Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Job Summary
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a Master. We would like this position to start May 4, 2026 but can be flexible. Reporting to the Director of Ship Operations; is in command of the vessel and responsible for the lives and safety of all crew and persons onboard, and exercises all efforts to protect them; maintains the vessel's seaworthiness, efficient operation and navigation, and safety in compliance with the laws of navigation and body of statutes that regulate ships, seagoing matters, and Institution policy; and facilitates the accomplishment of the scientific goals. As a senior manager, represents the Institution's best interests.
Job Description
Has overall command of vessel and is responsible for navigation, safety, operations, and accomplishing the science mission of each voyage. Through a complete understanding of the vessel and equipment operational limits, ensuring that scientific mission can be achieved safely given weather constraints and other factors. Responsible for the oversight of outfitting and maintenance and participates in maintenance planning and scheduling. Supervises all emergency drills. Responsible for all ship's business, both foreign and domestic; generates and maintains all necessary documents, including those to ensure vessel's good standing with all governments and private agencies overseeing vessel. Also responsible for ship's records and accounts, and expediting clearance of crew and scientific personnel, related gear, and ship's equipment with agents, customs, and any other agencies. Responsible for morale and discipline of marine crew. Communicates with the Port Office staff with respect to personnel matters as necessary. Represents Institution policy in personnel matters. Communicates effectively with everyone onboard, especially the Chief Scientist. Advises Chief Scientist, revises shipboard tasks as necessary, and ensures completion of tasks to obtain whatever data scientific personnel are pursuing. Performs duties ashore and other duties as required.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy with five years sea duty as a deck officer, and one year as a Master or two years as a Chief Mate; in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.
Candidates must possess computer literacy in the use of word processing, inventory and database management, ship's stability, and electronic mail programs. Prefer Master experience on a similar research vessel. Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard license. Minimum licensing for R/V Armstrong and R/V Atlantis is Master Unlimited, Oceans. Candidates must have good personnel management skills to effectively command the vessel, a good understanding of the marine science goals, and be able to respond calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
Required for all WHOI Ships are a valid Radar Observer Certificate, Unlimited, and an FCC license as GMDSS Operator. In addition to the above, all licensed officers must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport and Vessel Security Officer endorsement. Must be able to pass a Pre-employment DOT drug screen. Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate.
Additional Job Requirements
Fixed Annual Salary: $259,921
The annualized base salary provided for this position reflects the starting base pay for new hires. This base salary is stated on an annualized basis. If applicable, compensation will be prorated based on scheduled hours. In addition to base salary, eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package.
All marine positions have essential functions that personnel must be able to perform, minimum physical capacities and requirements that all personnel must meet, and working conditions that may be considered hazardous. Working at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Work at sea for three to five months continuously. Live and work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion. Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing as established in Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12, and pass a physical evaluation as described in the enclosed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89. Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high. Participate in emergency drills and in launching lifeboats and life rafts. Perform physical labor, climb and handle moderate weights and equipment over 50 pounds. Physical Capability Example of Essential Function Balance Work in confined and unstable areas. Bend, kneel, squat Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment. Climb Reach work areas, equipment and stores by ladder and stairs. Crawl Crawl through bilge pockets, and under ladders and winch beds. Feel Touch objects: where sight is limited. Finger Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear. Handle Handle equipment and stores with sure grip. Hear, talk Communicate with people. Lift, carry Load stores over 50 pounds. Push, pull Move equipment over 50 pounds. Reach Up, over, and under equipment and stores. See Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting. Sit Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft. Stand Work on equipment. Walk Perform rounds at sea. Write Maintain logs. Work Condition Example of Hazardous Area/Duty Confined areas Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks Potential allergens and irritants Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases Adverse weather On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance Extreme temperatures On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room Potential hazards Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; and working aloft Noise Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans Schedule Protracted and irregular working hours Vibrations Ship's engines and chipping hammer.
WHOI accepts applications on a rolling basis - applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to ensure full consideration. While we will continue to review applications until the position is filled, and early applicants may have an advantage in the selection process.
EEO Statement
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.