Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Prior at-sea experience with oceanographic research equipment, commercial fishing gear, and/or other at-sea operations such as ...
Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Prior at-sea experience with oceanographic research equipment, commercial fishing gear, and/or other at-sea operations such as ...
R/V Seawolf Deckhand
Stony Brook, NY · On-site
$55K - $60K/yr
Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Prior at-sea experience with oceanographic research equipment, commercial fishing gear, and/or other at-sea operations such as ...
R/V Seawolf Deckhand
Stony Brook, NY · On-site
$55K - $60K/yr
Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Prior at-sea experience with oceanographic research equipment, commercial fishing gear, and/or other at-sea operations such as ...
Vessel Manager
Seattle, WA · On-site
Vessel Manager - Future Opportunities Stabbert Maritime periodically hires experienced Vessel ... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ...
Vessel Manager
Seattle, WA · On-site
Vessel Manager - Future Opportunities Stabbert Maritime periodically hires experienced Vessel ... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ...
Vessel Manager
Seattle, WA · On-site
The Vessel Manager role is responsible for overseeing vessel operations, maintenance, regulatory ... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ...
Vessel Manager
Seattle, WA · On-site
The Vessel Manager role is responsible for overseeing vessel operations, maintenance, regulatory ... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ...
Description Vessel Manager - Future Opportunities Stabbert Maritime periodically hires experienced ... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ...
Description Vessel Manager - Future Opportunities Stabbert Maritime periodically hires experienced ... research, and industrial sectors. Our success is built on technical excellence, strong client ...
Mate (First or Second)
Milwaukee, WI · On-site
$366.64 - $405.40/day
Yes Job Summary Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a qualified, professional candidate to support the EPA 180-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian. The ship sails extensively ...
Mate (First or Second)
Milwaukee, WI · On-site
$366.64 - $405.40/day
Yes Job Summary Cardinal Point Captains, Inc. (CPC) is seeking a qualified, professional candidate to support the EPA 180-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian. The ship sails extensively ...
Ship Security Officer - NOAA
Newport, OR · 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 ...
Ship Security Officer - NOAA
Newport, OR · 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 ...
On-Call Vessel Captain
West Long Branch, NJ · On-site
Large vessel is docked in Atlantic Highlands NJ and small boats are trailered out of campus ... Provide support for student training and academic research, as well as contract research efforts in ...
On-Call Vessel Captain
West Long Branch, NJ · On-site
Large vessel is docked in Atlantic Highlands NJ and small boats are trailered out of campus ... Provide support for student training and academic research, as well as contract research efforts in ...
Responsible for operating, assisting, and maintaining research vessels to support oceanographic function * Leads deck operations * Operates various vessel machinery and performs maintenance * Ensure ...
Responsible for operating, assisting, and maintaining research vessels to support oceanographic function * Leads deck operations * Operates various vessel machinery and performs maintenance * Ensure ...
Vessel Captain
Tuckerton, NJ · On-site
$35 - $50/hr
Attend additional trainings as required to participate in funded/contracted research such as STCW ... See vessel details at Physical Demands and Work Environment * Ability to lift 50 lbs. * Ability to ...
Vessel Captain
Tuckerton, NJ · On-site
$35 - $50/hr
Attend additional trainings as required to participate in funded/contracted research such as STCW ... See vessel details at Physical Demands and Work Environment * Ability to lift 50 lbs. * Ability to ...
Senior Vessel Operator
Newport, NC · On-site +1
Responsible for operating, assisting, and maintaining research vessels to support oceanographic function * Leads deck operations * Operates various vessel machinery and performs maintenance * Ensure ...
Senior Vessel Operator
Newport, NC · On-site +1
Responsible for operating, assisting, and maintaining research vessels to support oceanographic function * Leads deck operations * Operates various vessel machinery and performs maintenance * Ensure ...
ALFA Eminent Scholar Graduate Fellow
Troy, AL · 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 12/15/2025 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions ...
ALFA Eminent Scholar Graduate Fellow
Troy, AL · 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 12/15/2025 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions ...
Fisheries Small Vessel Captain
$60K - $65K/yr
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 ...
Fisheries Small Vessel Captain
$60K - $65K/yr
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 ...
Ship Security Watchstander
Newport, OR · 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 ...
Ship Security Watchstander
Newport, OR · 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 ...
Vessel Engineer
$82K - $101K/yr
The Vessel Engineer's primary role at BETA Fueling Systems is to oversee the design and ... Conduct research that tests/analyzes the feasibility, design, operation and performance of ...
Vessel Engineer
$82K - $101K/yr
The Vessel Engineer's primary role at BETA Fueling Systems is to oversee the design and ... Conduct research that tests/analyzes the feasibility, design, operation and performance of ...
Operate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missions * Ensure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthiness
Quick apply
Operate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missions * Ensure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthiness
Ship Security Watchstander
$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 ...
Ship Security Watchstander
$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 ...
Operate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missions * Ensure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthiness
Operate and maintain Class III research vessels, serving as Captain or First Mate during research missions * Ensure vessel readiness, including maintenance, inspection, cleanliness, and seaworthiness
RV Seawolf Captain
Stony Brook, NY · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Firsthand knowledge of Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, the Mid-Atlantic Bight past the continental shelf break, New York Harbor ...
RV Seawolf Captain
Stony Brook, NY · On-site
$105K - $120K/yr
Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Firsthand knowledge of Long Island Sound, Block Island Sound, the Mid-Atlantic Bight past the continental shelf break, New York Harbor ...
Ship Security Watchstander
Newport, OR · 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 ...
Ship Security Watchstander
Newport, OR · 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 ...
Research Vessel information
See salary details
$11.54 - $15.63
5% of jobs
$15.63 - $19.71
8% of jobs
$21.28 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$19.71 - $23.80
29% of jobs
The median wage is $26.21 / hr.
$23.80 - $27.88
12% of jobs
$27.88 - $31.97
7% of jobs
$31.97 - $36.06
8% of jobs
$37.39 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$36.06 - $40.14
14% of jobs
$40.14 - $44.23
12% of jobs
$44.23 - $48.32
2% of jobs
$48.32 - $52.40
1% of jobs
$52.40 - $56.49
1% of jobs
$11
$31
$56
How much do research vessel jobs pay per hour?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Vessel Crew Member, and why are they important?
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?
| Aspect | Research Vessel | Marine Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Maritime certifications, maritime degrees, specialized training | Marine certifications, technical training, certifications in marine systems |
| Work Environment | Onboard ships conducting research at sea | Marine facilities, ships, laboratories, offshore sites |
| Industry Usage | Research institutions, oceanography, marine science | Marine 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 are research vessels?
What are some common challenges faced by professionals working on a research vessel, and how can they be addressed?

Full-time
Posted 28 days ago
Job description
Required Qualifications (as evidenced by an attached resume):Â
Associate's degree (foreign equivalent or higher). In lieu of the degree, any combination of education and/or sea-time experience working on boats, including vessel maintenance totaling two (2) full-time years may be considered. Must possess and maintain CPR and AED Certification. Must have, keep and maintain the appropriate valid NYS Driver's License; have a motor vehicle record which is free from major violations or a pattern of repeat violations. (***Out-of-State Applicants, see "Special Notes").
Preferred Qualifications:Â
Bachelor's degree (foreign equivalent or higher) in Marine Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Engineering or a related field. Sea time experience working on boats, including vessel maintenance. Experience with one, preferably more than one of the following: machining, welding, woodworking, diesel engine maintenance, outboard maintenance, hydraulic system maintenance. Possess a valid USCG Captains License. Experience with bottom trawling fishing. Experience repairing fishing nets and related ground tackle. Prior at-sea experience aboard an oceanographic research vessel. Prior at-sea experience with oceanographic research equipment, commercial fishing gear, and/or other at-sea operations such as dredging or towing. Knowledge of computers, programs, networking, especially MS Excel, MS Word, MS Access, Google applications (email, calendar, sheets, docs). Knowledge of shipboard electronics, 12V power systems, interfacing (NEMA 0183, NMEA 2000). Experience cooking on vessels for 10 to 20 people. Â
Brief Description of Duties:
The R/V Seawolf Deckhand is responsible for supporting faculty, staff, students, and other scientific and educational parties, while on board the R/V Seawolf, operated by the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University. The R/V Seawolf Deckhand will share responsibility for the day-to-day operational needs and various vessel and ships facilities maintenance tasks on board the R/V Seawolf, and will provide assistance to research parties prior to, during, and after cruises with accurate calibration, handling and deployment of oceanographic equipment, and handling of experimental materials and animals. The incumbent will assist in the sea-going operation of the R/V Seawolf and will have primary responsibility for helping to ensure the vessels and facilities are maintained and in proper/efficient operating capacity. The successful incumbent will have excellent customer service and interpersonal skills, exercising strong organizational and time-management skills with an outstanding attention to detail. Essential for this role is the adeptness to work independently as well as part of a team with a collaborative approach to problem solving. This position also requires the ability to undertake fieldwork in varying conditions and be comfortable handling sampling gear for fieldwork processes (i.e. while trawling - pulling in the sampling gear by hand, hauling sampling buckets on and off the boat, carrying needed supplies to and from the boat and/or van, etc).
Responsibilities will include:Â
Vessel and facilities maintenance and repairs:Â
Support the Port Captain and science crew, performing routine maintenance and minor repairs.Â
Assist Port Captain with haul-out regarding vessel operating capabilities.Â
Onshore duties:Â
Assist in the maintenance of boathouse and other SoMAS building facilities when not at sea.Â
Work in conjunction with Seawolf and Port Captain to procure vessel and operational supplies and equipment in accordance with scheduled vessel operations and science team requirements and other SoMAS facilities needs.Â
Deckhand on the R/V Seawolf:Â
Operate deck gear in the deployment and retrieval of sampling gear and assist science parties aboard the vessel to carry out their mission safely and optimally.Â
Regularly stand navigational watch as may be required on long-day or overnight cruises.Â
Help to enforce shipboard safety rules and procedures and ensure safe boat operation and safety of personnel.Â
Serve as the ship's cook. Responsible for identifying, procuring, and safe storage of food for cruises. Develop recipes to meet the wide range of dietary needs among the crew and science party.Â
Perform additional routine shipboard and shore-side duties as directed by the vessel captain. Includes, but is not limited to scraping, sanding, priming/painting, and assisting in other vessel maintenance.Â
Support the science teams in preparing for their on board research and educational programs when required.Â
Assist with identification of species, proper handling of animals and experimental materials, appropriate methods to be utilized, such as measuring, weighing, tagging.Â
Operate, maintain and repair all SoMAS-owned field and oceanographic research equipment.Â
Ensure that all required sampling or area-use permits are valid and current.Â
Other duties or projects as assigned as appropriate to rank and department mission.
Special Notes:
This is a full-time appointment. FLSA Non Exempt position, eligible for the overtime provisions of the FLSA.
For this position, we are unable to sponsor candidates for work visas.
In addition to the employee's base salary, this position is eligible for $4,000 UUP annual location pay, paid biweekly.
Evening and weekend work will be required at times.
This position requires extensive periods at sea and away from home port. Travel is required to and from the shipyard during the annual haul out period. The work week is based on professional obligation; when at sea or away from home port, work hours can be extensive. As a result, periods of paid non-obligation (compensatory time) are provided and required to be used.Â
This is a continuous search, and the most qualified applicants will be contacted as vacancies occur.
***Out-of-State Applicants: Please note as a condition of employment and in order for this position to be tendered, the successful incumbent will be required to provide evidence of a valid license and driving abstract from the state issuing the license within five business days of a conditional offer and must obtain a NYS driver's license within 30 days of start date.
Resume/CV and cover letter should be included with the online application.
Stony Brook University is committed to excellence in diversity and the creation of an inclusive learning and working environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status and all other protected classes under federal or state laws.
If you need a disability-related accommodation, please call the university Office of Equity and Access (OEA) at (631) 632-6280 or visit OEA.
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