Navigating Officer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details
Dept Number/Name: 4710000 / Florida Institute of Oceanography
Location: USF St. Petersburg
Salary Plan: Temporary
Job Code/Title: 0016 / Skilled Craft / OPS Mate
Hiring Salary/ Salary Range: Commensurate based on experience
Position Number: 220090420
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 Summary:
The Mate position serves as the second officer on FIO's research vessels (R/V Weatherbird II and R/V Hogarth). This position is directly involved in all aspects of the daily operation of crew and vessel, both while in-port and underway and is responsible for the safety and welfare of vessel, crew, students, faculty, researchers and other personnel on board in the absence of/or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. This position reports directly to the Marine Captain of either the R/V Weatherbird II or the R/V Hogarth.
Responsibilities

• Perform Second Officer (Mate) duties on all uninspected research vessel(s). Stand bridge watches as operating and navigating officer of the watch at sea under direction of the ship's Master. Conducts shipboard and ship-to-shore communications. Directs watch as helmsman, maintains the cleanliness and general condition of the pilothouse, chart room, vessel control stations, and navigating equipment, i.e. perform routine maintenance. Plan and teach courses in seamanship and other marine specialties.
• Responsible for safety and welfare of vessel and crew in the absence of or incapacitation of the Marine Captain. Responsible for safe navigation and piloting of the vessel including maneuvering in tight quarters, deploying and recovering over the side scientific equipment, deployment and recovery of oceanographic buoys, supporting SCUBA diving operation and anchoring in various weather conditions. Participate and assign watch duties to crew members and work directly with Captain and chief scientists to ensure perform assigned tasks safely. Prepares administrative reports related to vessel, not limited to maintaining charts and vessel logs, and verifying hours worked.
• Responsible for inspection, service and training of all survival equipment. Ensures the crew and science party possess and use all necessary personal safety equipment. Conducts training on portable power and equipment. Conducts and coordinates shipboard safety briefings and orientation for science party on all safety procedures and emergency drill procedures. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering procedures for rounds while in port and underway to support the engineering dept.
• Responsible for training crew in areas of deck operations and evolution, cargo handling, seamanship, marlinspike seamanship, small boat operations, all deck machinery (U-frame, A-frame, deck crane, winches and scientific gear) safety procedures. Supervises topside and interior maintenance to include hull, decks, bulkheads, bulwarks, deck machinery, interior living, science and common spaces and all other associated spaces and equipment and has direct hands-on involvement.
• Report any employee relations issues with the appropriate CHR personnel. Work with Marine Captain to develop procedural manuals (operations, safety, emergencies, etc.) on a routine basis. Request purchase orders as necessary. Possess working knowledge of accurate engineering plant and proper procedure for engineering rounds. Support all vessel occupants at sea and in port.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: Two (2) years of at-sea shipboard experience in operating a marine vessel, including pilothouse duties involving navigation of the vessel, one year of which must have been on a marine vessel operating on ocean or near coastal waters. Successful completion of firefighting and radar observer courses approved by the U.S. Coast Guard is required.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and two (2) years of experience in piloting marine research vessel operations, supervision of crew to support the mission and function of the area of responsibility. Possession of current certificate of completion for Standards of Training certification, and Watch keeping, Basic Safety Training (STCW-95, BST), First Aid/CPR, Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), valid driver's license and U.S. Passport at the time of hire. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations, American Bureau of Shipping requirements and vessel stability; Maritime Laws; Current with all applicable laws, regulations, treaties, CFRs, USCG-NVICs; OSHA regulations: Proficient in Dynamic Positioning Systems; knowledge of logistic planning both for domestic and foreign waters/ports. Licensed as a Master, Ocean, any grade, or as a Mate, Ocean or Near Coastal in accordance with Title 46, Part 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations with qualifications for appropriate tonnage to the assigned vessel(s). Valid MMC license of 200T vessel.
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.