Chief Engineer

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a temporary relief Chief Engineer to join the Ship Operations Department. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits.

 

Reporting to the Master, is head of the Engine Department and is responsible for personnel and the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of the vessel's propulsion system and all auxiliary machinery and spaces. As a senior manager, represents the Institution's best interests.

Essential Functions

• Is responsible for the proper operation, maintenance, and inspection of main and auxiliary machinery, and electrical, mechanical, and safety equipment under jurisdiction. Determines effective repairs, monitors maintenance, and reports defects that may affect ship's performance to Master. Advises Master of matters relating to machinery usage and overall economy of operation. Reports failures that affect science operations to Port Office.
• Assigns and supervises work of engine department personnel, including fair allocation of leave and working hours, and proper scheduling of vacations. Keeps Master informed of department's condition, and conduct and reliability of engine personnel. Is responsible for the safety of the engine department crew.
• Orders, receives, and maintains proper inventory of spare parts and supplies; supervises bunkering, Ensures economy of fuel and consumable supplies, and monitors fuel and water daily.
• Sets engine room watches, specifies duties, and ensures a properly maintained watch.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy and five years’ sea duty as an engineering officer with one year as Chief Engineer or two years as First Assistant Engineer, in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.
• Candidates must possess computer literacy in the use of word-processing, inventory and database management, ship's stability, and electronic mail programs.
• Prefer experience on similar research vessel.
• Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard license, preferably Chief Engineer Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels. Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis requires unlimited Chief Engineer, Oceans, Motor Vessels. In addition to the above, all licensed officers must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport.
• Candidates must have good communication and personnel management skills, an in-depth understanding of the proper operation and maintenance of ship's engines and related equipment, and use good safety practices and procedures.
• Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen.
• Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate.

Special Requirements

All marine crew, including this position, must provide proof of COVID vaccination in order to begin your employment. The definition of “fully” vaccinated for purposes of shipboard personnel is the original double/single dose vaccination, depending on which vaccine was used (Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J), plus a booster and a period of two weeks after the booster. Boosters are mandatory if 6 months has lapsed since completing 2 dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months since 1 dose of J+J.

Physical Requirements

• All marine positions have essential functions that personnel must be able to perform, minimum physical capacities and requirements that all personnel must meet, and working conditions that may be considered hazardous.
• Essential Functions
• Work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week.
• Work at sea for three to five months continuously.
• Live and work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion.
• Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing as established in Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12, and pass a physical evaluation as described in the enclosed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89.
• Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high.
• Participate in emergency drills and in launching lifeboats and life rafts.
• Perform physical labor, climb and handle moderate weights and equipment over 50 pounds.

 

Physical Capability

Example of Essential Function

Balance

Work