Position Information: Department Ship Operations (OAS) – Position Title Academic Wage Appt - Hourly Job Title Academic Wage - Hourly : 2025-2026 Midsize Vessel Relief Master Pool Appointment Type Academic Wage Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Full‑Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary The Office of Marine Operations within the Division of Research and Innovation invites applications for full‑time (1.00 FTE), 12‑month, hourly academic wage positions as Midsize Vessel Relief Master. Appointments are anticipated to last up to one year from appointment date.
These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon.
Oregon State University (OSU) operates multiple research vessels within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO), including the Mid‑Size Research Vessels (MSRVs) R / V Elakha and R / V Pacific Storm, which support oceanographic and coastal research throughout the Pacific region as part of OSU’s federally sponsored marine science mission.
The Relief Master provides managerial, supervisory, professional, and operational leadership aboard OSU Mid‑Size Research Vessels. During assigned relief periods, the Relief Master serves as Master‑in‑Command, holding ultimate responsibility for the safety of personnel, protection of the vessel, compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies, and the effective conduct of shipboard operations.
Serving as the primary shipboard point of contact for the Chief Scientist and science party, the Relief Master assists in planning and executing voyages, oversees bridge and deck operations, and ensures that scientific missions are supported safely, efficiently, and inclusively.
Assignments are based at OSU’s Marine Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon, and may include temporary service on other OSU vessels—as licensed, qualified, and as needed—to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem‑solvers and change‑makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep‑rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
Facts:
* Top 1.4% university in the world
* More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
* 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
* 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
* 7 that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
* 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
* 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
* 217k+ alumni worldwide
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state‑of‑the‑art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a benefits‑eligible position that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families, including:
* Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life; OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
* Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
* Retirement savings paid by the university.
* A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
* Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
* Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
* Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.
Key Responsibilities 60% – Vessel Navigation and Operations
* Serves as Master‑in‑Command aboard assigned OSU Mid‑Size Research Vessels (MSRVs)—which include, but are not limited to, the R / V Elakha and R / V Pacific Storm—during relief periods. Leads all operational decisions and ensures the safe navigation, maneuvering, and execution of scientific missions.
* Utilizes a range of navigational tools and techniques, including visual means, radar, GPS, fathometer, Electronic Chart System, charts, and navigation publications.
* Directs and operates vessel systems such as winches, A‑frames, and capstans to support scientific operations.
* Maintains the vessel’s official logbook, voyage documentation, and records of drills and operational activities in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements.
* Ensures that all bridge and deck operations are conducted safely and in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), UNOLS, and OSU Marine Operations standards.
* Provides timely voyage reports and coordination updates to the Port Captain and Marine Operations Coordinator, including departure, arrival, and incident information.
* Conducts safety drills and ensures that emergency preparedness is maintained throughout each voyage.
20% – Scientific Operations and Coordination
* Acts as the central point of coordination onboard for scientific operations during assigned cruises, ensuring effective collaboration between the vessel crew and scientific personnel.
* Assists in planning and conducts research missions in cooperation with the Port Captain, Ship Operations Coordinator, and Chief Scientist, ensuring objectives are met safely and efficiently.
* Oversees the safe handling and deployment of scientific equipment, including heavy or complex over‑the‑side operations, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and capabilities of the vessel.
* Provides operational guidance and mentorship to scientific personnel and students with limited seagoing experience.
* Maintains responsibility for the safety of embarked science parties and manages required documentation, including safety and consent records, for the duration of the voyage.
* Upholds a respectful, professional, and inclusive environment aboard ship, promoting OSU’s values of equity, safety, and mutual respect.
10% – Vessel and Equipment Maintenance
* During relief periods, ensures that the vessel and its systems remain fully operational and seaworthy.
* Performs or supervises routine maintenance and minor repairs of shipboard systems and equipment—including main propulsion, auxiliary, hydraulic, fuel, and water systems—as qualified.
* Inspects deck, safety, and operational equipment before and after each voyage and ensures deficiencies are reported and logged in coordination with the Port Captain and Port Engineer.
* Maintains accurate entries in the vessel’s computerized maintenance and safety logs to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.
* Coordinates closely with the Port Captain and Port Engineer on any identified maintenance or operational needs.
5% – Personnel Supervision and Training
* Supervises assigned crew and intermittent relief personnel during voyages, ensuring that all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulations and OSU Marine Operations policies.
* Provides voyage‑specific direction and training on vessel operations, safety procedures, and emergency response.
* Ensures that all personnel maintain required readiness, proper watch schedules, and compliance with rest‑hour standards.
* Collaborates with the Marine Personnel Coordinator (MPC) and Port Captain to verify that crew qualifications and certifications remain current and that all personnel adhere to OSU policies for conduct, inclusion, and safety.
* Supports the professional development of assigned personnel through modeling of best practices in seamanship, leadership, and operational decision‑making.
5% – Additional Duties and Fleet Support
* Provides temporary command or operational support on other OSU vessels, as licensed and assigned, to ensure safe and continuous operation of the Marine Operations fleet.
* Assists with loading, securing, and adapting scientific equipment for voyages as necessary to support mission objectives.
* Participates in institutional training, drills, and compliance activities required by OSU Marine Operations.
* Performs other duties as assigned by the Port Captain, Marine Superintendent or Director of Marine Operations in support of OSU’s research, education, and outreach missions.
Fleet assignment clause
As licensed/qualified and as assigned, may temporarily support other vessels within OSU Marine Operations (e.g., Small Boats Program, R / V Taani, or successor/new‑build vessels) to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.
What You Will Need
* Possession of a valid United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of Vessels of 100 Tons (Near Coastal) or higher license.
* Compliance with USCG drug testing requirements.
* Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
* Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport.
* Demonstrated experience in vessel operations, including navigation, maneuvering / station keeping, equipment handling, and support of mission objectives.
* Demonstrated leadership and shipboard supervision experience appropriate to serving as Master‑in‑Command (e.g., bridge management, safety drills, watch organization).
* In‑depth knowledge of marine safety protocols and regulatory requirements, including USCG regulations, UNOLS RVSS (as applicable), and relevant federal / state environmental compliance.
* Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and to work at sea in variable ocean and weather conditions, including handling and securing scientific equipment.
* Proven ability to work collaboratively within a diverse, team‑based environment and to maintain a respectful, safe, and inclusive shipboard climate.
* Availability for short‑notice, voyage‑based assignments, including irregular hours, weekends, and overnights.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
* This position requires periods at sea aboard OSU Mid‑Size Research Vessels (MSRVs)—including, but not limited to, the R / V Elakha and R / V Pacific Storm—on research cruises that may range from a few hours to several days, and, depending on vessel / mission, extended overnight voyages (up to ~30 days) in highly variable ocean and weather conditions.
* Ship Operations is a 7‑day‑per‑week program; weekend and holiday work will be required based on research schedules and operational needs. Shift and/or work assignments may change with mission requirements, including early departures, late returns, and weather‑related delays.
* The Relief Master must be able to stand a navigation watch and perform continuous shipboard duties in rough, unpredictable sea conditions and must not be incapacitated by seasickness.
* The position requires the ability to lift, carry, push, and/or pull objects up to 40 pounds and to assist with movement and securing of scientific equipment and over‑the‑side operations conducted aboard the vessel.
* Public health / communicable‑disease mitigation measures (e.g., testing, screening, vaccination attestation, quarantine, and/or self‑reporting) may be required in accordance with OSU policy, regulatory guidance, and sponsor / customer requirements.
* Assignments are Newport‑based but may involve travel to/from other ports for mobilization or demobilization. The incumbent may be assigned to other OSU vessels, as licensed and qualified, to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.
What We Would Like You to Have
* Current Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification as appropriate for this position.
* Mechanical, electrical, electronic, welding or other specialized skills applicable to vessel maintenance and repair; demonstrated ability to troubleshoot shipboard systems.
* Experience in research vessel operations (minimum one year preferred), including planning/executing scientific cruises and coordinating over‑the‑side operations with a Chief Scientist.
* Advanced First Aid and CPR certification.
* Familiarity with UNOLS RVSS, academic research vessel practices, and shipboard lifting equipment (e.g., winches, A‑frames, small deck cranes used aboard ship) — no shore crane duties are required for this role.
* Experience operating in Pacific Northwest and Alaska coastal waters (OR / WA / CA / AK).
* Proven ability to train and mentor crew and science personnel in safe, effective vessel and mission operations.
* Ability to adapt to highly variable environmental and operational conditions and to the dynamic needs of research missions.
Pay Method
Hourly Pay Period 16th – 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full‑Time Salary Range $41.68 - $72.96. Link to Position Description
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