Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a seasonal field station located on Appledore Island, Maine (10 miles from our dock in Portsmouth, NH). In operations for over 55 years, SML is the largest and oldest marine laboratory in the country focused on undergraduate education. The SML mission is to provide outstanding experiential, place-based education and to support innovative research programs focused on understanding and sustaining the marine environment. SML is open for programming from May through September. Our year-round office is located at UNH in Durham, NH.
The key focus of the Research Vessel Captain (Captain) is to operate, maintain and ensure the safety of the R/V John M. Kingsbury, R/V J.B. Heiser, and all other elements of the Appledore waterfront to provide transportation, supplies and program services to Appledore participants. Reporting to the SML Director of Operations, the Captain will supervise waterfront staff, including two seasonal captains, crew and some student staff at any given time. Coordinate vessel schedules with island and mainland staff to accommodate program needs and transportation of passengers and freight. Provide routine preventative maintenance and troubleshoot problems on all SML watercraft including vessels, motors, floats, moorings, barges, and docks. Schedule and oversee yard periods for all boats; develop a maintenance plan; and work with SML leadership to ensure all lab needs are addressed through yard period. Ensure that all vessels have proper documentation, inspections, permits and registrations. Oversee the operation of all laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water academic activities with particular attention to the safety of all vessel occupants. Service as a waterfront instructor in SML courses. Expected to be available in case of emergency during the operating season.
Other minimum qualifications
Associate degree or technical/vocational school degree
U.S. Coast Guard 50 ton near-coastal license.
4 years Captain experience
Strong background in vessel maintenance/diesel engines/mechanical systems/electrical systems.
Maintain vessel records/logs in accordance within US Coast Guard regulations
Appropriate FCC licensing.
Experience operating and maintaining vessels similar to our current vessels: R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V J.B. Heiser
Strong interest in education, the environment and marine affairs
Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment
Ability to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of all scheduled and unscheduled baggage, materials and supplies both on Appledore and on the mainland.
Participate in SML substance-abuse testing program and oversee drug testing compliance for seasonal staff.
Flexibility
Creativity
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to respond to off-hour calls for emergencies.
This position is residential during SML’s operating season; 4-5 nights per week in residence on Appledore Island is expected from April – October.
Associate degree or technical/vocational school degree
U.S. Coast Guard 50 ton near-coastal license.
4 years Captain experience
Strong background in vessel maintenance/diesel engines/mechanical systems/electrical systems.
Maintain vessel records/logs in accordance within US Coast Guard regulations
Appropriate FCC licensing.
Experience operating and maintaining vessels similar to our current vessels: R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V J.B. Heiser
Strong interest in education, the environment and marine affairs
Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment
Ability to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of all scheduled and unscheduled baggage, materials and supplies both on Appledore and on the mainland.
Participate in SML substance-abuse testing program and oversee drug testing compliance for seasonal staff.
Flexibility
Creativity
Valid driver’s license
Willingness to respond to off-hour calls for emergencies.
This position is residential during SML’s operating season; 4-5 nights per week in residence on Appledore Island is expected from April – October.
Additional Preferred Qualifications
U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton near-coastal license.
Knowledge of local waters
Remote field station or marine laboratory experience
Advanced emergency and medical training. SML may financially support such training.
U.S. Coast Guard 100 ton near-coastal license.
Knowledge of local waters
Remote field station or marine laboratory experience
Advanced emergency and medical training. SML may financially support such training.
Salary Information
Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off. This is a 0.77 time position, with benefits, and is starting salary is expected to be $50,000-$60,000 annually, with 3 months off during the winter.
Salary is complemented by a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental, retirement, tuition, and paid time off. This is a 0.77 time position, with benefits, and is starting salary is expected to be $50,000-$60,000 annually, with 3 months off during the winter.