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Research Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deckhand I

Scituate, MA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

SBNMS administrative offices and marine facility are located in Scituate, MA, and their fleet includes a 50-foot, twin-hulled, aluminum research vessel, R/V AUK, a 14' skiff, a 16' rigid hull ...

Deckhand I

Scituate, MA ยท On-site

$18 - $22/hr

SBNMS administrative offices and marine facility are located in Scituate, MA, and their fleet includes a 50-foot, twin-hulled, aluminum research vessel, R/V AUK, a 14' skiff, a 16' rigid hull ...

$75K/yr

The Research Vessel (R/V) Chief Engineer serves as Chief Engineer on the R/V Virginia. This position may provide shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet if needed. The Chief ...

... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ... Position Summary The Vessel Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all ...

... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ... Position Summary The Vessel Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all ...

... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ... Position Summary The Vessel Manager is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all ...

Vessel Cook

Hull, MA ยท On-site

$350/day

Our vessels support scientific research, offshore construction, marine surveying, environmental projects, and government operations throughout the Northeast and beyond. As our vessel cook, you'll ...

Ship Security Officer - NOAA

Newport, OR ยท On-site

$17 - $20.25/hr

Responsible for the protection and physical security of the property, materials and equipment aboard the assigned scientific research vessel. * Conduct hourly patrols to assigned areas: * Remaining ...

Harvesting Unit Research: Provide gear expertise and assistance in support of Unit research ... Class III Vessel Support: Conduct maintenance; preparation and operation of Mississippi Laboratory ...

Harvesting Unit Research: Provide gear expertise and assistance in support of Unit research ... Class III Vessel Support: Conduct maintenance; preparation and operation of Mississippi Laboratory ...

Vessel Purchasing Specialist

Mint Hill, NC ยท On-site

$70K - $78K/yr

Research and Recommend Suppliers: Evaluate supplier options, monitor availability, and identify ... Knowledge of vessel operations preferred * Intermediate Excel skills and basic proficiency with ...

ALFA Eminent Scholar Graduate Fellow

Troy, AL ยท On-site

$46K - $62K/yr

Ability to work on a research vessel at sea collecting samples. Does this position have supervisory responsibility? No Posting Date 07/06/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions ...

Ship Security Watchstander

Newport, OR ยท On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

Responsible for the protection and physical security of the property, materials and equipment aboard the assigned scientific research vessel. * Conduct hourly patrols to assigned areas: * Remaining ...

Showing results 41-60

Research Vessel information

See salary details

$11

$31

$56

How much do research vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for research vessel in the United States is $31.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $38.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research vessel crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Vessel Crew Member, you need maritime knowledge, navigation skills, and relevant certifications such as STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping). Familiarity with shipboard technology, scientific equipment, and safety systems is essential. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability to challenging sea conditions are important soft skills. These competencies ensure safe vessel operation, successful research missions, and effective collaboration in often remote and demanding environments.

What are jobs on a research vessel?

Research vessel jobs include roles similar to the crew of any other boat, such as captain, first mate, engineer, cook, and deckhand. As part of your duties on a research vessel, you help run and maintain a marine ship and otherwise ensure the vessel functions properly so that researchers can perform a study or experiment. As a captain, you operate and steer the ship and oversee all crew members. As an engineer, you manage equipment operations and maintenance. Most ships do not have full-time research staff as employees. Rather, scientists simply use the ship and are employed elsewhere.

What is the difference between Research Vessel vs Marine Technician?

AspectResearch VesselMarine Technician
CredentialsMaritime certifications, maritime degrees, specialized trainingMarine certifications, technical training, certifications in marine systems
Work EnvironmentOnboard ships conducting research at seaMarine facilities, ships, laboratories, offshore sites
Industry UsageResearch institutions, oceanography, marine scienceMarine service companies, research support, maintenance

Research Vessel and Marine Technician roles both require maritime knowledge and certifications. While Research Vessels are ships dedicated to scientific research at sea, Marine Technicians support marine operations through technical maintenance and repairs. Both roles are essential in marine research environments but differ mainly in responsibilities and work settings.

What is a research vessel?

Research vessels are specialized ships designed and equipped to conduct scientific research at sea. They support a wide range of activities, including oceanography, marine biology, environmental monitoring, and geological surveys. These ships are often outfitted with laboratories, advanced navigation systems, and equipment for sampling and observation. Research vessels play a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the oceans and their ecosystems. Their missions can range from mapping the seafloor to studying marine life and collecting climate data.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a research vessel, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working on a research vessel often face challenges such as adapting to extended periods at sea, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams in confined quarters, and coping with variable weather conditions that can affect research schedules. Clear communication, flexibility, and strong teamwork are essential for overcoming these challenges. Additionally, maintaining a proactive approach to safety protocols and participating in regular drills help ensure a safe and productive work environment.
What cities are hiring for Research Vessel jobs? Cities with the most Research Vessel job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Research Vessel jobs? The most popular types of Research Vessel jobs are:
What states have the most Research Vessel jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Vessel jobs include:
Infographic showing various Research Vessel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,531 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

$18 - $22/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Description

Location: Scituate, MA, ย 

Relocation: No relocation offered for this position

Worksite: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary

Status: ย Part Timeย 

Classification: Non-Exempt

Clearance: Yes

Travel: Yes

Pay Range: $18-$22/hr depending on experience


Job Summaryย 


Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Deckhand for vessel support services to NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (SBNMS). SBNMS administrative offices and marine facility are located in Scituate, MA, and their fleet includes a 50-foot, twin-hulled, aluminum research vessel, R/V AUK, a 14' skiff, a 16' rigid hull inflatable, and a 11' rigid hull inflatable. The vessels serve the sanctuary's research, maritime heritage, diving, monitoring, and education and outreach missions, and assists with local emergency response situations. Scituate is the home port of R/V AUK. R/V AUK may be temporarily berthed in Plymouth, MA from Oct. to May. AUK has the capacity to transport a total of 16 passengers and crew. The vessel can support single and multi-day missions throughout the sanctuary.ย 


Specific missions may require the vessel to be operated from alternative ports and continuously for multiple 24-hour periods. The services and tasks require flexible schedules with long days (>12 hours) and may span holidays, weekends and evenings to meet vessel/equipment schedules and good weather, tide and sea state windows, often without much lead time.ย 


While the position is considered part-time, work during the field season (April-September) can average between 30-40+ hrs/week. Outside of the field season (October-March), support could be ~20 hrs/week.


This position will work under the direction of the Captain to carry out duties and responsibilities.ย 

Requirements

At least 1 year of vessel deck management experience in offshore marine environments.

Experience in load handling equipment such as winches, cranes, A-Frames, and davits.

Experience with water quality sampling equipment, ROV, Side Scan Sonar and Multi-Beam systems and operations, diving operations (live boat tending)/UDS Equipment, electrical generators, diesel engines and ships systems (hydraulics, plumbing, valves, AC/DC electrical power).

Able to lift and carry equipment and gear up to seventy-five (75) pounds to assist in mobilization.

Experience in conducting basic maintenance activities including fueling, engine oil changes, boat transport trailer repairs, dock repairs, and maintaining boatyard facilities.

Possess or able to obtain NOAA Component Course certification.ย 

Valid driver's license and current first Aid, CPR and AED certifications.


AAP/EEO Statementย 


CPC is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, or covered veteran status.


Other Duties


Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.ย