Function:

Under the general supervision of the designated administrator, maintain safe and efficient operation and maintenance of a large, complex research vessel and related berths, storage areas, and equipment; assist scientists, engineers and other users in planning and executing safe and efficient field operations on the research vessel.  

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Operating under the guidelines of the appropriate federal, state and university guidelines, pilot and operate the research vessel insuring safety of the crew and passengers while maximizing the scientific and educational goals of the users.
2. Supervise crew and coordinate operations aboard the vessel. 
3. Work with vessel users in the planning of marine research and educational operations on the research vessel to insure safety and maximize the goals of their work.
4. Design and execute mechanical and operational methods for safe deployment and retrieval of equipment from the vessel.
5. Add equipment as needed to perform special tasks (e.g. portable winches and instrumentation).
6. Collect and retain vessel data pertinent to research projects.
7. Perform or supervise maintenance tasks as required, including selecting and purchasing parts, equipment, and materials for the vessel and procuring and overseeing repair and maintenance service from commercial sources, in accordance with university purchasing regulations.
8. Insure that the vessel complies with all appropriate Federal and State regulations.
9. Maintain records and reports as required.
10. Hire, train, and evaluate crew.
11. Ability to serve as an ambassador for the research vessel and the university as required.
12. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of four years of research vessel experience, including supervisory experience, or tow years of Formal Seamanship Training (e.g. Associates degree, two-year certificate in Nautical Science, or equivalent programs) and a minimum of six years of research vessel experience, including supervisory experience.
2. 100 Ton Ocean Operator's License, Master/Near Coastal (up to 100 miles offshore).
3. Experience operating vessels in and around scientific diving operations, including live-boating operations.
4. Experience with the safe deployment and retrieval of scientific equipment used aboard research vessels (e.g. conductivity-temperature-depth profilers, multi-beam sonar systems, chemical and biological sampling equipment, etc…). 
5. Experience maintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting major research vessel mechanical systems including marine engines, transmissions, generators, hydraulic systems, cranes and winches.
6. Certification in First Aid, CPR, and DAN Oxygen First Aid.
7. Ability to react to emergency situations at sea.
8. Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of the job, including exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time.
9. Ability to wear and use appropriate protective equipment as necessary.
10. Familiarity with Federal and State rules, regulations, and requirements pertaining to university vessel operations.
11. Ability to pass drug and alcohol screening tests as mandated by the university and appropriate licensing authorities.
12. Ability to clearly communicate information concerning marine educational and research operations.
13. Willingness to work the required hours (occasional long days, holidays and weekends) to complete assigned research and educational missions.

Additional Desirable Qualifications:

1. Experience as a professional captain of a research vessel.
2. Familiarity with coastal waters and weather patterns in the Gulf of Maine.
3. Familiarity with Detroit Diesel engines, and Lugger, and Northern Lights Generators similar to those on the R/V Gulf Challenger.
4. Unlimited Radar Endorsement, Shipboard Fire Fighting training, Bridge Resource Management training.

System Approval:     3/14/2008

Effective Date:     3/14/2008

This document is a generic classification specification of the University System of New Hampshire. Its purpose is to describe the representative responsibilities and general level of complexity and it is not a substitute for the specific job description of the individual position.

*** NOTE: Revised – original approved 1/9/06***