Job Requisition:

JR101611 Relief Able Body Seaman (Open)

Job Posting Title:

Relief Able Body Seaman

Department:

CC00491 VIMS1 | RADV | Field Operations

Job Family:

Staff - Lab & Research Support

Worker Sub Type:

Wage-Temporary (requires end date - non-benefited) (Fixed Term) (Fixed Term)

Job Requisition Primary Location:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Primary Job Posting Location:

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Job Description Summary:

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School (The Batten School) of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.

The Able Seaman (AB) position serves as AB on Marine Operations Fleet of Research Vessels. While on the vessel, this position reports to the Captain and helps ensure that vessel and scientific activities are supported as appropriate. The AB follows all established VIMS policies and procedures and performs their duties in a professional manner that is in line with best marine practices. Adheres to all United States Coast Guard regulations as they apply to the position.

Job Description:

Required Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Merchant Mariner Credential with OS certification issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

• Valid TWIC STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage or the ability to obtain within first six months of hire.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of basic deck operations including, but not limited to handling mooring lines, tag lines, securing equipment on deck, assist in the deployment and recover of gear. - Basic understanding of vessel operating principles and practices, and familiarity with the operation of deck equipment such as winches, deck cranes and frames.

• Strong communication and interactive skills, with the ability to work with diverse groups.

• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.

Experience:

• Valid Driver’s License Basic seamanship and general mechanical skills.

• Able to work on both land and sea.

• Broad and comprehensive knowledge of vessel operation and safety.

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Any license (Deck or Engineering) issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG).

• Certified in First Aid/CPR

• Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential

• Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage

Competencies:

• Knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay and it’s tributaries.

• Strong understanding of the operation of deck equipment including winches, deck cranes and frames.

• Basic familiarity with scientific instrumentation and gear used to collect scientific data.

Experience:

• Experience working on research vessels or supporting science at sea.

• Experience working with Safety Management Systems (SMS) as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or experience with maritime specific safety programs.

Salary- $20.00 per hour

Conditions of Employment:

• This position is a temporary (hourly) position not to exceed 6 months.All hourly employees aresubject to thelimitations of the Virginia Manpower Control Program and total hours worked may not exceed onaverage 29 hours per week,over the course of twelve months beginning May 1 each year.

• This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act.This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.

• Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift 50 lbs.

• Ability to work long days (more than 12 hours) weekends and holidays.

• Ability to work in hot/confined spaces.

• Ability to pass USCG mandated drug screening and submit to random drug testing program.

Core Duties & Responsibilities-

VESSEL MAINTENANCE: 60%

• Assist in the safe stowage of scientific equipment on the vessel prior to leaving port.

• Clean, paint and maintain the ship’s decks, bulkheads, equipment, quarters and heads.

• Other duties as assigned by the Captain.

EQUIPMENT OPERATION: 30%

• Assist in the mooring and unmooring of the vessel.

• Operate shipboard deck equipment such as winches, cranes and frames as experience and training allow.

• Assist in the deployment and recovery of scientific instrumentation and gear

WATCH STANDING: 10%

• Stand watch with bridge officer while functioning as lookout and helmsman as directed.

• Participate in emergency response as indicated by station bill and as directed.

Additional Job Description:

Job Profile:

JP1051 - Watercraft Operator I - Nonexempt - Hourly - H06

Qualifications:

Pay Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Grade:

H06

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-04-24

Review Date:

2026-05-01

Position Restrictions:

Restricted Term

EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. n-illegal

Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School (The Batten School) of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality. The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing. The Able Seaman (AB) position serves as AB on Marine Operations Fleet of Research Vessels. While on the vessel, this position reports to the Captain and helps ensure that vessel and scientific activities are supported as appropriate. The AB follows all established VIMS policies and procedures and performs their duties in a professional manner that is in line with best marine practices. Adheres to all United States Coast Guard regulations as they apply to the position. Job Description:Required Qualifications. Education:High school diploma or equivalent. Merchant Mariner Credential with OS certification issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Valid TWIC STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage or the ability to obtain within first six months of hire. Competencies:Knowledge of basic deck operations including, but not limited to handling mooring lines, tag lines, securing equipment on deck, assist in the deployment and recover of gear. - Basic understanding of vessel operating principles and practices, and familiarity with the operation of deck equipment such as winches, deck cranes and frames. Strong communication and interactive skills, with the ability to work with diverse groups. Sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time. Experience:Valid Driver’s License Basic seamanship and general mechanical skills. Able to work on both land and sea. Broad and comprehensive knowledge of vessel operation and safety. Preferred Qualifications. Education:Any license (Deck or Engineering) issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG). Certified in First Aid/ CPR - Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential. Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage. Competencies:Knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay and it’s tributaries. Strong understanding of the operation of deck equipment including winches, deck cranes and frames. Basic familiarity with scientific instrumentation and gear used to collect scientific data. Experience:Experience working on research vessels or supporting science at sea. Experience working with Safety Management Systems (SMS) as defined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or experience with maritime specific safety programs. Salary- $20.00 per hour.

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