Research Vessel Deckhand

Research Vessel Deckhand / Marine Field Technician - Deckhand with a Path Toward Relief CaptainLocation San Diego, CA Position Full-TimeWe are seeking a full-time Research Vessel Deckhand / Marine Field Technician to join our marine survey operations aboard a 44-foot research vessel based in San Diego. The ideal candidate has strong small-vessel and deck skills, is comfortable working with specialized marine survey equipment, and wants to develop into a relief-captain role. Experience launching and recovering AUVs, ROVs, USVs, or other autonomous marine systems is strongly preferred. A current USCG captain's license is a bonus, but candidates actively working toward one are encouraged to apply.Primary Responsibilities• Perform deckhand duties, line handling, docking, anchoring, and general seamanship aboard a 44-foot research vessel.• Assist with vessel operation and progressively learn vessel systems, procedures, navigation, and operating practices.• Launch and recover AUVs, ROVs, USVs, and other marine survey equipment.• Handle tag lines, tow cables, winches, davits, lifting equipment, and deployment hardware.• Assist with deployment and recovery of sonar, magnetometers, positioning equipment, and other marine instrumentation.• Support vessel and survey-equipment mobilization and demobilization.• Maintain deck gear, deployment systems, vessel equipment, and a safe, organized working deck.• Assist survey technicians during hydrographic, geophysical, and marine-technology field operations.• Perform basic mechanical and electrical troubleshooting and routine maintenance.• As experience and qualifications develop assume increasing vessel-operating responsibility.Preferred Experience• AUV launch and recovery experience.• ROV, USV, or ASV operations.• Hydrographic, geophysical, or oceanographic survey operations.• Towed sonar, magnetometer, or other over-the-side survey systems.• Small commercial, research, workboat, or charter vessel operations.• Marine rigging, lifting, winch, davit, or crane operations.• Marine electronics, mechanical systems, or technical field equipment.• USCG captain's license, documented sea time toward a license, or a clear interest in obtaining a license.Qualifications• Strong seamanship and practical small-vessel deck skills.• Comfortable working around lines, lifting equipment, winches, and equipment deployed over the side.• Mechanically inclined with good practical troubleshooting skills.• Able to safely lift and handle marine and survey equipment.• Comfortable working outdoors and offshore in variable sea and weather conditions.• Reliable, safety-conscious, and able to work effectively as part of a small technical crew.• Able to work early mornings, extended field days, occasional weekends, and travel when project schedules require.• Valid driver's license.• USCG captain's license preferred but not required.• Must be able to obtain a security clearance. • US Citizen.• Must be able to pass a required USCG urinalysis.Career PathThis position is intended for someone who can become more than a conventional deckhand. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn the vessel, accumulate responsibility and sea time, and develop toward serving as a relief captain. Candidates who already hold an appropriate USCG license may move into relief-captain duties sooner based on demonstrated vessel-handling ability and familiarity with company operations.Schedule & CompensationFull-time, year-round position. Field schedules vary with project and weather requirements and may include early starts, extended field days, occasional weekends, and travel. Compensation is dependent on experience, particularly research-vessel, autonomous-system, hydrographic/geophysical survey, and USCG-licensed vessel experience.Benefits: Medical, dental, 401k, 15 days combined PTO to start, all federal holidays.Compensation range: $75k-$90k depending on experience. How to ApplySend applications to cnelson@orcamaritime.com.Please submit a resume and a short description of your vessel, deck, marine survey, AUV/ROV/USV, and/or captain experience. Include any current USCG credentials and relevant safety or technical certifications.