The University of Southern California (USC) Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability (WIES) seeks a skilled, safety-focused, and service-oriented individual to serve as a full-time hourly Deckhand supporting marine operations at the Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) on Santa Catalina Island. This position is a primary member of the boat crew for the USC-inspected 45-foot passenger vessel Miss Christi, which provides essential transportation between San Pedro (Terminal Island) and WMSC for students, faculty, staff, researchers, and guests.
The Deckhand plays a critical role in ensuring safe vessel operations, passenger safety, cargo handling, and emergency preparedness, while providing a high level of customer service as the first point of contact for many visitors arriving at the island campus. This position reports to the Marine Operations Manager and works closely with marine, facilities, and operations staff to support the academic and research mission of the Center.
This is a benefited, non-exempt (hourly) position. Work is performed in a marine and outdoor environment and requires the ability to lift heavy objects, work in varying weather conditions, and stand for extended periods.
About the Wrigley Marine Science Center
The Wrigley Marine Science Center (WMSC) is a USC campus and field station advancing the understanding of the environment and sustainability. Located in a pristine environment on Santa Catalina Island, just 22 miles from Los Angeles, WMSC provides unparalleled access to both unspoiled natural systems and areas heavily affected by human activity. WMSC is equipped to host both undergraduate and graduate courses and individual academic researchers and hosts approximately 10,000 visitors per year.
WMSC offers wet and dry labs, sized for individual researchers or groups; a lecture hall and classrooms with A/V setup; a greenhouse and blue house; and dive facilities. Getting to the island is convenient aboard the USC vessel, Miss Christi, which provides transportation to and from WMSC, plus a full-service waterfront to support research and educational activities like kayaking, snorkeling, etc. We offer full support for research diving, including access to boating and the USC Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. Our dining hall serves three meals each day. Housing options include dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms; one-bedroom apartments with full kitchens and living/dining spaces; and 2- and 3-bedroom cottages with full kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms. The George and MaryLou Boone Center for Environmental Research is our premium housing option which offers a retreat facility for public- and private-sector leaders looking to develop solutions to environmental and sustainability problems. It consists of six semi-detached homes situated around a central courtyard with a view of Big Fisherman’s Cove.
Primary Responsibilities
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Assist with the safe operation of passenger-carrying vessels, including passenger boarding and disembarking, cargo loading and unloading, and line handling.
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Confirm passenger counts and cargo against ship manifests.
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Deliver required pre-trip safety briefings and ensure compliance with safety protocols during transit.
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Assist the captain with navigation support, lookout duties, docking, and mooring operations.
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Stand steering or lookout watches while underway, as assigned.
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Maintain cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness of vessels, skiffs, and waterfront work areas.
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Perform routine preventive maintenance and minor repairs on vessels, skiffs, mooring systems, and waterfront equipment, including cleaning, inspections, rope work, and basic repairs.
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Support emergency response procedures, including readiness and proper use of lifesaving and safety equipment.
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Assist researchers, instructors, and staff with equipment transport and on-board activities, including ocean sampling and field operations, as needed.
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Provide excellent customer service to students, faculty, staff, and external guests.
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Support maintenance and repair of cross-channel vessels, registered skiffs, mooring systems, floats, and associated waterfront facilities.
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Inspect and maintain waterfront facilities, storage areas, and small craft equipment to ensure safe, clean, and operational conditions.
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Assist with waterfront activities such as small boat operations, snorkeling or kayak support, chase boat duties, and orientations, as needed.
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Assist with and adhere to the University’s Boating Safety Program, environmental rules, and applicable federal, state, and local maritime regulations.
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Serve as a relief captain of a certified passenger-carrying vessel when qualified and authorized, or complete required training to become eligible for relief captain duties.
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent; combined education and experience may substitute for formal education requirements.
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Up to one year of experience in boating operations, marine safety, vessel maintenance, or related marine work. Less experience may be considered with relevant training or certifications.
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Valid California Driver’s License.
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CPR, First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and Oxygen Administration certifications required; must be obtained and maintained within a specified timeframe if not held at time of hire.
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Additional maritime credentials as required by USC or regulatory agencies.
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Knowledge of boating safety practices and boating operation procedures and regulations.
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Ability to assist with piloting and safe operation of a passenger-carrying vessel.
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Knowledge of preventive vessel maintenance and ability to perform minor repairs.
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Strong customer service and communication skills.
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Ability to work effectively as part of a small, collaborative team.
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Ability to perform physically demanding work in a marine and outdoor environment, including lifting, carrying, and working in varying weather conditions.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Associate’s degree or equivalent; combined education and experience may substitute for formal education requirements.
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One year or more of relevant work experience
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United States Coast Guard Master’s License (minimum 50-ton, coastal) required only if serving as relief captain.
Other Requirements
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Participation in USC-required drug testing programs.
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Ability to respond during emergencies in accordance with the University’s Emergency Operations Plan.
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Designation as a mandated reporter and Campus Security Authority, as required by USC policy.
Schedule: This is a full-time hourly position typically scheduled as four 10-hour shifts per week. Occasional weekend, holiday, or after-hours work may be required based on operational needs and weather conditions.
Location: This position is based in Los Angeles, but will involve daily travel between the Port of Los Angeles (San Pedro, CA) and the Wrigley Marine Science Center (Two Harbors, Santa Catalina Island, CA). Occasional overnight stays on Catalina Island may be required.
Compensation: $20-22/hour, depending on experience; includes a generous benefits package, including health insurance, a retirement account, life insurance, tuition benefits, and a wide range of discounts. The university invests hundreds of millions of dollars every year to provide these benefits, and they represent an important and substantial part of your overall compensation package. For more details on USC Benefits and Perks, visit: employees.usc.edu/benefits-perks. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer alignment, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
About the Wrigley Institute
The mission of the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability is to inspire global environmental solutions through frontier research and education. Located in Los Angeles at the University of Southern California, one of the nation’s premier research universities, we also have a satellite campus on California’s beautiful Santa Catalina Island. Through education, research, and engagement, we train the next generation of environmental leaders, develop original solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental problems, and encourage nonpartisan action for sustainability and environmental justice.
WIES is part of USC’s oldest and largest school, the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and a key player in the university’s high-profile sustainability initiatives. We are home to:
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Dornsife’s Environmental Studies academic program, which grants both undergraduate and graduate degrees;
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The Wrigley Marine Science Center, our Catalina Island research base;
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The USC Hyperbaric Chamber, which serves the Southern California dive community;
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USC Sea Grant, which conducts outreach and advocacy on the urban ocean;
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Research centers on Earth & Environmental Systems, Applied Environmental Solutions, and Social Transformation; and
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Signature public events that bring together business leaders, policy makers, activists, and scholars for conversations of consequence on the environment and sustainability
A job with the Wrigley Institute is an opportunity to help solve one of the most important challenges of our era. We are growing rapidly, with dedicated communications and programs to help maximize our reach and ensure that the work we do is beneficial for everyone. Join us to help create a more sustainable future!
Position is eligible for USC benefits and is open until filled.
USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.
Minimum Education: High school or equivalent, Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education Minimum Experience: 0-1 year Minimum Field of Expertise: Knowledge of boating safety and boating operation procedures and regulations. Ability to assist with piloting of a vessel. Knowledge of preventive boat maintenance and minor repairs. Excellent customer service skills. Must possess and maintain certifications in First Aid, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Oxygen Administration and Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if serving as relief ship’s captain. Valid California Driver’s License.
Job ID REQ20176014 Posted Date 06/01/2026
