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Survey Vessel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$13.75 - $18.50/hr

... vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when fully loaded. However ... survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Vessel Cook

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$322.13/day

... vessel (R/V) Lake Guardian, which can accommodate up to 42 people when fully loaded. However ... survey operations throughout the Great Lakes. The primary homeport is Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA

$45K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the following: The ...

Uncrewed Vessel Operator

Leesburg, VA · On-site

$45K - $90K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Uncrewed Systems Operator must have experience operating hydrographic survey or oceanographic ... Responsibilities Duties of the Uncrewed Vessel Operator will include, but not be limited to, the ...

Showing results 41-60

Survey Vessel information

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$14

$31

$48

How much do survey vessel jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for survey vessel in the United States is $31.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $36.06 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a survey vessel?

A Survey Vessel job involves working on a specialized ship equipped with technology to collect data about the seafloor, water conditions, and underwater structures. These vessels are commonly used for hydrographic surveys, environmental assessments, and offshore construction projects. Crew members may include hydrographers, marine technicians, and navigation specialists who operate sonar equipment, GPS, and other instruments. The data collected helps with mapping, resource exploration, and ensuring safe navigation for other maritime activities.

What are the typical working conditions and daily responsibilities for someone working on a survey vessel?

Survey Vessel crew members often work in shifts and spend extended periods at sea, adapting to varying weather and sea conditions. Daily responsibilities include operating and maintaining survey equipment, collecting and processing hydrographic or geophysical data, and preparing detailed reports for clients or regulatory authorities. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—such as engineers, scientists, and navigators—is common, as is troubleshooting technical issues in real time. While the work can be physically demanding, it offers the opportunity to contribute to important maritime projects and develop specialized skills in marine technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the survey vessel position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Survey Vessel crew member, you need expertise in marine navigation, hydrographic surveying, and data collection, typically supported by relevant maritime certifications or a technical degree in marine surveying or oceanography. Familiarity with specialized equipment such as multibeam echosounders, GPS systems, and data analysis software is crucial. Strong teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for success onboard. These skills are vital to ensure accurate data collection in sometimes challenging marine environments and to maintain safety and efficiency during survey missions.

More about Survey Vessel jobs

What cities are hiring for Survey Vessel jobs?

Cities with the most Survey Vessel job openings:

What states have the most Survey Vessel jobs?

States with the most job openings for Survey Vessel jobs include:

Infographic showing various Survey Vessel job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,602 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist

AIS, Inc.

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulation ns as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is seeking a Fisheries Methods and Vessel Technical Specialist to support NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center's (SEFSC) Harvesting Unit.
Primary Function:
This role serves as a senior technical specialist and vessel operator, responsible for maintaining and operating Class III research vessels, supporting survey cruises, and providing advanced expertise in fishing gear construction, deployment, and evaluation. This position is contingent upon contract award and available funding.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Construct, maintain, and repair selective fishing gear, including TEDs and BRDs, for use in research and training activities
  • Provide technical expertise and support for fisheries research projects and gear evaluations
  • Support Mississippi Laboratories survey cruises through at-sea operations and gear deployment
  • 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
  • Safely manage vessel navigation, cargo handling, deck operations, and onboard equipment
  • Maintain inventory of vessel supplies and support overall vessel logistics
  • Assist with small boat operations and general equipment maintenance
  • Conduct outreach and training sessions for commercial fishers on proper use of federally required fishing gear
  • Provide training to marine law enforcement on inspection and compliance procedures for regulated fishing gear
  • Prepare reports documenting outreach, training, and operational activities
  • Support general unit operations, including warehouse maintenance and equipment organization

Compensation: Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in net construction and repair within a commercial fishery or net shop environment
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as Captain of a research or commercial fishing vessel, including operation and maintenance of associated equipment
  • Current U.S. Coast Guard Master's License (100-ton or greater)
  • Demonstrated proficiency reading and interpreting fishing gear schematics and construction diagrams
  • Valid driver's license
  • Advanced vessel operations and navigation capability in research and field environments
  • Strong technical expertise in fishing gear systems and construction techniques
  • Ability to lead safe and efficient vessel and deck operations
  • Effective communication skills for training and operational coordination

Ability to obtain and maintain:
  • U.S. Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels License (6-Pack), if not already held
  • Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
  • Ability to meet all NOAA Small Boat Program training and certification requirements

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of selective fishing gear technologies and bycatch reduction methods
  • Experience delivering technical training and hands-on demonstrations
  • Small boat operation certifications (e.g., fast rescue boat)
  • Knowledge of federal fishing gear regulations and compliance requirements

Travel:
  • Travel Estimated: 40-50% (regional travel across Gulf of Mexico states, including offshore survey cruises, regional outreach activities, and training events).

Location:
  • 3209 Frederic St, Pascagoula, MS, 39567- Southeast Fisheries Science Center's Pascagoula Laboratory

Contact:
If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit our Careers Page to submit the required information:
  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  • 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to our Talent Team or call 774-770-5833.
An Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.
Must be able to work in the U.S. • VEVRAA Federal Contractor • Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals • Equal Opportunity Employer