What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Vessel Captain position at East Carolina University?
This position is responsible for piloting ECU vessels in support of research and academic programs at both the ECU main campus in Greenville, NC and at the ECU Outer Banks Campus in Wanchese, NC. As such, the position may be located in either Greenville, NC or in Wanchese, NC. The Research Vessel Captain will be expected to utilize marine research and fisheries techniques and knowledge of coastal and inland North Carolina waterways. The Captain is responsible for vessel maintenance and repair, including both outboard and diesel engines. The position also assists in overseeing University boating safety and training.
Shore based responsibilities
Shore based responsibilities
Manage and administer vessel maintenance, procurement, and replacement in conjunction with the Marine Dockmaster.
- Assist ECU and other maintenance staff with ECU fleet maintenance.
- Coordinate all shore-based maintenance for University research vessels with the Marine Dock Master.
- Oversee maintenance performed by outside contractors and vendors.
- Ensure all equipment is repaired, maintained, and documented in accordance with established maintenance protocols.
- Ensure vessels are fully functional and ready to go when scheduled.
- Inventory, evaluate, maintain and purchase equipment necessary to meet program needs.
- Work with the Marine Dock Master to conduct thorough research of boat and equipment types and design to make purchasing decisions.
- Manage allocated funds and identify potential cost savings where possible.
- Order, purchase, and coordinate delivery of all boats, motors, trailers and other boating-related equipment.
- Inventory, order and maintain parts necessary to perform required equipment maintenance.
- Ensure boating needs are met while remaining within budget.
Assist in the administration and management of the University boating safety program.
- Review and approve Vessel Reservation Forms, project plans, and float plans.
- Serve as a member of the Research Vessel Users and Safety Committee (RVUSC).
- Review and update the Boating Safety Manual as needed.
- Investigate the nature and cause of all boating accidents or violations of the Boating Safety Manual.
- Prepare accident reports in compliance with the reporting requirements of higher authority.
- Review and maintain certification records & requirements, including examinations, qualifications, certifications, and logs.
- Interface with international, national, state, and local research programs concerned with boating, boat related research, and equipment development.
- Monitor federal, state, and ECU policies regarding boating, boating safety and interface with agencies and regulatory entities associated with boating operations and safety.
- Ensure vessels are in compliance with ECU, state, and federal regulations and guidelines.
- Coordinate USCG oceanographic research vessel inspections.
Assist with the university’s vessel operator training and certification program.
- Conduct classroom and on-water training to certify scientists, students, and staff to use University vessels and related equipment.
- Attend continuing education courses and seminars related to boating, boating related research, accident management and other pertinent subjects, and relay this information to the campus boating community.
Develop and coordinate the operational schedule and long-range plans for research vessels and related equipment.
- Coordinate grant and academic vessel usage by university departments and programs.
- Coordinate all project requirements with the Principal Investigator/Instructor and participants.
- Maintain a schedule of dates, personnel, research location, departure and return times, and special requirements.
- Network with University Principal Investigators and other users to facilitate grants and contracts involving the university research fleet.
Develop specialized sampling equipment and techniques for water related research projects.
- Coordinate with investigators and others to develop specialized water related research equipment and techniques.
- Field test and evaluate equipment and techniques for efficacy and safety.
- Provide feedback and guidance to researchers on water-related research equipment and techniques to improve safety and efficiency.
Field responsibilities
- Serve as Master of the vessel assigned to projects, with overall responsibility for the safety and operation of the vessel.
- Plan, coordinate and pilot vessel/vessels from various locations, to include long distance in-water coastal navigation.
- Ensure the safe conduct of vessel operations and strict adherence to all applicable regulations and procedures.
- Complete and submit all required vessel logs, checklists and records.
- Manage boating-related accidents and emergencies.
- Coordinate at-sea activities with other shipboard personnel including Diving Safety Supervisor(s), the Principal Investigator(s), and course instructors.
- Assemble, inspect, and ensure all vessel and support equipment is functional, on station, and ready to use.
- Complete necessary equipment load lists and supervise vessel loading and unloading of project-required equipment.
- Perform routine and emergency at-sea repairs and maintenance on vessel and support equipment as necessary.
- Inventory and check functional readiness of all safety and medical supplies and equipment.
- Monitor weather and sea conditions and keep the Diving Safety Supervisor(s) and Principal Investigator(s) appraised of situation prior to sailing, in transit, and on station.
- Terminate operations when sea or weather indicates potentially hazardous conditions.
- Monitor vessel traffic and radio communications during undersea activities and take corrective action as necessary to ensure the safety of human life and equipment.
- Conduct safety briefing for all passengers prior to getting underway.
- Direct and supervise the activities of vessel mate(s) as necessary
- File float plans prior to departing the dock.
- Coordinate with Principal Investigator to ensure field project objectives are met.
- Collect samples/data.
- Coordinate with onsite Diving Safety Officer to conduct diving operations safely and efficiently.
Minimum Education/Experience
US Coast Guard Master’s Licensure for tonnage required for operation of vessel intended for use.
License or Certification required by statute or regulation
None
Preferred Experience, Skills, Training/Education
- Valid USCG 100-Ton Master License
- Experience operating and maintaining outboard engines and inboard diesel engines
- Experience using marine research technology and techniques, including fisheries
- Familiarity with inshore and offshore NC waters
- Experience supporting scuba diving operations
- Excellent leadership and communication skills
License or Certification required by the Department
None
Special Instructions to Applicant
- Please ensure your full range of knowledge, skills, abilities, experience and education are listed on your application. Do not write ‘see resume’ on your application when completing the job duties section.
- If you answer the questions at the end of the application, please ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities and experiences to support your answers (see job duties section of previous employment).
- Failure to answer the questions at the end of the application will not preclude your application from being considered but may result in your application not receiving full consideration of your knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Job Open Date
01/29/2025
Job Close Date - Positions will be posted until 11:59 p.m. EST on this date; If no closing date is indicated, the position will be posted until filled and may close at any time after the recruitment has been completed.
02/24/2025
Open Until Filled
No
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://ecu.peopleadmin.com/postings/83682
Alternate option
If no applicants apply who meet the required competency level and training & experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants. Salary would be determined based on budget, UNC salary administration, and/or candidate qualifications.
AA/EOE
East Carolina University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer who is committed to workforce success and cultivating a culture of care, belonging and opportunity for our faculty, staff and learners and all stakeholders. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race/ethnicity, color, genetic information, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, political affiliation, or veteran status.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the ADA Coordinator at (252) 737-1018 (Voice/TTY) or ADA-Coordinator@ecu.edu.
Eligibility for Employment
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. ECU participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. If highest degree earned is from an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, final candidates are required to have their degree validated as equivalent to the degree conferred by a regionally accredited college or university in the U.S.
Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Department for People Operations, Success, and Opportunity at (252) 328-9847 or toll free at 1-866-489-1740 or send an email to employment@ecu.edu. Our office is available to provide assistance Monday-Friday from 8:00-5:00 EST.
