We are SpecPro Sustainment & Environmental, LLC. (SSE), a government contracting and consulting firm supporting several federal agencies and military installations across the U.S. SSE is seeking a Marine Support Technician to provide support with vessel operation and maintenance, and scientific sampling operations aboard the USEPA Research Vessel Lake Explorer II (LEII), and other smaller craft. The LEII is a 90-foot, 196 GTR, diesel propulsion of 850 HP, unmanned engine-room ship. You will be working in support of SSE’s contract with the USEPA’s Laboratory in Duluth, MN.
Primary Duties:
- Assist Captain/First Mate/Chief Engineer with service, maintenance, and repair of all shipboard systems; including propulsion engines, electrical power plant, hydraulic equipment, pumps, heating system, winches, cranes, and anchor windlass.
- Operate heavy machinery cranes, winches, and A-frames.
- At sea, serve as Deckhand/Asst. Engineer; responsible for engine room checks, running deck equipment, and galley duties.
- Participate in general upkeep of vessel spaces and living quarters to maintain their cleanliness and orderly appearance.
- Participate in extended sampling trips on the Great Lakes being away from home port for 3-4 weeks at a time.
- You will perform other duties as assigned.
License Requirements:
US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Card required at the time of the start date, not required at time of interview. Company will assist applicants to earn their original MMC upon start date.
Required Qualifications:
- US Passport valid for the entirety of the 2026 sailing season
- Experienced with operation, maintenance, and repair of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
- Experienced in use of standard machine shop tools, including welding, carpentry, fabrication.
- Basic computer skills are necessary for email communication, maintaining logs and completing administrative duties such as timecards and expense reports.
- Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing/reading is required.
- Incumbent must be always in sound physical and mental condition. Requires vigorous and highly physical work; individuals who want to join our team need to be ready to handle long hours and challenging work under tough conditions.
- Must be physically capable of performing lifesaving and emergency duties.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Practical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and components of marine machinery.
- Experience with marine diesel engines, generators, electrical generating equipment, and potable water systems, high- and low-pressure servo/electric hydraulic systems, hot water heating systems, HVAC systems and deck machinery equipment
- Previous experience aboard research vessels and the Great Lakes.
- Experienced with research vessel scientific sampling equipment.
Work Environment:
- Sampling activities take place on all Great Lakes and shift work will be necessary during transit periods. Crew works six on and six off shifts while transiting. Two six-hour shifts will be worked in a 24-hour period. Underway science sampling operations are typically from 0700-1900.
- Live and work aboard the vessel while underway.
- Typical sampling season includes 6 weeks of underway time, not necessarily consecutive. Sampling schedule often changes throughout the season. Must have flexible schedule.
- The weather conditions on the Great Lakes are extremely variable. Must be willing to work on a rolling deck requiring strength and agility. Work is sometimes required both day and night.
Work Culture:
- Opportunity to support the USEPA’s mission and work alongside some of nation’s top scientists and boat crew.
- Successful performance of duties depends on close cooperation and a good work relationship between vessel crew and scientific staff.
- The ship will be staffed with four ship crew with up to an additional six scientists during trips. You will be joining a top-notch crew led by an SSE Captain, SSE First Mate, SSE Chief Engineer, and SSE Deckhand (you).
- The vessel’s home port and dock are in Superior, WI.
- Opportunity for career growth; support in further education, training, and certifications.
Pay Type:
- This is an hourly position (rate/hour DOE) with 1.5x hourly rate for overtime (in excess of 40 hours per week).
- Typical work schedule:
- In home port: 8-hour days (M-F) and 40 hours per week (no overtime) when at dock in Superior, WI.
- Underway: 12-hour days when on sampling trips, with OT for over 40.
- Meal per diem provided when on sampling trips, but not when at port in Superior.
Special Requirements/Certifications:
Must pass corporate and federal background checks.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Must have valid US Passport
