Research Vessel Deckhand

Research Vessel Deckhand / Marine Field Technician

Deckhand with a Path Toward Relief Captain

Location San Diego, CA Position Full-Time

We 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 Path

This 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 & Compensation

Full-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 Apply

Send 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.

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Are you a citizen of the United States?
• Will you pass a USCG urinalysis?
• Will you pass a background investigation for a security clearance?

Work Location: In person