Able Body Seaman

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a temporary relief unlimited Able Body Seaman to join the Ship Operations Department. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits. STCW Basic Training, RFPNW, and VPDSD required.

Reporting to the Master, Chief Mate, or Deck Watch Officer, stands bridge watch as Quartermaster or lookout when underway. Under supervision of the Bosun maintains interior and exterior spaces and deck equipment, and operates machinery during loading of stores and scientific operations.

Essential Functions

• Maintains an assigned cleaning station; Cleans, chips, scrapes, wire brushes, primes, and/or paints hull, bulkheads, decks, passageways, deck machinery, or spaces, as directed.
• Operates vessel's small boats during launch and recovery operations, assists Bosun in ground tackle, deck winch, and crane operation.
• Stands wheel watch at sea and security watch in port.
• Handles lines and rigging equipment, may rig and work aloft in Bos'n chair or on staging.
• While working with science gear, works in conjunction with Mate-On-Watch to insure that all science personnel are in compliance with vessel safety standards.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education & Experience

• Prefer a high school diploma or equivalent education and three years sea duty as watch standing deck sailor on a similar vessel; in the absence of a diploma, equivalent work experience.
• Requires a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as Able Seaman Unlimited, or Able Seaman Limited or Special pending demonstration of experience and proficiency to satisfaction of ship's Master.
• Candidates must understand the principles of good seamanship and marine maintenance with respect to small boats and deck equipment.
• All unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and have a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport.
• Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen.
• Must hold STCW Basic Training, RFPNW and VPDSD and a USCG Medical Certificate with a current STCW date.

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);