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DESCRIPTION

The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego is hiring a First Officer to serve as second in command aboard one of the world’s most advanced academic research vessels. This is a unique opportunity to support global oceanographic science as part of a premier institution dedicated to exploring and understanding the planet.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The First Officer reports directly to the Master/Captain and is responsible for the daily operations of the Deck Department. This role is essential to the safe navigation, crew supervision, and mission readiness of the vessel. In the Captain’s absence, the First Officer assumes command.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead deck operations and supervise navigation officers and seamen.
• Oversee maintenance of deck equipment, hull, and shipboard systems.
• Ensure vessel and crew readiness before departure.
• Stand underway bridge watches and port security watches.
• Serve as Vessel Security Officer (VSO) and coordinate safety training and emergency drills.
• Assist with onboard medical needs and manage medical inventories.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited sea service academy with four (4) years sea duty as a deck officer; in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience. Chief mate experience on a similar research vessel is preferred.
• Demonstrated skills in deployment, recovery and boat operations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of principles of watchstanding at sea and in port.
• Demonstrated navigation skills with extensive experience in electronic navigation, charting, piloting and sailing. Strong experience with special navigation and ship handling techniques; dynamic positioning, track line, operations, at-sea deployment / recovery of over-the-side equipment, rough weather ship handling, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a variety of standard office software applications and common navigation and ship management software.
• Highly skilled and experienced in the safe handling and use of mooring lines.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing to diverse group of people. Demonstrated acumen to explain, advocate, and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally, including the ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to agents and business contacts who speak English as a second language.
• Demonstrated supervisory and consensus-building skills. Demonstrated skills motivating employees, maintaining excellent morale and stimulating productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to function effectively under pressure, manage crisis situations and lead by example.
• Thorough business and math skills, including working knowledge of the principles of accounting, with experience in procurement, budget development, cost analysis, inventory management and planning.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in organizing and prioritizing work, and executing for best effect.
• Good working knowledge of and familiarity with federal regulations relevant to maritime operations (33 CFR, 46 CFR, COLREGS) and international regulations (SOLAS Convention and all relevant Annexes: MARPOL, ISM Code, ISPS Code, etc.)

IF EMPLOYED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLY WITH OUR POLICY ON VACCINATION PROGRAMS, WHICH MAY BE AMENDED OR REVISED FROM TIME TO TIME. FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTIVES MAY IMPOSE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

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For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
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• Lead deck operations and supervise navigation officers and seamen.
• Oversee maintenance of deck equipment, hull, and shipboard systems.
• Ensure vessel and crew readiness before departure.
• Stand underway bridge watches and port security watches.
• Serve as Vessel Security Officer (VSO) and coordinate safety training and emergency drills.
• Assist with onboard medical needs and manage medical inventories