Full Time Deckhand / Field Research Assistant

Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is looking for a deckhand with experience in offshore marine environments to provide vessel and research field operations support to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary (OCNMS) in Port Angeles, WA.

The OCNMS small boats include a newly built 52’ twin-hulled, aluminum research vessel, R/V Storm Petrel and a 22’ rigid hull inflatable. The vessels serve the sanctuary’s research, maritime heritage, diving, monitoring, and education and outreach missions, and assist with local emergency response situations. Port Angeles, WA, is the home port of the vessels, but the primary port used during the field season (May-Nov) is the Quileute Marina in La Push, WA. Specific missions may require vessel operations from alternate ports often for multiple days in a row.

This position will work under the direction of the vessel Captain to carry out duties and responsibilities. Duties include but are not limited to:

• If needed, performing regular vessel maintenance, preventative maintenance, and boat checks to ensure safe mechanical operation of the vessel at all times.
• Be willing and able to respond to shipboard emergencies and actively participate in drills.
• Assist with diving operations, including preparation of dive equipment, if needed.
• Adhering to established procedures and NOAA safety programs including but not limited to NOAA Administrative Order 209-125 and the NOAA small boat operations manual.
• Promoting safety at sea and ensure safe operations.
• Participating in at-sea and coastal field work and biological surveys from land, small boats, and large research vessels. Tasks include cruise planning and preparation, participating in multi-day research activities (up to 70 field days), and assisting with reporting as applicable. Field activities primarily occur May through October.
• Assisting with mobilizing the vessel and vehicles before each cruise, including cleaning and organizing, loading and storing gear and scientific equipment, and staging of additional gear as needed.
• Ensure vessels are maintained in accordance with the NOAA Small Boat Program requirements.
• Assisting the crew with operation of the vessel and completion of science activities conducted off NOAA small boats including R/V Storm Petrel. Note: Vessels are non-smoking vessels.

Qualifications

• Ability to work collegially with scientists, natural resources managers, and educators.
• Must be able to drive a government vehicle for field work, movement of equipment and/or supplies between buildings, acquisition of supplies, or meetings at other locations.
• Experience in load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits.
• Able to adjust to changes in schedule due to weather conditions and/or emergency operations.
• Current first Aid, CPR and AED certifications.
• Proven track record of punctuality and professionalism.
• Must obtain NOAA component certification within two weeks of first deployment.
• At least 1 year of vessel deck management experience in offshore marine environments.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., unassisted, and safely work in a variety of outdoor conditions performing field activities for an 8-10 hour work day, often working multiple days in a row.
• Must be able to tow/maneuver/position a 25ft trailer for the completion of assigned tasks (i.e. site visits, field research, etc.)

AAP/EEO Statement

CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.