Second Assistant Engineer

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for a temporary relief Second Assistant Engineer to join the Ship Operations Department. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits.  This position begins beginning of March 2024. 

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, is responsible for the proper operation, maintenance, condition, and safety of engine room equipment, machinery, and spaces; and is Engineering Watch Officer at sea.

• Maintains the safe and efficient operation of engines, auxiliary and plant machinery, generators, motors, fuel oil system, including maintaining the Oily Water Separator, keeping the Oil Record Book updated and maintaining the water making equipment.
• Is responsible for the proper operation, condition, and economy of the fuel oil system, including monitoring gauges and repairing equipment. Supervises bunkering and fuel oil transfer, and pumps ballast.
• Assists, while in port, with maintenance and repair of engine room equipment and spaces, and in loading freshwater and bunkers. Keeps a log of all watch operations and conditions, including unusual occurrences and emergency signals.
• Stands engine room watch, supervises Oiler, and ensures watches are stood properly and orders carried out.
• Proficiency in the following: Diesel engines, electrical maintenance and troubleshooting electronics, hydraulics, reading of both hydraulic and electrical schematics, HVAC equipment, and air compressors.
• Performs other duties as required.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited sea service academy and two years’ sea duty as an engineering officer, in the absence of a formal degree, equivalent work experience.
• Candidates must possess computer literacy in the use of word-processing, inventory and database management, and electronic mail programs.
• Prefer experience on similar research vessel. Prefer Second Assistant Engineer experience on similar research vessel.
• Candidates must have a high level of training as evidenced by a U.S. Coast Guard License, preferably Second Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels.
• Minimum licensing for R/V Neil Armstrong is Second Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels or Third Assistant Engineer Unlimited Horsepower, Motor Vessels, pending demonstration of experience and proficiency to Master and Chief Engineer; and R/V Atlantis requires Second Assistant Engineer, 6000 Horsepower, Oceans, Motor Vessels.
• In addition to the above, all licensed officers must have all applicable training as required by the Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW 95) and possess a valid U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Credential and Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) and hold an unexpired Passport.
• Candidates must have good communication and personnel management skills, an in-depth under-standing of the proper operation and maintenance of ship's engines and related equipment, and demonstrate good safety practices and procedures.
• Must be able to pass a Pre-employment DOT drug screen
• Must hold an Unexpired (STCW Expiration date) USCG med Certificate

All marine crew, including this position, must provide proof of COVID vaccination in order to begin your employment. The definition of “fully” vaccinated for purposes of shipboard personnel is the original double/single dose vaccination, depending on which vaccine was used (Pfizer, Moderna, or J&J), plus a booster and a period of two weeks after the booster. Boosters are mandatory if 6 months has lapsed since completing 2 dose series of Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months since 1 dose of J+J.

• 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.
• Essential Functions
• Work 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.