Required Qualifications (as evidenced by attached resume): Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). In lieu of the Bachelor's degree, four (4) years of directly related full-time experience, or a combination of higher education and experience totaling four full-time years may be considered. Five (5) years at-sea shipboard experience in coastal waters to include at least two (2) years serving in the capacity as vessel master or captain in open waters. The ability to undertake fieldwork in varying conditions. Must be comfortable handling sampling gear for fieldwork processes (i.e. while trawling - pulling in the sampling gear by hand, hauling sampling buckets on and off the boat, carrying needed supplies to and from the boat and/or van, etc). A US Coast Guard Master- Near Coastal license, 100 tons or more, licensed to carry passengers is essential for this position to meet US Coast Guard requirements and State liability concerns. Formal training in first aid and CPR. Experience conducting bottom trawl fishing in a Captain's capacity. Must have, keep and maintain the appropriate valid NYS Driver's License; have a motor vehicle record which is free from major violations or a pattern of repeat violations. (***Out-of-State Applicants, see "Special Notes”).
Preferred Qualifications: Master's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Firsthand knowledge of Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, the Mid-Atlantic Bight past the continental shelf break, New York Harbor, coastal waters of New Jersey, and the Hudson River. Experience with maintenance and repair of diesel engines and other mechanical/electrical systems and operation of on-board oceanographic equipment. Additional years (3+) of experience as vessel master.
Brief Description of Duties: The R/V Seawolf Captain is responsible for all aspects of R/V Seawolf vessel operations and maintenance at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University. This position will be primarily responsible for operating the R/V Seawolf, however may on occasion be required to assist with operation of one of the other smaller SoMAS vessels. The Captain is assisted by full-time technicians, and additional crew members as needed (as filled by other staff positions, temporary deckhands, or hired students). The Captain is responsible for the safe operation of the School's research vessel R/V Seawolf, the maintenance of the research vessel, and the effective support of the School's need for a platform from which to conduct research and educational activities at sea. The Captain will conduct multiple cruises that require top and bottom trawling. The successful incumbent will have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, exercising strong organizational and time-management skills with an exceptional attention to detail. Essential for this role is the adeptness to work independently as well as part of a team with a collaborative approach to problem solving.
Duties:
Captain:
Serve as Captain on SoMAS's primary oceanographic research vessel, the 80' steel hulled R/V Seawolf. Responsible for all aspects of safe vessel operations. Ensure the safety of boat operation, passengers, scientific personnel, and crew. Ensure compliance with all maritime, US Coast Guard and other regulatory agency safety specifications, inspections, and certification requirements. Ensure safe and sound conditions of the ship and all ship's gear. Ensure appropriate ship support when, where and as required to best accomplish research & educational objectives of SoMAS, SBU, and other users of the vessels. Perform bottom trawling and other research activities in manners that are respectful of habitat and sea life conservation. Responsible for maintaining logs of all boat activities, and submission of daily Captain's reports to SoMAS Port Captain and, as necessary, other SoMAS personnel. Present a personable and collegial attitude to all clients and ship-board parties.
General Vessel Operations:
Responsible for the safe operation of shipboard scientific equipment, instrumentation and sampling apparatus, shop machinery, tools, and bottom trawling equipment. Familiarize R/V Seawolf users with at-sea safety policies, procedures, and equipment. In coordination with Port Captain, arrange for the ship's berthing, both at home port and at remote locations. In coordination with the Port Captain, arrange for appropriate stocking of supplies and fuel. Responsible for ensuring proper personal safety and care of equipment is exercised by vessel and scientific personnel. Familiarize R/V Seawolf users with at-sea safety policies, procedures, and equipment. Provide assistance/assume duties of SoMAS small vessel operation as needed. Operate/drive SoMAS trucks, vans, forklifts, as needed to transport vessels, crew, and gear.
Repair and Maintenance:
Inspect and perform at-sea operational maintenance and repairs of the ship, to include engines, hydraulics, AC/DC electrical systems, potable and black water systems, air compressors, etc. Perform and/or oversee operational maintenance in port as time permits, to include scraping and painting, repair, servicing, and inspection of the R/V Seawolf, engines, electrical systems, smaller vessel fleet, and work trailers. Repair damaged trawl nets and tow cables. Responsible for the training of Deckhands and other ship's personnel for operation of equipment, shop machinery and tools with regard to personal safety and care of equipment. Supervision and inspection of all shipyard repair and maintenance work (requires in-person oversight at shipyard).
Supervision and Training:
Responsible for training and supervising full-time technicians, temporary deckhands, student crew during at-sea operations and maintenance efforts.
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and departmental mission.
Special Notes: This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Exempt position, not eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA. Minimum salary threshold must be met to maintain FLSA exemption.
In addition to the employee's base salary, this position is eligible for $3,400 UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly.
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.
Essential Position: This has been designated as an essential position based on the duties of the job and the functions performed. Positions that are designated as such may be required to report to work/remain at work even if classes are canceled, and the campus is working on limited operations in an emergency.
***Out-of-State Applicants: Please note as a condition of employment and in order for this position to be tendered, the successful incumbent will be required to provide evidence of a valid license and driving abstract from the state issuing the license within five business days of a conditional offer and must obtain a NYS driver's license within 30 days of start date.
Evening and weekend work will be required. This position requires extensive periods at sea and away from home port. Travel is required to and from the shipyard during the annual haul out period. The work week is based on professional obligation; when at sea or away from home port, work hours can be extensive. As a result, periods of paid non-obligation (compensatory time) are provided and required to be used.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at or visit OEA.
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