Job Description

Position Details

Dept Number/Name: 4710000 / Florida Institute of Oceanography

Location: USF St. Petersburg

Salary Plan: Temporary

Job Code/Title 0016 / Skilled Craft / OPS Mate

Hiring Salary/ Salary Range Commensurate based on experience

Position Number: 220090420

Organizational Summary:

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is engaged in marine research, education, and resource management at the University of South Florida. The FIO currently operates a fleet of oceanographic research vessels and a marine facility (Keys Marine Lab) which provides collaborating opportunities across academia, government, and private sector for educational, training, research, and public outreach for students and scientists. Sailing aboard a FIO oceanographic research vessel offers a unique and rewarding experience that differs significantly from traditional merchant marine operations. Our research cruises range from short 12-hour day trips to extended voyages lasting up to 14–15 days. At times, vessels may be temporarily stationed at ports outside our headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, including locations such as Pensacola or Jacksonville. Unlike standard commercial shipping, oceanographic research involves dynamic, science-driven missions. FIO crew members work closely with a diverse array of clients, supporting activities such as water and sediment sampling, hydrographic surveying, diving operations, and other specialized research tasks. These missions often require vessels to remain stationary for extended periods while scientific work is conducted—making each day at sea distinct and engaging. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working in a collaborative, professional, educational environment and are passionate about supporting marine science. If you are interested in a career that combines seafaring with scientific exploration, and you take pride in preparing and maintaining vessels for research at sea and dockside, we encourage you to consider joining our team.

The Mate position serves as the second officer on FIO's research vessels (R/V Weatherbird II and R/V Hogarth). This position is directly involved in all aspects of the daily operation of crew and vessel, both while in-port and underway and is responsible for the safety and welfare of vessel, crew, students, faculty, researchers and other personnel on board in the absence of/or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. This position reports directly to the Marine Captain of either the R/V Weatherbird II or the R/V Hogarth.

• Perform Second Officer (Mate) duties on all uninspected research vessel(s). Stand bridge watches as operating and navigating officer of the watch at sea under direction of the ship's Master. Conducts shipboard and ship-to-shore communications. Directs watch as helmsman, maintains the cleanliness and general condition of the pilothouse, chart room, vessel control stations, and navigating equipment, i.e. perform routine maintenance. Plan and teach courses in seamanship and other marine specialties.
• Responsible for safety and welfare of vessel and crew in the absence of or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. Responsible for safe navigation and piloting of the vessel including maneuvering in tight quarters, deploying and recovering over the side scientific equipment, deployment and recovery of oceanographic buoys, supporting SCUBA diving operation and anchoring in various weather conditions. Participate and assign watch duties to crew members and work directly with Captain and chief scientists to ensure perform assigned tasks safely. Prepares administrative reports related to vessel, not limited to maintaining charts and vessel logs, and verifying hours worked.
• Responsible for inspection, service and training of all survival equipment. Ensures the crew and science party possess and use all necessary personal safety equipment. Conducts training on portable power and equipment. Conducts and coordinates shipboard safety briefings and orientation for science party on all safety procedures and emergency drill procedures. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering procedures for rounds while in port and underway to support the engineering dept.
• Responsible for training crew in areas of deck operations and evolution, cargo handling, seamanship, marlinspike seamanship, small boat operations, all deck machinery (U-frame, A-frame, deck crane, winches and scientific gear) safety procedures. Supervises topside and interior maintenance to include hull, decks, bulkheads, bulwarks, deck machinery, interior living, science and common spaces and all other associated spaces and equipment and has direct hands-on involvement.
• Report any employee relations issues with the appropriate CHR personnel. Work with Marine Captain to develop procedural manuals (operations, safety, emergencies, etc.) on a routine basis. Request purchase orders as necessary. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering plant and proper procedure for engineering rounds. Support all vessel occupants at sea and in port.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: Two (2) years of at-sea shipboard experience in operating a marine vessel, including pilothouse duties involving navigation of the vessel, one year of which must have been on a marine vessel operating on ocean or near coastal waters. Successful completion of firefighting and radar observer courses approved by the U.S. Coast Guard is required.

Preferred Qualifications Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two (2) years of experience in piloting marine research vessel operations, supervision of crew to support the mission and function of the area of responsibility. Possession of current certificate of completion for Standards of Training certification, and Watch keeping, Basic Safety Training (STCW-95, BST), First Aid/CPR, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), valid driver's license and U.S. Passport at the time of hire. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations, American Bureau of Shipping requirements and vessel stability; Maritime Laws; Current with all applicable laws, regulations, treaties, CFRs, USCG-NVICs; OSHA regulations: Proficient in Dynamic Positioning Systems; knowledge of logistic planning both for domestic and foreign waters/ports. Licensed as a Master, Ocean, any grade, or as a Mate, Ocean or Near Coastal in accordance with Title 46, Part 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations with qualifications for appropriate tonnage to the assigned vessel(s). Valid MMC license of 200T vessel.

Special requirements: must pass a pre-employment drug screen. Possess Medical Certificate with STCW and National Expiration Dates. Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

Please provide the following documents when completing your application:

• Curriculum vitae / resume
• A copy of academic transcripts
• Contact information for three references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor).

The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.