Position Information Department Marine Operations (RMO) Position Title Academic Wage Appt - Hourly Job Title Academic Wage-Hourly: Vessel Engineering & Equipment Specialist Appointment Type Academic Wage Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Job Summary Ship Operations is seeking multiple hourly Academic Wage: Vessel Engineering & Equipment Specialists. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed-term position. This position is anticipated to last approximately 12 months and is located in Newport, Oregon.
OSU Marine Operations is responsible for scheduling, operating, and maintaining all OSU research vessels (Taani, Pacific Storm, Elakha), as well as the ship operations facility, West Coast Van Pool, and associated equipment. These assets support the research and education mission of Oregon State University by providing researchers with a wide range of operational capabilities.
This position is primarily responsible for leadership and oversight of the operation and maintenance of the machinery, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems aboard the research vessel Pacific Storm, under the overall direction of the Vessel Captain. This position also provides subject matter expertise as a shoreside resource and may serve as seagoing crew aboard OSU’s other research vessels. It also contributes to maintenance and support for the West Coast Van Pool. 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
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit:
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 with benefits eligible positions 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.
Future and current OSU employees can use the to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. Key Responsibilities 70% – Leadership & Oversight of Vessel Operations 20% – Strategic Maintenance & Technical Systems Oversight
10% – Cruise Planning & Technical Resource Coordination What You Will Need
1. Bachelor’s degree in a technical, maritime, or skilled trades field from a maritime academy, college, university, or military institution and a minimum of four years of experience in vessel operations or management; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
2. Demonstrated technical knowledge of vessel systems, maintenance, operations, and repair.
3. Working knowledge of ship navigation, vessel stability, and safety equipment.
4. Familiarity with applicable U.S. and international regulations governing sea-going vessels.
5. Ability to meet U.S. Coast Guard drug testing requirements.
6. Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and U.S. Passport within six months of hire.
7. Current First Aid and CPR certification.
8. Experience operating and maintaining equipment such as forklifts, winches, and/or over-the-side deployment systems.
9. Effective verbal communication and strong organizational skills.
10. Commitment to maintaining equitable, accessible working conditions for all participants at sea.
What We Would Like You to Have
11. Prior experience serving as an engineer aboard sea-going vessels.
12. Research vessel experience, including interaction with scientific personnel and familiarity with over-the-side operations.
13. Current Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), any rating.
14. Documented experience planning and overseeing shipyard repairs, including vendor coordination, budget estimation, and regulatory compliance.
15. Experience with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) for fleet or asset tracking.
16. Familiarity with vessel operations in the waters off Oregon, Washington, and California.
17. Specialized training or certifications in marine systems, including but not limited to diesel engines, hydraulics, marine HVAC, vessel electrical systems, electronics, welding, or marine safety equipment.
18. Demonstrated ability to work within structured administrative environments and follow established maritime policies and procedures.
19. Experience supporting vessel operations in busy, multi-use maritime or research settings.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule This position supports vessel-based research operations, which may take place seven days per week, including weekends and holidays, based on mission schedules. Shift and work assignments may vary depending on operational needs. Up to 80% of duties are performed at sea aboard research vessels. The position also involves work in port and dock environments. Working conditions may include:
20. Confined spaces and elevated work areas.
21. Use of lockout/tagout procedures.
22. Exposure to inclement weather, high noise levels, and fumes from paint, fuel, or other materials.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, including but not limited to safety eyewear, hearing protection, safety footwear, and respirators or dust masks. Pay Method Hourly Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Recommended Full-Time Salary Range $38.19 - $45.36 Link to Position Description