Position Details
Dept Number/Name: 4710000 / Florida Institute of Oceanography
Location: USF St. Petersburg
Salary Plan: Temporary
Job Code/Title: 0016 / Skilled Craft / OPS Mate
Hiring Salary/ Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience
Position Number: 220090420
Organizational Summary:
The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is engaged in marine research, education, and resource management at the University of South Florida. The FIO currently operates a fleet of oceanographic research vessels and a marine facility (Keys Marine Lab) which provides collaborating opportunities across academia, government, and private sector for educational, training, research, and public outreach for students and scientists. Sailing aboard a FIO oceanographic research vessel offers a unique and rewarding experience that differs significantly from traditional merchant marine operations. Our research cruises range from short 12-hour day trips to extended voyages lasting up to 14–15 days. At times, vessels may be temporarily stationed at ports outside our headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, including locations such as Pensacola or Jacksonville. Unlike standard commercial shipping, oceanographic research involves dynamic, science-driven missions. FIO crew members work closely with a diverse array of clients, supporting activities such as water and sediment sampling, hydrographic surveying, diving operations, and other specialized research tasks. These missions often require vessels to remain stationary for extended periods while scientific work is conducted—making each day at sea distinct and engaging. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a collaborative, professional, educational environment and are passionate about supporting marine science. If you are interested in a career that combines seafaring with scientific exploration, and you take pride in preparing and maintaining vessels for research at sea and dockside, we encourage you to consider joining our team.
Position Summary:
The Mate position serves as the second officer on FIO's research vessels (R/V Weatherbird II and R/V Hogarth). This position is directly involved in all aspects of the daily operation of crew and vessel, both while in-port and underway and is responsible for the safety and welfare of vessel, crew, students, faculty, researchers and other personnel on board in the absence of/or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. This position reports directly to the Marine Captain of either the R/V Weatherbird II or the R/V Hogarth.
- Perform Second Officer (Mate) duties on all uninspected research vessel(s). Stand bridge watches as operating and navigating officer of the watch at sea under direction of the ship's Master. Conducts shipboard and ship-to-shore communications. Directs watch as helmsman, maintains the cleanliness and general condition of the pilothouse, chart room, vessel control stations, and navigating equipment, i.e. perform routine maintenance. Plan and teach courses in seamanship and other marine specialties.
- Responsible for safety and welfare of vessel and crew in the absence of or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. Responsible for safe navigation and piloting of the vessel including maneuvering in tight quarters, deploying and recovering over the side scientific equipment, deployment and recovery of oceanographic buoys, supporting SCUBA diving operation and anchoring in various weather conditions. Participate and assign watch duties to crew members and work directly with Captain and chief scientists to ensure perform assigned tasks safely. Prepares administrative reports related to vessel, not limited to maintaining charts and vessel logs, and verifying hours worked.
- Responsible for inspection, service and training of all survival equipment. Ensures the crew and science party possess and use all necessary personal safety equipment. Conducts training on portable power and equipment. Conducts and coordinates shipboard safety briefings and orientation for science party on all safety procedures and emergency drill procedures. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering procedures for rounds while in port and underway to support the engineering dept.
- Responsible for training crew in areas of deck operations and evolution, cargo handling, seamanship, marlinspike seamanship, small boat operations, all deck machinery (U-frame, A-frame, deck crane, winches and scientific gear) safety procedures. Supervises topside and interior maintenance to include hull, decks, bulkheads, bulwarks, deck machinery, interior living, science and common spaces and all other associated spaces and equipment and has direct hands-on involvement.
- Report any employee relations issues with the appropriate CHR personnel. Work with Marine Captain to develop procedural manuals (operations, safety, emergencies, etc.) on a routine basis. Request purchase orders as necessary. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering plant and proper procedure for engineering rounds. Support all vessel occupants at sea and in port.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
