Boat Captain

Description

Relocation: No relocation offered for this position

Worksite: NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Laboratory Lake Michigan Field Station

Status: Seasonal, Part-Time 

Classification: Non-Exempt

Travel: Yes

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a captain to provide vessel support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL) in Muskegon, Michigan.  GLERL operates a fleet of vessels ranging from 12'-85' in length on the Great Lakes. 

A qualified person is required to safely and efficiently operate and maintain the NOAA research vessels and NOAA shore and supporting facilities. CPC is looking for an experienced boat handler with an interest in supporting the field of marine sciences (oceanographic missions, hydrographic missions, general research missions, etc.) around the Great Lakes. Our ideal candidate will not only be a capable boat handler but also well versed in maintenance of small boats. For this particular role, the captain must have an active USCG Master license of 50 tons or above.

Though our posted job location is Muskegon, MI, we are able to hire a person who lives in the Great Lakes region and is willing to travel to Muskegon and different project locations around the Great Lakes. The field season, from April through October, tends to be a lot of travel to locations such as Beaver Island, MI, Alpena, MI, Sheboygan, WI, Bay City, MI, and other sites to support the NOAA GLERL mission.  

Tasks

• Ensure the safe navigation and mechanical operation of the vessel in which assigned, at all times, in accordance with all NOAA and USCG regulations. 
• Ensure all procedures and engineering practices are in compliance with the current and appropriate regulating authorities' such as Code of Federal Regulations (CFR); American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC); NOAA Small Boat Program (SBP); and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).
• Coordinate and support emergent repairs to GLERL small boat assets if and when required. Provide oversight during shipyard and repair periods. Help coordinate engineering work requiring certified technician assistance from engineering contractors, naval architects, electricians, and marine surveyors if required.
• Operate deck equipment including A frame, scientific winch, capstan, boat crane, Nitrox dive air compressor and small skiff.
• Document all vessel-related activities in the ship’s Log.
• Be ready and available for emergency responses.
• Be willing and able to travel to sites around the Great Lakes. 

Requirements

Required certifications and experience

• Possess an active USCG license (50 tons or above). No candidates will be considered for this position without a 50-ton license or above. 
• Current First Aid, CPR and AED certifications
• 2+ years of experience operating vessels as a captain/master or operator-in-charge.
• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Experience operating overhead load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and small cranes.
• Experience with deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, divers, and vessel skiff using A frame, oceanographic winch, capstan and boat crane
• Experience performing maintenance tasks on marine engine and systems; engineering/mechanical background and troubleshooting
• Working knowledge of current U.S. Coast Guard inland and International navigation rules
• Physically able to lift and carry 75 pounds to assist with mission mobilization and maintenance
• Physically able to work in confined machinery spaces and in remote and rugged offshore environments. 
• Willing to travel regionally.

AAP/EEO Statement 

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.