Position Information Department Ship Operations (OAS) Classification Title Electrical/Control System Tech Job Title Electrical/Control Systems Technician: Electro-Technical Officer Appointment Type Classified Staff Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Employment Category Regular Job Summary This recruitment will be used to fill one full-time Electrical/Control Systems Technician: Electro-Technical Officer position for Ship Operations at Oregon State University. This position will be located in Newport, Oregon.
Oregon State University (OSU) is a leading institution in marine research and education, spearheading an NSF-sponsored initiative to design and build three new Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV). The first of these vessels, the 199-foot Taani, will be operated by OSU and homeported at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon.
The Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) will be committed to following safe working practices and carry out maintenance, repair, diagnosis, installation, and testing of electrical and electronic equipment on R/V Taani. This includes but is not limited to the vessel’s power, propulsion, auxiliary machinery, controls, communications, navigation, and overboard handling systems. The ETO is responsible for monitoring and handling the electromechanical and electronics systems onboard to maximize the operational safety and efficiency of the vessel to support science missions. R/V Taani is a modern advanced ship with significant automation, requiring a highly skilled ETO who can diagnose and troubleshoot both hardware and software issues, while implementing effective solutions to minimize downtime and ensure uninterrupted operations.
While working aboard Taani, the ETO reports directly to the Chief Engineer while working in close association with deck and engineering crew, as well as the marine technicians and science party. They will be expected to employ a high level of autonomy and independence when it comes to their work schedule and prioritization of tasks/projects. The ETO will be a day worker who is outside the engineer watch schedule and largely responsible for maintaining their own workload. They are required to be on-call 24/7 to respond to electrical emergencies such as loss of power, propulsion, or steering, and provide immediate solutions to ensure the safety of the vessel and crew. 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 45% – Maintain and Repair electrical and electronic equipment including but not limited to the vessel’s power, propulsion, auxiliary machinery, controls, communications, navigation, and overboard handling systems. Provide support to the crew in handling routine work items and inspections, especially as they relate to electromechanical and electronic systems.
20% – Install equipment for maintenance, repair, lifecycle replacement, or making improvements. Types of components include but are not limited to electric motors, programmable logic controllers (PLC’s), variable frequency drives (VFD’s), sensors, computer servers, copper and fiber-optic network devices, power supplies, distribution and electrical bus systems, transformers, high-voltage breakers, contactors, and relays.
10% – Document work by updating the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and other records upon service or repair of ship’s integrated machinery and equipment. Track and report on routine inspections and preventative maintenance. Develop and maintain critical documentation such as standard operating procedures, drawings, and diagrams.
10% – Coordinate with shore support and vendors/contractors for work on shipboard electrical and electronic equipment. Research, identify, evaluate, and implement emergent technologies.
10% – Assign tasks/projects to crewmembers to accomplish prescribed work, give direction concerning work procedures, communicate standards of work, review work of employees and contractors for conformance to standards, provide informal assessment of workers performance to supervisor.
5% – Actively participate in shipboard drills and emergency training, including training ashore. Maintain firefighting and safety equipment, and fights fires, administering First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) when required. Other duties as assigned. What We Require Two years of journey-level experience planning, designing, installing, and maintaining building pneumatic electronic, and electrical control and distribution systems and possession of one of the following Oregon Electrician’s Licenses appropriate to the work to be performed:
• General Supervising Electrician License
• General Journeyman Electrician License
What You Will Need For research vessel-based positions, the following may be substituted for an Oregon Electrician’s License:
1. Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with a Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) endorsement and the ability to obtain an Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) endorsement within 1 year of hire, through a combination of training and sea service.
Technical Skills:
2. Proficiency in electrical systems, electronics, and automation.
3. Knowledge of maritime safety regulations and standards.
4. Familiarity with modern and advanced shipboard electrical equipment and systems.
5. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and maintain shipboard electrical systems.
Soft Skills:
6. Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
7. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
8. Demonstrated ability to work productively and cooperatively in teams, and to contribute to an inclusive team culture where all individuals feel valued and respected.
9. Ability to work under pressure and in challenging environments.
Other Requirements:
10. Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
11. Valid STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certificate.
12. Valid STCW medical certificate.
13. Meet U.S. Coast Guard drug testing requirements.
14. Ability to obtain a passport.
15. Ability to fluently speak, read, and write in the English language.
What We Would Like You to Have Education:
16. Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, marine engineering, or a related technical field.
Certifications:
17. MMC with Engineering Officer or Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) endorsement.
Experience:
18. 5+ years of experience with shipboard electromechanical systems and automation controls.
19. 5+ years of experience in troubleshooting and maintaining shipboard electrical systems
20. Experience with cyberinfrastructure and cybersecurity.
21. Experience working with overboard handling systems.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule This position is required to work aboard R/V Taani at sea on research cruises that may last up 3 weeks in duration before returning to port. Typical rotations can last 2-3 months. The ETO is expected to be involved with maintenance periods in shipyards and dry docks. The ETO is obligated to work aboard R/V Taani – wherever it is located – at least 6 months per year.
Ocean and weather conditions are highly variable. The incumbent must not be incapacitated by sea sickness.
The ability to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 40 pounds is required.
Ship Operations is a seven day per week operation; therefore, weekend and holiday work may be required. Shift and/or work assignment may change based on operational needs. Pay Method Hourly Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Min Salary $34.70 Max Salary $53.24 Link to Position Description