Able Body Seaman

College Division: Academic Affairs - FL Institute of Oceanography
Salary Plan: Staff
Job Code/Title: 7136 / Able Body Seaman
Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $44,000 - $49,000 (plus overtime)
Position Number: 00054227

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:
The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is a state-wide Academic Infrastructure Support Organization (AISO) established in 2009 by the Chancellor and Board of Governors (BOG) of the State University System (SUS). Hosted by the University of South Florida and housed at USF St. Petersburg campus, FIO operates under a Memorandum of Understanding with 32 institutions and agencies, including all 12 public universities, engaged in marine research, education, and resource management. FIO provides collaborating opportunities across academia, government, and private sector for educational, training, research, and public outreach for students and scientists across Florida.
FIO operates a fleet of state-of-the-art research vessels and a marine facility (Keys Marine Laboratory) supporting and enabling research and education across the state of Florida, offering unique opportunities for college level education and researchers studying the marine ecosystems offered along the coasts of Florida.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is vital to the commissioning and ongoing operation of FIO's newest research platform, the R/V Western Flyer. Per US Coast Guard regulations, the vessel requires Mates who are licensed. FIO's other two research vessels do not require licensed Mates due to the size, tonnage, and un-inspected status.
Position supports captain, crew, and science party while underway to ensure a safe operation while at sea and in-port. Position performs safety and routine maintenance and repair on the vessel and related equipment while at sea and in port. Position is also available to provide support to other FIO platforms and shore side to ensure FIO's goals and mission are met.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Assist with launching and recovery of over-the-side scientific equipment as needed using cranes, winches, davits, capstans, gypsy heads, nets, small boats, dive compressors and miscellaneous rigging, mooring lines and towing cables. Operates portable power and hand tools.
Load and unload vessel equipment and supplies, by hand or using hoisting fisheries equipment. Attach nets, slings, hooks, blades, and/or lifting devices to cables, booms, hoists, and/or dredges as appropriate. Pull and guide nets, traps, and lines onto vessels, by hand or using hoisting equipment. Work with PI to remove catches from fishing equipment and store them as appropriate. Wash decks, conveyors, knives, and other equipment. ensure maintenance of winches, cranes, davits and other equipment are operational and kept up.
Assists with general shipboard maintenance, both in port and underway, including cleaning, de-scaling, chipping and painting. Performs manual labor while at sea and in port, assist with general housekeeping, which may include janitorial (loading, unloading laundry, garbage and etc.), work at the shipyard performing maintenance and repair work as well conducting like duties away from port and perform other duties as assigned by supervisor or captain.
Assists in routine tasks involved in watchkeeping of the vessel, particularly during inclement weather.  Responds to all shipboard emergencies. Inspect, correct, notify appropriate parties of any conditions that may affect the safety of the crew or cargo, makes vessel safety checks, walk around the vessel inside and out, go into storage areas, etc., turn off any lights that may interfere with navigation as directed.  Must perform requirements of Emergency Station Bill for both drills and actual emergencies to include fire, flooding, man overboard, abandon ship, medical, and spill response. Safe operation of small boats, daily upkeep of small boats, rafts and other small vessels as needed.
Assists with mooring, unmooring and anchoring of vessel during underway periods. Sets the appropriate gangway and secures it to the dock, helps with the on-load of passengers as needed, taking on potable water, assist with loading and/or unloading of materials and supplies to and from docks, barges and boat. On turnaround day, take on dry stores. Clean all common related areas of the boat (exterior) that can't be completed while underway. Load/Off-load science equipment.
Performs other duties as assigned.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM:
Certifications for Standards for Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping, Basic Safety Training (STCW-95, BST), including First Aid and CPR. Applicant must possess a USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with a minimum rating of Able Seaman, Limited, (US), Able Seafarer Deck (STCW) and STCW endorsement of Rating forming part of a navigational watch (RFPNW).
PREFERRED:
One year of appropriate experience. Appropriate vocational/technical training may substitute at an equivalent rate for the required experience. Ability to pass through scuttles and hatches and over door coamings while the vessel is in a seaway; does not get chronically seasick. Previous experience as a deck hand, including experience with vessel maintenance, splicing and handling lines, which operations, cargo handling, anchoring, small boat operations and navigation, and long lining experience highly desired.
 

The University of South Florida St. Petersburg (USFSP) is a separately accredited institution and a member of the University of South Florida System.  USFSP serves approximately six thousand students and is located on the beautiful waterfront of St. Petersburg.  USFSP offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the Colleges of Business, Education, and Arts & Sciences.

With more than 16,000 employees in the USF System, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region.  At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees.  We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities.  We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more. 

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