Unlimited Able Seafarer

Able Body Seaman

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for an Able Body Seaman on R/V Armstrong from 12/9/26 to 3/10/27. Reporting to the Master, Chief Mate, or Deck Watch Officer, stands bridge watch as Quartermaster or lookout when underway. Under supervision of the Bosun maintains interior and exterior spaces and deck equipment, and operates machinery during loading of stores and scientific operations.

Maintains an assigned cleaning station; Cleans, chips, scrapes, wire brushes, primes, and/or paints hull, bulkheads, decks, passageways, deck machinery, or spaces, as directed. Operates vessel's small boats during launch and recovery operations, assists Bosun in ground tackle, deck winch, and crane operation. Stands wheel watch at sea and security watch in port. Handles lines and rigging equipment, may rig and work aloft in Bos'n chair or on staging. While working with science gear, works in conjunction with Mate-On-Watch to insure that all science personnel are in compliance with vessel safety standards. Performs other duties as required.

Prefer a high school diploma or equivalent education and three years sea duty as watch standing deck sailor on a similar vessel; in the absence of a diploma, equivalent work experience.

Requires a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner's Credential endorsed as Able Seaman Unlimited, or Able Seaman Limited or Special pending demonstration of experience and proficiency to satisfaction of ship's Master.

Candidates must understand the principles of good seamanship and marine maintenance with respect to small boats and deck equipment. All unlicensed personnel must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and have a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport. Must be able to pass a DOT Pre-employment drug screen. Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate.

Hourly rate $31.83 The hourly rate provided for this position reflects the set base pay for new hires. Annual compensation will be based on this hourly rate and the number of hours worked, in accordance with applicable wage and hour laws. In addition to hourly pay, eligible employees may also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

All marine positions have essential functions that personnel must be able to perform, minimum physical capacities and requirements that all personnel must meet, and working conditions that may be considered hazardous. Working at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Work at sea for three to five months continuously. Live and work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion. Pass examinations for visual acuity, color sense, and hearing as established in Title 46 CFR Parts 10 and 12, and pass a physical evaluation as described in the enclosed Navigation and Vessel Inspection Articles 6-89. Climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high. Participate in emergency drills and in launching lifeboats and life rafts. Perform physical labor, climb and handle moderate weights and equipment over 50 pounds. Physical Capability Example of Essential Function 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 Crawl 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 Handle equipment and stores with sure grip. Hear, talk Communicate with people. Lift, carry Load stores over 50 pounds. Push, pull Move equipment over 50 pounds. Reach Up, over, and under equipment and stores. See Read labels, menus, logs, charts, and gauges in poor lighting. Sit Operate crane, Avon, lifeboat, and life raft. Stand Work on equipment. Walk Perform rounds at sea. Write Maintain logs. Work Condition Example of Hazardous Area/Duty 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; and 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.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution