Deckhand - R/V Tommy Munro

Location: Gulf Coast Research Laboratory, 703 East Beach Drive, Ocean Springs, Mississippi, 39564, United States

Employment Status: Full Time

About the role

Under the supervision and direction of the Vessel Captain, this position will perform deckhand duties onboard the R/V Tommy Munro, a 98-foot offshore oceanographic research vessel homeported in Biloxi, MS. Deckhands are responsible for operating and maintaining the vessel’s mechanical deck equipment, as well as the general maintenance, upkeep, and cleanliness of the vessel while at sea and in port.

Responsibilities

• Performs day-to-day maintenance of R/V Tommy Munro to include but not limited to: loading, storing, and maintaining all equipment and gear; performs cleaning and sanitation of all common areas; performs line handling duties; painting/chipping; and yard work. These duties will be performed in all types of weather, night and day, and while the vessel is underway and in port.
• Operates winches, A-frames, and deck cranes; performs engine room checks and rigging.
• Assists the Captain with wheel watches.
• Must be able to communicate with Captain and passengers via VHF radio, orally, or sound/hand signals.
• Assists scientific crews with safe and efficient gear deployments and retrievals to include nets, CTDs, and other necessary equipment.
• Assists passengers as needed and helps oversee general safety of those on-board vessel.
• Serves as a deckhand on other university vessels as needed.
• Assists GCRL Vessel Operations department in carrying out hurricane evacuation and emergency management plans as necessary.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• First Aid, CPR/AED Certification, or ability to attain within first 3 months of employment.
• Mississippi Boater Education Certification, or ability to attain within first 3 months of employment.
• Ability to complete and pass an internal training program required for approval to operate the vessel’s deck equipment.
• Position is subject to hands-on training necessary to gain skills using hydraulic systems, cranes, and winches.
• Ability to learn and understand routine engine room maintenance such as changing oil and filters, fuel transfers, engine room checks, and any other duties assigned by the captain on watch.
• Ability to learn and practice USCG and departmental safety requirements for mariners.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• Ability to work as a team member in high stress situations while at sea.
• Ability to work away from home for up to 30 days at a time, offshore, over-night, weekends, some holidays, and in inclement weather.
• Ability to work on a daily basis at vessel’s homeport, while not on a charter.
• Ability and willingness to cross-train and work on other university vessels as needed.
• Ability to return to vessels on scheduled time off in the event of emergency or to help facilitate the university’s hurricane evacuation plan.
• Basic computer knowledge and ability to operate Microsoft Office.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3-6 months of related experience working onboard vessels.
• Welding experience.

Skills

• Ability to work in all types of weather conditions, day and night.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Pay

Salary Range: $12.31 - $13.98 per hour

About the University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions. Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others. We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life.