The Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON), a program of the Louisiana Board of Regents (Regents), is seeking an experienced and mission-driven MASTER RESEARCH VESSEL CAPTAIN to lead marine operations aboard the R/V Pelican in support of scientific research, education, and coastal exploration throughout the Gulf Coast region.
The Vessel Captain serves as Master-in-Command of the R/V Pelican and is responsible for the safe navigation, operational readiness, regulatory compliance, and overall leadership of vessel operations supporting marine science missions. The selected candidate will report to the Marine Superintendent and work closely with the Port Captain, Port Engineer, scientific personnel, and vessel crew to ensure the successful execution of complex research expeditions.
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:
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Strong leadership and decision-making abilities under pressure
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Advanced maritime operational knowledge
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Effective communication and collaboration skills
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Attention to detail and operational awareness
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Ability to support diverse scientific missions in fast-paced environments
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Commitment to professionalism, safety, and ethical conduct
LUMCON is a statewide academic and research consortium representing more than 40 universities and colleges across Louisiana. LUMCON promotes and conducts marine and coastal research, education, and outreach relevant to the sustainability of Gulf Coast ecosystems.
Located at the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, Louisiana, LUMCON provides direct access to Louisiana’s coastal wetlands and Gulf waters while operating a world-class research fleet supporting scientific discovery and education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education
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High school diploma or equivalent
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STCW (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) compliance
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Coast Guard Certificate of Competency (COC) for applicable vessel class and tonnage
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United States Coast Guard 200 Ton Master License
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Valid passport and Seaman’s Book for international operations
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Current medical certification, including U.S. Coast Guard medical requirements
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Knowledge of navigation systems, including electronic navigation, pilotage, and dead reckoning
Experience
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Five (5) years of marine or seagoing experience
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Three (3) years of prior service in a Master capacity
Preference may be given to candidates possessing:
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Radar Observer Unlimited certification
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Advanced Marine Firefighting certification
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STCW95 certification
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Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
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Familiarity with University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Research Vessel Safety Standards
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Knowledge of applicable sections of Title 46 CFR related to research vessel operations
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Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, marine engineering, or related field
Applications will be rejected if the applicant fails to meet the minimum qualifications, submits an incomplete application, or fails to apply by the closing date of the announcement.
JOB DUTIES
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Serves as Master of the vessel by safely navigating and operating the vessel in support of research, educational, and scientific missions. Demonstrates advanced vessel handling skills and maintains operational readiness to ensure the vessel consistently meets the requirements of assigned science missions and cruise directives.
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Fosters a strong sense of professionalism, teamwork, camaraderie, and commitment among crew members in support of vessel operations and mission success.
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Directs and oversees the safe deployment, retrieval, and operation of scientific equipment utilized during research missions, including but not limited to conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) profilers, acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCP), multi-cores, tow nets, and chemical and biological sampling equipment. Coordinates closely with scientific personnel to ensure scientific operations are conducted safely, efficiently, and in accordance with vessel capabilities and operational standards.
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Maintains responsibility for ensuring all vessel equipment is operational, properly maintained, and available to support safe and successful cruises for clients, researchers, and educational partners.
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Oversees daily vessel operations and directs crew members in the performance of assigned duties necessary to maintain the integrity, cleanliness, functionality, and seaworthiness of the vessel.
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Maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots major mechanical and operational systems aboard the vessel, including marine engines, transmissions, generators, hydraulic systems, cranes, winches, and related vessel equipment. Coordinates preventative maintenance activities and assists in identifying repair needs to ensure uninterrupted vessel operations and compliance with maintenance standards.
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Ensures all vessel safety equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and operational in accordance with applicable safety standards, agency policies, and regulatory requirements. Conducts routine emergency drills and training exercises with crew members to ensure preparedness and the ability to respond effectively to emergencies at sea.
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Maintains certifications in First Aid, CPR, and DAN Oxygen First Aid and demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making during emergencies and vessel operations. Applies extensive maritime knowledge and operational expertise to ensure the safety of personnel, vessel assets, and scientific equipment during all phases of vessel activity.
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Maintains working knowledge of and compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, maritime regulations, licensing requirements, and LUMCON Vessel Operations policies and procedures. Ensures vessel operations remain compliant with governing agency standards and operational requirements.
Appointment Type: This position is unclassified and will be filled by a new hire or by promotion of a current Regents employee.
Worksite Location: This position works on a vessel that operates from Cocodrie and Houma.
Security Requirements: This position is designated as security-sensitive. A criminal history check will be conducted on all new hires as well as employees changing positions including promotions, demotions, details, reassignments, transfers, and every five years.
In accordance with LUMCONS’s Vessel Operations Drug Procedure (V004), prospective employees must pass a pre-employment drug test as well as random testing at the discretion of the agency.
New hires must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification (I-9) Form and verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States through the federal government's E-Verify system.
Physical Demands: LUMCON vessel captains must possess sufficient strength and physical dexterity to perform duties and responsibilities of the job, including exposure to inclement weather conditions for prolonged periods of time. The physical essential functions of this job include (but are not limited to) the following:
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Frequently exerting 10 to 40 pounds of force to move objects; occasionally exerting up to 100 pounds of force.
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Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for sedentary work.
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Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
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Ability to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, and work at particular heights
Work Environment: This is an itinerant, primarily at-sea position requiring 12-hour shifts per day, with assignments that last for the duration of each voyage.
HOW TO APPLY
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an application listing complete work experience and education.
Applicants qualifying based on college training or receipt of a baccalaureate degree will be required to submit an official college transcript to verify credentials claimed prior to appointment. Please make every effort to attach a copy of your transcript or any other materials as outlined in the posting to your application if possible.
Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process.
The Board of Regents is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) agency that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities. For more information on employment resources for individuals with disabilities, see the Louisiana Employment Resources Guide . (Download Adobe Acrobat Reader)
For more information about this posting, contact:
The Board of Regents’ Human Capital Management Office
Kim Langlois
Employee Relations Specialist
[email protected] or [email protected]
