Position Information Department Marine Operations (RMO) Classification Title Boat Operator Job Title Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) Pool 2025-2026 Appointment Type Classified Staff Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Not benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Employment Category Intermittent Job Summary This recruitment will be used to fill future part-time, hourly, intermittent (as needed) Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) positions in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University.
These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon.
Under the direction of the Boating Safety Officer (BSO), the Small Boat Operations Boat Operator performs a wide variety of routine and semiskilled tasks to support Oregon State University’s marine research activities. This position works as part of the Small Boat Program (SBP) within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO) and provides essential field-based services including vessel operation, launching and retrieval, trailering, general boat and equipment maintenance, and logistical support for small boat operations.
This position plays a key support role in the delivery of marine and freshwater fieldwork, ensuring that university vessels and associated gear are operated safely, maintained effectively, and made ready for research and instructional use by students, faculty, and research collaborators.
As one of only three Land, Sea, Space and Sun Grant universities in the nation, OSU serves Oregon and the world through our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, our marine research center in Newport, field station in Port Orford, and our award-winning E-campus. With over $400 million in competitive research awards per year, OSU continues to lead the way with practical, impact-driven research that improves lives, protects natural resources, and generates economic growth to transform our future. 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 Vessel Operations and Field Support – 70%
1. Operates small research vessels (motorized and non-motorized) in marine and freshwater environments.
2. Trailers, launches, and recovers vessels using full-size trucks and other towing equipment.
3. Assists with on-deck operations including gear deployment, line handling, and routine tasks required to support research missions.
4. Makes basic safety and operational assessments based on environmental conditions and equipment readiness
5. Assists in launching, securing, and mooring vessels before and after use.
Equipment and Vessel Maintenance – 20%
6. Performs basic maintenance and cleaning of small boats, motors (inboard/outboard), and trailers.
7. Conducts inspections and simple repairs using hand tools and power tools.
8. Fuels vessels, checks fluids, and monitors engine condition.
9. Keeps records of fuel usage, inspections, and minor repairs.
10. Stores, organizes, and inventories boating equipment and supplies.
General Support and Recordkeeping – 10%
11. Assists in setup and breakdown for trainings, field deployments, and safety drills.
12. Loads and unloads gear and supplies for field operations.
13. Maintains basic logs related to operations, maintenance, and usage.
14. May help guide or coordinate the work of student employees or volunteers on-site.
15. Communicates with staff, researchers, and students to support day-to-day needs of the Small Boat Program.
What We Require
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma and 2 years of vessel operations experience in assigned area of responsibility; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:
• Boater Education Card issued by the State of Oregon or equivalent;
• Successfully complete First Aid and CPR Training;
• Successfully complete an internal evaluation of related skills provided by a designated member of OSU’s Ship Operations staff;
• Ability to speak, read and write English;
• Basic computer skills including use of e-mail, web browsers, word processing.
What You Will Need
16. Experience supporting marine research or education fieldwork
17. Ability to interpret technical manuals, safety protocols, and environmental data Familiarity with using hand tools and performing basic maintenance on mechanical equipment such as boat engines or trailers.
18. Ability to foster an inclusive working environment and embrace diversity among students, staff, and researchers
Other Minimum Requirements
19. Valid driver’s license
20. Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements
21. Ability to speak, read and write English
22. Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), work in physically demanding environments, and follow established safety protocols.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030. What We Would Like You to Have
23. USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (minimum OUPV)
24. Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) or US Department of Interior (USDOI) boating certifications
25. Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or a related technical field
26. Experience with marine engine diagnostics and maintenance, including Volvo KAD44 or equivalent
27. Paddlecraft operations and/or ACA instructor certification
28. Ability to support logistical setup and breakdown of field operations or training exercises.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
29. Frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, and cold marine environments.
30. Physical work including loading and unloading boats, trailering, securing equipment, and assisting in rescues or recovery of personnel or gear.
31. Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs regularly.
32. Standing, bending, climbing, and walking for extended periods.
33. Occasional work on boats underway in rough conditions or low visibility.
34. May involve occasional weekend work and overnight travel in support of research activities.
35. Must be able to operate large OSU vehicles including 15-passenger vans and pickup trucks towing boat trailers.
Pay Method Hourly Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Min Salary $24.99 Max Salary $31.63 Link to Position Description