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Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

@Orchard

Lead Deck Hand & Vessel Operator

Falmouth, MA · Remote

This role provides essential, hands-on support aboard a NOAA research vessel, enabling scientific surveys that are fundamental to managing and sustaining our nation's living marine resources. Your ...

@Orchard

Lead Deck Hand & Vessel Operator

Falmouth, MA · Remote

This role provides essential, hands-on support aboard a NOAA research vessel, enabling scientific surveys that are fundamental to managing and sustaining our nation's living marine resources. Your ...

Leisnoi, Inc.

NOAA Contract Security Guard

Kodiak, AK · On-site

$22.15/hr

... research vessels while in port, in compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines and ... Management, or the Commanding Crew of the vessel, may assign additional functions related to the ...

Think Tank, Inc.

Fisheries Survey Technician

Newport, OR · On-site

Participate in sea-going surveys aboard NOAA research vessels or similar charter platforms for up ... Willing to spend up to four (4) weeks at a time on board a vessel, working up to sixteen (16) hours ...

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Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel information

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$16

$18

How much do entry level noaa research vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level noaa research vessel in the United States is $16.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel vs Entry Level Noaa Research Technician?

AspectEntry Level Noaa Research VesselEntry Level Noaa Research Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma; some positions may prefer relevant coursework or certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications or coursework beneficial
Work EnvironmentOnboard research vessels, fieldwork at sea, laboratory settingsLaboratories, field sites, sometimes onboard vessels
Employer & Industry UsageNOAA research vessels, marine research, environmental monitoringNOAA labs, research projects, environmental data collection

While both roles support NOAA's research efforts, the Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel primarily involves working onboard ships conducting marine research, whereas the Entry Level Noaa Research Technician focuses on laboratory and field data collection. Both positions require similar educational backgrounds but differ in work environment and daily responsibilities.

More about Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Noaa Research Vessel jobs? The most popular types of Noaa Research Vessel jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel jobs are:
Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Noaa Research Vessel job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,999 per year, or $16.8 per hour.
Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support

Deckhand - NOAA Research Vessel Support

@Orchard

Falmouth, MA • Remote

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Deckhand – NOAA Research Vessel Support (Levels I & II)

Remote/Offshore within Massachusetts or Rhode Island – accessible to Falmouth/Woods Hole, MA, and Narragansett RI (with assignments on NOAA and partner vessels throughout the Northeast U.S.)

 

@Orchard LLC has been awarded the PEMAD sea-going support contract through NOAA Fisheries. We are actively hiring Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries’ research operations aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels. Deckhands are essential to the safe and effective deployment of scientific gear, vessel operations, and maintenance. This is a hands-on role requiring seamanship, technical skills, and the ability to work in a small crew environment on extended research trips.

Responsibilities
  • Safely deploy and retrieve scientific sampling gear (trawls, dredges, grabs, CTDs, sensors, etc.).Conduct routine vessel operations, including docking, line handling, watches, and housekeeping.
  • Assist with cruise staging/de-staging, loading/unloading of stores, supplies, and scientific equipment. 
  • Support deck operations during research missions, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
  • Perform net mending, gear repair, and hydraulic/electrical maintenance as needed.
  • Assist with vessel system maintenance (diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, deck machinery).
  • Operate deck equipment (winches, cranes, derricks, reels, anchor windlass) under the officer's direction. 
  • Stand lookout, wheelhouse, and anchor watches using navigation equipment (charts, GPS, radar, fathometers).
  • Support trawl repair and equipment troubleshooting while underway.
  • Work in close quarters with diverse crews, maintaining professionalism in challenging conditions.
  • Report safety issues and operational concerns to NOAA Officers in Charge (OIC/JOIC).
Qualifications

General Requirements (all levels):

  • Ability to work at sea for extended periods in varied weather.
  • Physically capable of lifting and carrying 55lbs, climbing ladders, and working on rolling decks. 
  • Willingness to work long days (12 hours standard, occasional extended shifts).
  • Positive and professional demeanor in small crew environments.
  • Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or ability to obtain before starting).
  • Valid driver’s license and ability to operate government vehicles.
  • Applicants must pass a drug test, background check, and NOAA medical clearance (including TB test).

Level I (Assistant Deckhand / Junior):

  • Entry-level trawling or oceanographic gear-handling experience desired but not required.
  • Exposure to hydraulic winches, cranes, or trawl operations is a plus.
  • Able to follow instructions and support the senior deck crew with gear operations and maintenance.

Level II (Experienced Deckhand / Lead):

  • Minimum 3 years of trawling/oceanographic experience (hydraulic winches, cranes, trawls, net mending, gear repair).
  • Strong preference for candidates with an Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing credential (experience requirement may be halved).
  • Demonstrated ability to operate and repair vessel systems (diesel, hydraulics, deck machinery).
  • Proven experience managing deck operations safely and efficiently while underway. 
  • Familiarity with NOAA Small Boat Policy requirements is strongly preferred.

To learn more about this opportunity to serve the NOAA Fisheries mission of advancing Fisheries science, please apply.

Established in 2010, @Orchard has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI.  Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atorchard.com.