Hourly Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Dept Number/Name: 471000 - Florida Institute of Oceanography
Location: USF St. Petersburg
Salary Plan: Temporary
Job Code/Title: 0018 / Other Hourly Prof Support/Svc - Marine Cook
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience
Position Number: 330102915
Organizational Summary:
The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is an institute of the University of South Florida that connects Florida's academic, public, and private partners to the marine environment through oceanographic research, education, workforce development, and applied maritime operations. As a regional marine science and technology resource, FIO provides access to research vessels, specialized marine equipment, field operations expertise, and the Keys Marine Laboratory to support discovery, student learning, environmental stewardship, and solutions to complex coastal and ocean challenges.
Through its vessels, facilities, and experienced maritime professionals, FIO enables researchers, students, agencies, and industry partners to conduct work on, in, and around the water safely and effectively. FIO supports oceanographic research while also serving as a broader platform for interdisciplinary education, experiential learning, marine technology testing, public-private collaboration, and workforce development. As part of USF, FIO strengthens the university's role as a leader in ocean science, coastal resilience, and marine innovation while serving the needs of Florida and the broader ocean community.
Position Description:
The Marine Cook is responsible for ensuring that all on-board food service operations meet the highest standards of preparation, production, and presentation. The position is also responsible for preparing the vessel's menu and galley activities, including preparation of culinary products, food ordering, organizing, storage, inventory, and quality control; maintaining cleanliness and general maintenance of cooking and service items to ensure sanitary operating conditions; and administering first aid, maintaining medical supply inventory, and undertaking other shipboard duties, as required. This position will report directly to the Marine Captain of either the R/V Weatherbird II or the R/V Hogarth on the USF St. Petersburg campus.
Responsibilities

• Develops menu for assigned vessel for the crew and others on a daily basis using kitchen equipment, tools and supplies stored in dry storage, refrigerators, and frozen storage areas. Prepares all meals and menu items using progressive cooking techniques to ensure quality, healthy, and nutritious offerings for crewmembers and passengers. Accommodates special dietary restrictions.
• Coordinates galley activities, including ordering, organizing, storing, and conducting inventory for food and supplies. Acquires all necessary galley supplies and provisions in preparation for departure as economically as possible. Maintains a high standard of cleanliness and maintenance of the galley and all cooking and service items to ensure ordering and sanitary condition according to government standards/regulations. Assists with loading and offloading of groceries, equipment, supplies, and other items when necessary.
• Assists with routine tasks involved with watchkeeping during conditions of inclement weather. Supports deck department in operation of necessary equipment to facilitate scientific mission, including line, winch, and anchor handling; small boat operation; fueling; and securing machinery on a non-stable platforming all types of weather. Cleans, stores, and handles lines as required. [While in-port, perform daily and routine maintenance of mechanical equipment and structure of vessel.]
• Administers basic first aid as required. Ensures medical supplies are in inventory, stocked, organized, and in good condition.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Marine Captain.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires a high school diploma and two years of culinary experience in a similar environment. Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience.
• Ability to pass through scuttles and hatches and over door coamings while the vessel is in a seaway; does not get chronically seasick.
• Valid certifications for Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, Basic Safety Training (STCW-95, BST), and MMC.
• Valid first aid and CPR certifications.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous experience in maritime industry
• Experience working in academic environment with students and researchers.
• Food handling safety training/certification(s)
• Valid TWIC card.

Special requirements: must pass a pre-employment drug screen. Possess Medical Certificate with STCW and National Expiration Dates. Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Please provide the following documents when completing your application:

• Curriculum vitae / resume
• A copy of academic transcripts
• Contact information for three references (one must be your current/most recent supervisor)

The selected candidate must have a current work authorization in the United States. This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.
About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.