Merchant Marine Cook Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About Us
Nova Space Solutions, LLC (NSS) is a joint venture between Wolf Creek Federal Services, Inc. (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Chugach Government Solutions, LLC) and Amentum Technology, Inc. When you join NSS, you also become a part of a proud legacy of supporting missions while sustaining culture.
The federal division of Chugach Alaska Corporation, Chugach Government Solutions, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, has been supporting critical missions as a government contractor for over 25 years. We are proud to have built, and continue to foster, an incredibly talented team spanning across the globe in hundreds of different fields - each team member proud to serve our country with first-class business services, while also making a difference for our Chugach shareholders.
Empowering employees is a part of our core, and that focus is one of the ways we build and foster high-performing teams. We empower our employees through competitive compensation and benefits package, professional growth opportunities, truthful communication, and more!
If you are looking for an opportunity to serve something bigger than yourself; if you want your day job to be one that creates meaningful value; if you are looking for an environment that highly values employees and respects individual differences - then Nova Space Solutions may be the right fit for you!
Job Overview
Supports the operation, maintenance, readiness, and movement of the NASA Pegasus barge and associated space flight hardware. Assists vessel crew with towing operations, vessel maintenance, inspections, cargo handling, and general marine operations in support of NASA mission requirements.
Responsibilities
Essential Job Duties:

• Handle heavy mooring lines, heaving lines, messenger lines, wires, and hoses
• Make up and release tows as directed by the AB or Marine Operations Manager
• Operate windlass and capstan equipment during vessel operations
• Stand underway watch and support daily vessel operations
• Perform vessel and equipment maintenance, cleaning, painting, and general upkeep activities
• Assist with preparation for USCG and ABS inspections
• Assist with scheduled haul-outs and shipyard support activities
• Maintain vessel safety equipment in compliance with Federal and NASA regulations
• Properly use VHF radios, Fire Fighting Ensemble equipment, and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)
• Assist with organization and maintenance of inspection, maintenance, and repair records in electronic and hard copy formats
• Support general galley and cooking duties as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

Key Responsibilities:

• Support safe and efficient marine operations in compliance with Federal, USCG, ABS, and NASA requirements
• Maintain the NASA Pegasus barge in a state of operational readiness for transport of space flight hardware
• Assist the Marine Operations Manager, Able Seaman (AB), and vessel engineer with daily vessel operations and maintenance activities
• Support towing, mooring, cargo handling, vessel maintenance, and inspection activities
• Maintain effective communication with vessel crew, tug operators, and support personnel using verbal communication, hand signals, and VHF radio procedures
• Identify and communicate safety, environmental, quality, and operational concerns to leadership
• Support vessel inspections, haul-outs, shipyard activities, and compliance initiatives
• Contribute to maintenance, inspection, and repair documentation and recordkeeping activities

Job Requirements
Mandatory:

• Ability to obtain and maintain a NASA security badge and pass required background screening and drug testing
• Must apply for Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) with USCG Ordinary Seaman endorsement (or higher) within first 3 months of employment
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) required
• Working knowledge of barge handling, towing operations, vessel maintenance, and vessel systems
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment, lines, rigging, and marine operations equipment
• Ability to work effectively in close quarters for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to travel as required
• Ability to respond to operational schedules and mission requirements

Preferred:

• Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) certification
• Experience supporting USCG, ABS, or Federal marine operations
• Knot tying and rope/wire splicing experience
• Experience with rigging, plumbing, machinery maintenance, equipment operation, or vessel repair activities
• Experience operating or supporting tug and tow operations
• Prior experience supporting NASA or government operations preferred"

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift, carry, pull, and handle heavy lines, hoses, wires, and equipment
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and vessel structures and work in confined or elevated spaces
• Ability to stand watch and perform physical labor for extended periods
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather and marine conditions
• Ability to wear required PPE and emergency response equipment, including SCBA and firefighting gear
• Ability to safely work aboard marine vessels in operational and shipyard environments

Disclosures
Chugach Government Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic factors, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Chugach will provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Chugach Government Solutions or any of its subsidiaries, please email ada@chugachgov.com.
Chugach Government Solutions supports pay transparency and is committed to equitable and competitive compensation practices. Compensation for this role will be determined based on factors including job responsibilities, experience, skills, internal equity, geographic location, and applicable contract requirements. Where required by law, compensation ranges will be provided to candidates during the hiring process.