, trawl winches and CTD winch as necessary to accomplish each specific scientific operation in a safe and efficient manner.
- Actively participating in the repair or replacement of engineering related systems on the R/V Virginia and interfacing directly with the vessel’s Master for repairs on equipment deemed critical to the safe navigation or operation of the vessel.
- Assuming overall responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the engine-room and other engineering related spaces on the vessel.
- Providing shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet, as needed.
Required Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent;
- Valid Driver’s License;
- Certified in First Aid/CPR;
- Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential;
- Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage;
- Prior sea service as a qualified member of the engine department or equivalent position aboard vessels
- Rating of DDE 4000HP License issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or the ability to obtain DDE 4000 within six months of start date (eligible applicants must have attended a USCG approved training course to demonstrate their eligibility to obtain a DDE 4000).
- Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations (including those contained in the Federal Code of Regulations – CFR’s), governing the operation of vessels under 300 gross registered tons (GRT);
- Proficiency with MS Office applications;
- Ability to read and comprehend vessel as-built drawings including electrical one-line diagrams;
- Substantive experience with marine engineering including the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, MSD systems, reverse osmosis systems, ship-board electrical systems and refrigeration.
Compensation: Up to $77,000
