QMED Electrician

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is seeking a QMED Electrician to assist with the operation, maintenance, and repair of electrical equipment and systems on the R/V Neil Armstrong, beginning 9/8/2026. This role supports scientific personnel in using shipboard power and reports to the Chief Engineer/First Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and repair electrical power generating and distribution systems, including voltage regulators, engine governors, and related equipment.
• Service machinery monitoring and remote control systems, as well as power, control, and display systems for deck and science-related equipment.
• Oversee DC propulsion generators, motors, and control circuits.
• Assist with repairs in port.
• Perform routine checks of electrical equipment, including:
  • Daily: lighting, indicators, motor controllers, and wiring.
  • Monthly: test batteries of auxiliary and emergency generators, general alarm, bridge lighting, mast, and sound-powered telephone inspection and maintenance.
  • Quarterly: insulation test readings.
  • Yearly: main and emergency boards, and masthead lights.
• Maintain all moving parts of windlass, winches, and related deck machinery; inspect secure connections.
• Advise scientific crew on the most suitable use of electrical power.
• Maintain science winch displays and power circuits in labs; help determine electrical requirements.
• Supervise adapting and connecting scientific equipment to shipboard power.
• Perform day work and other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education; two years of sea duty as an Engineer or Electrician on a similar vessel. In the absence of a diploma, equivalent work experience is acceptable.
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's credential endorsed as a QMED Electrician or 3rd Assistant Engineer (unlimited HP, Motor).
• Good communication skills and familiarity with engine room and ship's electrical systems.
• Ability to discern and repair equipment malfunctions and perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety practices and procedures.
• All applicable STCW 95 training, a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC), and an unexpired passport.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment DOT drug screen and hold an unexpired USCG medical certificate (STCW expiration date).

Working Conditions

• Work at least 8 hours per day, sometimes exceeding 12 hours, 7 days per week.
• Sea duty for three to five months continuously.
• Live and work in cramped quarters, often in bad weather with violent ship motion.
• Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing (Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12), and a physical evaluation (Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89).
• Climb steep and vertical ladders; enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high.
• Participate in emergency drills, including launching lifeboats and life rafts.
• Perform physical labor, including climbing and handling equipment over 50 pounds.

Physical Capabilities

• Balance: Work in confined and unstable areas.
• Bend, kneel, squat: Clean, maintain, and inspect equipment.
• Climb: Reach work areas, equipment, and stores by ladder and stairs.
• Crawl: Navigate through bilge pockets and under ladders and winch beds.
• Feel: Touch objects where sight is limited.
• Finger: Manipulate nuts, bolts, tools, and cleaning gear.
• Handle: Grip equipment and stores securely.
• Hear, talk: Communicate effectively with others.
• Lift, carry: Load stores over 50 pounds.
• Push, pull: Move equipment over 50 pounds.
• Reach: Access equipment and stores up, over, and under.
• See: Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting.
• Sit: Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft.
• Stand: Work on equipment for extended periods.
• Walk: Perform rounds at sea.
• Write: Maintain logs and records.

Hazardous Conditions

• Confined areas: Store rooms, engine spaces, and tanks.
• Potential allergens and irritants: Fuels, solvents, cleaners, dust, fumes, smoke, and gases.
• Adverse weather: On deck in rough seas during equipment maintenance.
• Extreme temperatures: On deck in tropics and high latitudes; in engine room.
• Potential hazards: Being at sea; slippery and uneven surfaces; moving parts and objects; climbing ladders; working aloft.
• Noise: Constant and loud engine room noise, blowers, exhaust fans.
• Schedule: Protracted and irregular working hours.
• Vibrations: Ship's engines and chipping hammer.

Pay

Hourly rate of $39.38. Annual compensation is based on this rate and the number of hours worked, in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws. Eligible employees may also receive a comprehensive benefits package.