Job Summary

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

Reporting to the Chief Engineer and assisting with duties, is responsible for the proper operation, maintenance, and safety of all engine department machinery, equipment, and spaces; for the conduct and performance of engine personnel; and for economical use of consumable supplies and stores.

Essential Functions

• Plans, assigns, and supervises work of engine department personnel; assists the Chief Engineer in planning maintenance and repair schedules with regard to ship's schedule ensuring periodic machine inspections and major repairs are accomplished in port.
• Reports condition of engine department equipment, machinery, and personnel; unusual developments; and repair progress. Maintains a machinery log of repair dates, spare parts, and consumable supplies. Monitors engine department, stores and prepares requisitions. Maintains HVAC systems, checks refrigeration plant, and ensures safety devices are in proper working condition
• Stands engine room watch, supervises Oiler, and ensures watches are stood properly and orders carried out.
• Keeps a log of all watch operations and conditions, including unusual occurrences and emergency signals.
• Supervises and assists, while in port, with maintenance and repair of engine room equipment and spaces, and in loading freshwater bunkers.
• Proficiency in the following: Diesel engines, electrical maintenance and troubleshooting, electronics, hydraulics, reading of both hydraulic and electrical schematics, HVAC equipment, and air compressors.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy and four years' sea duty as an engineering officer; 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 First Assistant Engineer experience on similar research vessel.
• Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard license, preferable First Assistant Engineering Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels.
• Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong and R/V Atlantis requires an unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels, Oceans.
• 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, and in-depth understanding of the proper operation and maintenance of ship's engines and related equipment, and demonstrate 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 in confined and unstable areas.

Bend, kneel, squat

Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment.

Climb

Reach work areas, equipment and stores by ladder and stairs.

Crawl

Crawl through bilge pockets, and under ladders and winch beds.

Feel

Touch objects: where sight is limited.

Finger

Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear.

Handle

Handle equipment and stores with sure grip.

Hear, talk

Communicate with people.

Lift, carry

Load stores over 50 pounds.

Push, pull

Move equipment over 50 pounds.

Reach

Up, over, and under equipment and stores.

See

Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting.

Sit

Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft.

Stand

Work on equipment.

Walk

Perform rounds at sea.

Write

Maintain logs.

Work Condition

Example of Hazardous Area/Duty

Confined areas

Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks

Potential allergens and irritants

Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases

Adverse weather

On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance

Extreme temperatures

On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room

Potential hazards

Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft

Noise

Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans

Schedule

Protracted and irregular working hours

Vibrations

Ship's engines and chipping hammer