Research Vessel Engineer

Job Requisition:

JR102182 Research Vessel Engineer (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Research Vessel Engineer

Department:

CC00491 VIMS1 | RADV | Field Operations

Job Family:

Staff - Lab & Research Support

Worker Sub-Type:

Regular (benefited)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Watermen's Hall

Primary Job Posting Location:

Posting Location - VIMS Gloucester

Job Description Summary:

School Mission Statement
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission of research, education, and advisory service. Our over-arching goals are to:
• Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery.
• Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance.
• Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a coastal and marine sciences education of unsurpassed quality.

Unit Mission Statement
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.
This is a developmental engineering position intended for individuals with strong mechanical aptitude and experience maintaining diesel engines, marine systems, or industrial equipment. VIMS Marine Operations will provide mentoring and professional development opportunities to prepare the successful candidate for increasing engineering responsibilities within the research fleet.

Job Description:

Position Summary

The Vessel Engineer position serves aboard R/V Virginia (93 ft) and reports to the Captain while supporting the safe operations, maintenance, repair and inspection of the vessel’s propulsion, auxiliary, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical systems. The position also support deck operations and scientific mission as required. The Vessel Engineer follows all established VIMS policies and procedures and performs their duties in a professional manner that is in line with best marine practices. Adheres to all United States Coast Guard regulations applicable to the position.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Monitor propulsion, electrical, hydraulic, fuel, freshwater, HVAC, and auxiliary systems.
• Conduct rounds and record machinery operating parameters.
• Perform routine preventative maintenance and corrective maintenance under the direction of the Chief Engineer.
• Maintain engineering logs and maintenance records.
• Assist with fueling operations and pollution prevention procedures.
• Maintain engine room cleanliness and compliance with safety standards.
• Participate in emergency drills and casualty response.
• Assist with loading, securing, deployment, and recovery of scientific equipment.
• Support deck operations including line handling, small boat operations, crane and winch operations as trained.
• Assist in cleaning and maintaining the vessel.
• Assist with basic galley duties, including meal preparation, food service, and maintaining a clean and organized galley during research missions.
• Assist Marine Operations with maintenance and repairs on other vessels and facilities when assigned.

Required Qualifications:

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Wiper or OS endorsement or the ability to obtain within the first six months of hire.

Experience

• Experience working in the maritime industry including, but not limited to, commercial fishing vessels, tugboats, small boat marinas or shipyards.
• Experience performing preventative and corrective maintenance on marine diesel engines and auxiliary machinery.
• Experience with shipboard electrical and mechanical systems.
• Experience maintaining diesel engines, mechanical equipment, industrial machinery, heavy equipment, marine systems, or similar technical equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting ability.
• Ability to learn vessel engineering systems and perform preventative maintenance.
• Ability to work safely in hot/confined spaces and adverse weather conditions.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to work extended hours, weekends, holidays, and overnight voyages.
• Ability to pass required pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Knowledge of basic deck operations including, but not limited to handling mooring lines, tag lines, securing equipment on deck, assisting in the deployment and recovery of gear.
• Basic understanding of vessel operating principles and practices, and familiarity with the operation of deck equipment such as winches, deck cranes and frames.
• Strong communication and interactive skills, with the ability to work with diverse groups.
• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work long days (more than 12 hours) weekends and holidays.
• Ability to work in hot/confined spaces.

​Preferred Qualifications:

Education

• Merchant Mariner Credential with QMED certification issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).
• Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage.
• Valid Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).

Experience

• Experience working on research vessels or supporting science at sea.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• QMED-Oiler, Junior Engineer, or Electrician endorsement.
• Wiper or OS endorsement (Special or Unlimited).
• Forklift certification.
• Small boat operator experience.
• Experience supporting scientific research missions.
• Familiarity with Caterpillar marine diesel engines.
• Experience using computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Familiarity with Safety Management Systems or risk-based marine safety programs.
• Experience:
• Experience working on research vessels or supporting science at sea.

Salary: $50,000 commensurate with experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Conditions of Employment:

• Working during nights, weekends, and over time (beyond 40 hours per week) will be required, based on vessel charters. Occasional work in adverse weather conditions, physical lifting requirements essential to the job, etc., will also be required.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Engineering Operations - 60%

• Operate, monitor, and maintain vessel propulsion systems and auxiliary machinery to support safe and reliable vessel operations.
• Perform scheduled preventive maintenance on engines, mechanical systems, and associated equipment in accordance with established maintenance procedures.
• Conduct routine machinery inspections to identify equipment deficiencies, abnormal operating conditions, and potential maintenance needs.
• Maintain engineering spaces in a clean, organized, and operationally ready condition, ensuring equipment and work areas meet established safety standards.
• Complete and maintain accurate machinery logs documenting equipment operations, inspections, maintenance activities, and identified mechanical concerns.

Vessel Operations - 30%

• Assist with routine deck operations and vessel activities to support safe and efficient operations while underway and in port.
• Handle mooring lines and assist with vessel docking, undocking, and securing procedures in accordance with established safety practices.
• Operate deck machinery and associated equipment as qualified and authorized to support vessel operations.
• Support scientific research operations by assisting with vessel equipment, deck activities, and other operational needs associated with research missions.

Other Responsibilities - 10%

• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation of completed work, equipment servicing, and identified repair needs.
• Participate in required vessel safety drills, emergency preparedness activities, and emergency response procedures.
• Assist with departmental maintenance projects and related operational activities to support vessel readiness and equipment reliability.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of vessel operations and departmental needs.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP0289 - Watercraft Operator I - Nonexempt - Salary - S06

Qualifications:

Compensation Grade:

S06

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-10-27

Position Restrictions:

Continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited

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Probationary Period Notice: Individuals selected for full-time staff positions will be required to complete a twelve (12) month probationary period in accordance with university policy.

 

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