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Position Details

Position Information

Department Ship Operations (OAS)

Classification Title Able Mariner

Job Title Able Mariner: Marine Operations Midsize Vessel Relief Pool 2025-2026

Appointment Type Classified Staff

Job Location Newport

Benefits Eligible Dependent: Hours Worked/Duration

Remote or Hybrid option?

Employment Category Intermittent

Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill future full-time, hourly, intermittent (as needed) Able Mariner: Midsize Vessel Relief positions in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University.

These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon.

Oregon State University ( OSU ) operates multiple research vessels within the Office of Marine Operations ( OMO ), including the Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs) R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm, which support oceanographic and coastal research throughout the Pacific region as part of OSU’s federally sponsored marine science mission.

The Relief Able Mariner supports the Master and deck department aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels to ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the vessel and the effective conduct of scientific missions.

During assigned relief periods, the Able Mariner performs core seamanship and deck duties—including line handling, mooring, anchoring, rigging, and fendering—operates and tends deck equipment (e.g., winches, A-frames, and capstans) under direction, stands lookout and helm watches as assigned, and assists in the maintenance and repair of the vessel and deck gear. The role also supports over-the-side scientific operations, embarkation and safety drills, and general shipboard readiness, contributing to a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for crew and science personnel.

Assignments are based out of OSU’s Marine Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon, and may include temporary service on other vessels within OSU Marine Operations—as licensed, qualified, and as needed—to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

•Top 1.4% university in the world

•More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined

•1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.

•2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties

•7cultural resource centers (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/work-life/diversity-and-cultural-resources) that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone

•100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates

•35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color

•217k+ alumni worldwide

•For more interesting facts about OSU visit:https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers acomprehensive benefits package (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/prospective-employee) with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

•Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.

•Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.

•Retirement savings paid by the university.

•A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.

•Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.

•Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.

•Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use theBenefits Calculator (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/benefits/new-employees/benefits-calculator) to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU .

Key Responsibilities

45% – Deck Machinery & Small-Boat Operations

Operates/tends ship’s equipment—winches, A-frame, ship’s boat and davits, anchor windlass, and capstan—to support scientific operations at sea. In port, operates ship’s deck gear (e.g., cranes and winches) to load and unload supplies and equipment; assists in shipboard operations as required during research work.

30% – Deck Maintenance & Seamanship

Cleans, paints, and maintains the ship’s hull, decks, bulkheads, equipment, masts, quarters, heads, and tanks. Assists in mooring and unmooring, rigging and handling scientific gear, and loading/unloading equipment and stores.

20% – Watchstanding

Stands watch as helmsperson, visual and radar lookout at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs). May perform security watch in port and stands other watches as assigned for a specified period at the Master/Mate’s direction.

5% – Safety, Drills, and Emergency Response

Actively participates in shipboard drills and emergency training (including training ashore). Maintains assigned firefighting and safety equipment. Responds to emergencies per the Station Bill (e.g., firefighting, first aid). Performs other duties as assigned.

Fleet assignment clause:

As licensed/qualified and as assigned, may temporarily support other vessels within OSU Marine Operations (e.g., Small Boats Program, R/V Taani, or successor/new-build vessels) to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.

What We Require

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

High School Diploma (or equivalent) and six months of maritime experience.

LICENSING / CERTIFICATIONS :

• Merchant Mariner’s Credential with an endorsement of Able Seaman, Special, or higher issued by the Coast Guard

• STCW endorsements as appropriate for this position.

• Ability to obtain a passport

• Ability to read, speak, and write in English

• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements

What You Will Need

Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential ( TWIC ).

What We Would Like You to Have

+ Experience working at sea on research vessels (one year or more preferred).

+ Experience operating/tending deck machinery—oceanographic winches, A-frame, capstans, anchor windlass, and deck cranes—in accordance with standing orders and SOPs.

+ Mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding, or other specialized skills applicable to vessel maintenance and repair

+ Proficiency in seamanship and rigging (line handling, knots/splices, safe gear handling for over-the-side ops).

+ Experience supporting scientific deployments (e.g., CTD casts, nets/trawls, coring, moorings) in coordination with the bridge and deck team.

+ First Aid/ CPR (current) beyond STCW Basic Training.

+ Experience operating in Pacific Northwest/Alaska coastal waters (OR/WA/CA/AK).

+ Commitment to a respectful, safe, and inclusive shipboard environment.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

This position requires periods at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs)—including, but not limited to, the R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm—on research cruises ranging from a few hours to several days, and, depending on vessel/mission, extended overnight voyages (up to ~30 days) in highly variable ocean and weather conditions.

This is an intermittent relief pool position. Work is scheduled as needed on a voyage/project basis. Assignment length and schedules vary with operational needs.

The incumbent must not be incapacitated by seasickness and must be able to stand lookout/helm and deck watches in rough, unpredictable conditions.

Ship Operations is a seven-day-per-week program; weekend and holiday work may be required. Shift and/or work assignments may change based on operational needs, including early departures, late returns, and weather delays.

Public-health/communicable-disease mitigation measures (e.g., testing, screening, vaccination attestation, quarantine, and/or self-reporting) may be required under OSU policy and sponsor/customer requirements.

Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds, and to move/secure lines and scientific equipment on deck.

Assignments are Newport-based but may require travel to/from other ports for vessel mobilization or demobilization.

Pay Method Hourly

Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month

Pay Date Last working day of the month

Min Salary $20.19

Max Salary $30.11

Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position\_descriptions/112391

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P05472CT

Number of Vacancies Varies

Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 11/27/2025

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Posting Date 11/19/2025

Full Consideration Date

Closing Date 11/20/2026

Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc.Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for these positions.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE : If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

Applicants must upload all pages of their current Merchant Mariner’s Credential.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

In order to maintain an active status within the pool, applicants will need to reapply annually.

Should you no longer wish to remain an applicant for this posting please login and withdraw your application from this posting. Use caution as you will not be able to reapply until the next year.

Please Note: Applicants are contacted only when a need to fill Able Mariner positions arises.

For additional information please contact: Matt Fogg at [email protected]

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at ourBackground Checks (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/background-checks) website including thefor candidates (https://hr.oregonstate.edu/careers/candidates) section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team [email protected].

Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification -1, -2, -3, and -4. The online application system will allow you to attach your license/certification if the PDF file is 9MB or less. If over 9MB in size, submit to contact person listed. The license and/or certification must be received by the closing date if not uploaded with your application.

Supplemental Questions

Read More at: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/174750

OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.