Academic Wage - Hourly: 2025-2026 Midsize Vessel Relief Master Pool Applications will be reviewed and considered as opportunities arise throughout 2025- November 2026. In order to maintain an active status within the pool, applicants will need to reapply annually. Should you no longer wish to remain an applicant for this posting please login and withdraw your application from this posting. Use caution as you will not be able to reapply until the next year. Applicants are contacted only when a need to fill the Midsize Vessel Relief Master positions, on a temporary basis, arises. When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents: 1) A resume/CV; and 2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position. You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu. Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification 1 (or 2, 3, 4 as needed). The online application system will allow you to attach your license/certification if the PDF file is 9MB or less. If over 9MB in size, submit to contact person listed. The license and/or certification must be received by the closing date if not uploaded with your application.
Position Information: Department - Ship Operations (OAS)
Position Title:
Academic Wage Appt - Hourly Job Title - Academic Wage - Hourly: 2025-2026 Midsize Vessel Relief Master Pool Appointment Type - Academic Wage Job Location - Newport Benefits Eligible - Full-Time, benefits eligible Job Summary - The Office of Marine Operations within the Division of Research and Innovation invites applications for full-time (1.00FTE), 12-month, hourly academic wage positions as Midsize Vessel Relief Master. Appointments are anticipated to last up to one year from appointment date. These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon. Oregon State University (OSU) operates multiple research vessels within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO), including the Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs) R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm, which support oceanographic and coastal research throughout the Pacific region as part of OSU's federally sponsored marine science mission. The Relief Master provides managerial, supervisory, professional, and operational leadership aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels. During assigned relief periods, the Relief Master serves as Master-in-Command, holding ultimate responsibility for the safety of personnel, protection of the vessel, compliance with applicable regulations and institutional policies, and the effective conduct of shipboard operations. Serving as the primary shipboard point of contact for the Chief Scientist and science party, the Relief Master assists in planning and executing voyages, oversees bridge and deck operations, and ensures that scientific missions are supported safely, efficiently, and inclusively. Assignments are based at OSU's Marine Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon, and may include temporary service on other OSU vesselsas licensed, qualified, and as neededto maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet. 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.
Key Responsibilities:
60% Vessel Navigation and Operations Serves as Master-in-Command aboard assigned OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs)which include, but are not limited to, the R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Stormduring relief periods. Leads all operational decisions and ensures the safe navigation, maneuvering, and execution of scientific missions. Utilizes a range of navigational tools and techniques, including visual means, radar, GPS, fathometer, Electronic Chart System, charts, and navigation publications. Directs and operates vessel systems such as winches, A-frames, and capstans to support scientific operations. Maintains the vessel's official logbook, voyage documentation, and records of drills and operational activities in compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements. Ensures that all bridge and deck operations are conducted safely and in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), UNOLS, and OSU Marine Operations standards. Provides timely voyage reports and coordination updates to the Port Captain and Marine Operations Coordinator, including departure, arrival, and incident information. Conducts safety drills and ensures that emergency preparedness is maintained throughout each voyage. 20% Scientific Operations and Coordination Acts as the central point of coordination onboard for scientific operations during assigned cruises, ensuring effective collaboration between the vessel crew and scientific personnel. Assists in planning and conducts research missions in cooperation with the Port Captain, Ship Operations Coordinator, and Chief Scientist, ensuring that objectives are met safely and efficiently. Oversees the safe handling and deployment of scientific equipment, including heavy or complex over-the-side operations, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and capabilities of the vessel. Provides operational guidance and mentorship to scientific personnel and students with limited seagoing experience. Maintains responsibility for the safety of embarked science parties and manages required documentation, including safety and consent records, for the duration of the voyage. Upholds a respectful, professional, and inclusive environment aboard ship, promoting OSU's values of equity, safety, and mutual respect. 10% Vessel and Equipment Maintenance During relief periods, ensures that the vessel and its systems remain fully operational and seaworthy. Performs or supervises routine maintenance and minor repairs of shipboard systems and equipmentincluding main propulsion, auxiliary, hydraulic, fuel, and water systemsas qualified. Inspects deck, safety, and operational equipment before and after each voyage and ensures deficiencies are reported and logged in coordination with the Port Captain and Port Engineer. Maintains accurate entries in the vessel's computerized maintenance and safety logs to ensure compliance with institutional and regulatory standards. Coordinates closely with the Port Captain and Port Engineer on any identified maintenance or operational needs. 5% Personnel Supervision and Training Supervises assigned crew and intermittent relief personnel during voyages, ensuring that all work is performed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with regulations and OSU Marine Operations policies. Provides voyage-specific direction and training on vessel operations, safety procedures, and emergency response. Ensures that all personnel maintain required readiness, proper watch schedules, and compliance with rest-hour standards. Collaborates with the Marine Personnel Coordinator (MPC) and Port Captain to verify that crew qualifications and certifications remain current and that all personnel adhere to OSU policies for conduct, inclusion, and safety. Supports the professional development of assigned personnel through modeling of best practices in seamanship, leadership, and operational decision-making. 5% Additional Duties and Fleet Support Provides temporary command or operational support on other OSU vessels, as licensed and assigned, to ensure safe and continuous operation of the Marine Operations fleet. Assists with loading, securing, and adapting scientific equipment for voyages as necessary to support mission objectives. Participates in institutional training, drills, and compliance activities required by OSU Marine Operations. Performs other duties as assigned by the Port Captain, Marine Superintendent or Director of Marine Operations in support of OSU's research, education, and outreach missions. Fleet assignment clause: As licensed/qualified and as assigned, may temporarily support other vessels within OSU Marine Operations (e.g., Small Boats Program, R/V Taani, or successor/new-build vessels) to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet.
What You Will Need:
Possession of a valid United States Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential as Master of Vessels of 100 Tons (Near Coastal) or higher license. Compliance with USCG drug testing requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Ability to obtain and maintain a valid passport. Demonstrated experience in vessel operations, including navigation, maneuvering/station keeping, equipment handling, and support of mission objectives. Demonstrated leadership and shipboard supervision experience appropriate to serving as Master-in-Command (e.g., bridge management, safety drills, watch organization). In-depth knowledge of marine safety protocols and
