Part Time Boat Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Details

Position Information

Department Marine Operations (RMO) Classification Title Boat Operator Job Title Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) Pool 2025-2026 Appointment Type Classified Staff Job Location Newport Benefits Eligible Not benefits eligible Remote or Hybrid option? Employment Category Intermittent Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill future part-time, hourly, intermittent (as needed) Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) positions in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University.

These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon.

Under the direction of the Boating Safety Officer (BSO), the Small Boat Operations Boat Operator performs a wide variety of routine and semiskilled tasks to support Oregon State University's marine research activities. This position works as part of the Small Boat Program (SBP) within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO) and provides essential field-based services including vessel operation, launching and retrieval, trailering, general boat and equipment maintenance, and logistical support for small boat operations.

This position plays a key support role in the delivery of marine and freshwater fieldwork, ensuring that university vessels and associated gear are operated safely, maintained effectively, and made ready for research and instructional use by students, faculty, and research collaborators.

As one of only three Land, Sea, Space and Sun Grant universities in the nation, OSU serves Oregon and the world through our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, our marine research center in Newport, field station in Port Orford, and our award-winning E-campus. With over $400 million in competitive research awards per year, OSU continues to lead the way with practical, impact-driven research that improves lives, protects natural resources, and generates economic growth to transform our future.

Why OSU?

Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!

Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves - we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS:

• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about

Locations:

Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.

Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.

Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life.

Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.

Key Responsibilities

Vessel Operations and Field Support - 70%

• Operates small research vessels (motorized and non-motorized) in marine and freshwater environments.
• Trailers, launches, and recovers vessels using full-size trucks and other towing equipment.
• Assists with on-deck operations including gear deployment, line handling, and routine tasks required to support research missions.
• Makes basic safety and operational assessments based on environmental conditions and equipment readiness
• Assists in launching, securing, and mooring vessels before and after use.

Equipment and Vessel Maintenance - 20%

• Performs basic maintenance and cleaning of small boats, motors (inboard/outboard), and trailers.
• Conducts inspections and simple repairs using hand tools and power tools.
• Fuels vessels, checks fluids, and monitors engine condition.
• Keeps records of fuel usage, inspections, and minor repairs.
• Stores, organizes, and inventories boating equipment and supplies.

General Support and Recordkeeping - 10%

• Assists in setup and breakdown for trainings, field deployments, and safety drills.
• Loads and unloads gear and supplies for field operations.
• Maintains basic logs related to operations, maintenance, and usage.
• May help guide or coordinate the work of student employees or volunteers on-site.
• Communicates with staff, researchers, and students to support day-to-day needs of the Small Boat Program.

What We Require

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma and 2 years of vessel operations experience in assigned area of responsibility; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS:

• Boater Education Card issued by the State of Oregon or equivalent;
• Successfully complete First Aid and CPR Training;
• Successfully complete an internal evaluation of related skills provided by a designated member of OSU's Ship Operations staff;
• Ability to speak, read and write English;
• Basic computer skills including use of e-mail, web browsers, word processing.

What You Will Need

• Experience supporting marine research or education fieldwork
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, safety protocols, and environmental data Familiarity with using hand tools and performing basic maintenance on mechanical equipment such as boat engines or trailers.
• Ability to foster an inclusive working environment and embrace diversity among students, staff, and researchers

Other Minimum Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements
• Ability to speak, read and write English
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), work in physically demanding environments, and follow established safety protocols.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (minimum OUPV)
• Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) or US Department of Interior (USDOI) boating certifications
• Bachelor's degree in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or a related technical field
• Experience with marine engine diagnostics and maintenance, including Volvo KAD44 or equivalent
• Paddlecraft operations and/or ACA instructor certification
• Ability to support logistical setup and breakdown of field operations or training exercises.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, and cold marine environments.
• Physical work including loading and unloading boats, trailering, securing equipment, and assisting in rescues or recovery of personnel or gear.
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs regularly.
• Standing, bending, climbing, and walking for extended periods.
• Occasional work on boats underway in rough conditions or low visibility.
• May involve occasional weekend work and overnight travel in support of research activities.
• Must be able to operate large OSU vehicles including 15-passenger vans and pickup trucks towing boat trailers.

Pay Method Hourly Pay Period 16th - 15th of the following month Pay Date Last working day of the month Min Salary $24.99 Max Salary $31.63 Link to Position Description

https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/174516

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number P05462CT Number of Vacancies Various Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 11/20/2025 Anticipated Appointment End Date Posting Date 11/13/2025 Full Consideration Date Closing Date 11/12/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for these positions.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

PLEASE NOTE: If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range.

In order to maintain an active status within the pool, applicants will need to reapply annually.

Should you no longer wish to remain an applicant for this posting please login and withdraw your application from this posting. Use caution as you will not be able to reapply until the next year.

Please Note: Applicants are contacted only when a need to fill Boat Operator positions arises.

For additional information please contact: Taylor Eaton at Taylor.Eaton@oregonstate.edu or 541-698-8356.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.

OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.

Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification -1, -2, -3, and -4. The online application system will allow you to attach your license/certification if the PDF file is 9MB or less. If over 9MB in size, submit to contact person listed. The license and/or certification must be received by the closing date if not uploaded with your application.

Supplemental Questions