Marine Professional-First Mate

Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America and is the state's flagship university (https://www.uga.edu/). The proof is in our more than 240 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,100 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 41,000 students including over 31,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 19 schools and colleges, including our newly established School of Medicine.

The University of Georgia's Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO) founded in 1968 is a multidisciplinary research and training institution located on a 700-acre campus on Skidaway Island near Savannah. The Institute's primary goals are to further understanding of marine and environmental sciences, conduct leading edge research on marine and coastal systems, and train tomorrow's scientists. Skidaway Institute of Oceanography is home to the 104-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Savannah. The R/V Savannah is owned and operated by the Institute and is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System ( UNOLS) and Academic Research Fleet ( ARF). Our campus is also a host to the UGA Marine Extension and Georgia Sea Grant facilities, the Shellfish Research Lab, and the Marine Education Center and Aquarium, as well as to NOAA Gray's Reef National Marine Sanctuary.

Ability to work at sea for periods of several days to several weeks based on R/V Savannah research cruise schedule.Position works onsite on campus when not at sea.
The standard workweek when not at sea is 8 hours/day, 5 days/week.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR ( hrweb@uga.edu).

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 25 institutions of higher education and learning, as well the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 08.02.18.01.02.

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 06.05 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

High school diploma or equivalent and 5 years of related experience

See list of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities.
Basic STCW endorsement required.
MPIC and Adv Fire endorsements preferred.

The 1st Mate reports to the Master of the Vessel (Captain) and assists in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the research vessel in order to perform required scientific research. The 1st Mate assists in the operation of the vessel and is responsible for all maintenance of deck and safety equipment. The position serves as a leadership role to other crew members in maintenance projects and related tasks. Work is performed under general direction of the captain of the research vessel and is reviewed through observation and inspection.

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website.

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website.

Perform duties as Watch Chief to safely navigate and execute research cruise mission. Utilize electronic chart plotter, AIS, and radar to set and maintain course and avoid collisions.

Under direction of the Captain, serves as Deck department leader. Manages vessel repair and maintenance projects including chipping and painting. Uses vessel electronic maintenance program to log activities and create maintenance intervals.

Responsible for the operation and maintenance of vessel overboard handling systems at sea, including vessel A-frame, J-frame, and winches to ensure gear is safely deployed and recovered. Manage crane operations to safely load and unload science and vessel equipment and supplies.

Performs the duties of primary overboard Safety Officer. Oversees the maintenance and operation of emergency safety equipment. Organize and facilitate emergency response drills serving as Person in Charge on the scene. Conducts safety briefing for the science party. Serve as Medical Person in Charge ( MPIC) to care for injured and ill personnel.

Second in command of the vessel. Serve as relief Captain in Master of the Vessel's absence.