California Maritime Academy, often called Cal Maritime, stands as a unique institution within the California State University (CSU) system, specializing in maritime, engineering, and transportation education. Located in Vallejo, California, along the San Francisco Bay, it prepares students for careers at sea and in related industries. Jobs at California Maritime Academy attract professionals passionate about nautical sciences, mechanical engineering, global logistics, and business operations in a maritime context. These positions range from faculty teaching future ship officers to staff managing the academy's training ship, the TS Golden Bear—the only full-scale training vessel in the U.S. dedicated to collegiate maritime education.
The academy's emphasis on hands-on training means employment here often involves real-world application, such as sea voyages and simulator-based instruction. With around 1,000 students, the close-knit community fosters collaborative work environments. Prospective employees should note that many roles require or prefer U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) credentials, reflecting the academy's mission to produce licensed mariners. Salaries align with CSU scales, competitive for higher education, especially with added incentives like sea pay for shipboard duties.
Founded in 1929 as the California Nautical School aboard the old training ship Training Ship Golden Bear I, Cal Maritime has evolved into a bachelor's and master's granting university since joining the CSU system in 1995. This history shapes its job market: early roles focused on seamanship instruction, while today they encompass advanced engineering research and administrative leadership. Key milestones include acquiring the TS Golden Bear III in 1996, enabling global training cruises that demand skilled deck and engineering faculty.
Over 90 years, the academy has graduated over 10,000 alumni, many securing high-paying maritime jobs immediately post-graduation—over 90% employment rate. This success influences hiring, prioritizing candidates with industry experience to maintain accreditation from bodies like the American Maritime Officers (AMO) and the Higher Learning Commission. Understanding this legacy helps job seekers tailor applications to the academy's seafaring heritage.
Jobs at California Maritime Academy span academic, operational, and support categories. Faculty positions dominate in departments like Marine Transportation (nautical science), Facilities Engineering (marine engineering), Mechanical Engineering, Global Logistics and Transportation, and Business Administration. These include tenure-track professors, lecturers, and adjuncts teaching courses on ship handling, cargo operations, and ocean engineering.
Staff roles involve the Regiment of Cadets, ship operations, and facilities maintenance. Research positions focus on sustainable shipping and naval architecture. Administrative jobs cover admissions, career services, and HR. For a deeper dive into university job types, including professor and lecturer distinctions, visit our guide. Maritime-specific roles often require Unlimited Tonnage licenses, blending academia with professional seafaring.
To fully grasp jobs at California Maritime Academy, key terms include:
Entry into faculty jobs at California Maritime Academy demands rigorous credentials. Tenure-track positions typically require a PhD in fields like mechanical engineering, oceanography, or maritime business. Master's degrees suffice for lecturers if paired with substantial sea time—often 720 days minimum for licensed instructors. Engineering roles may accept a bachelor's plus Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Administrative positions need relevant master's, such as in higher education administration or logistics. All hires undergo background checks and may require physical fitness for sea duty. CSU minimum qualifications align with American Association of University Professors (AAUP) standards, emphasizing terminal degrees for research-active roles.
Research at Cal Maritime centers on applied maritime challenges: sustainable fuels, autonomous vessels, port logistics, and climate-resilient shipping. Expertise in computational fluid dynamics, renewable energy for ships, or supply chain optimization is prized. Faculty often collaborate with the U.S. Navy and industry partners like Maersk.
Grants from the Office of Naval Research fund projects, so experience securing federal funding is advantageous. For those eyeing research jobs, highlight publications in journals like Marine Technology or patents in marine tech.
Preferred experience includes 5+ years in commercial shipping, teaching maritime cadets, or engineering consulting. Publications (3+ peer-reviewed), grants ($100K+), and USCG endorsements boost candidacy. Core skills encompass:
Competencies like adaptability to ship schedules and commitment to safety culture are non-negotiable. Review research assistant excellence for transferable skills.
Apply via the CSU Careers website (careers.calstate.edu), searching for Cal Maritime postings. Required: cover letter addressing qualifications, CV, transcripts, three references, and diversity statement. Deadlines align with academic cycles; ship roles post seasonally.
Tips for success:
Follow up post-submission; hiring takes 3-6 months.
Cal Maritime advances CSU's equity goals through the Maritime Academy Equity Plan, targeting underrepresented minorities in STEM (45% cadets of color). Initiatives include Women in Maritime scholarships, partnerships with Hispanic-serving organizations, and bias training for hiring committees. The President's Commission on Diversity audits recruitment, ensuring inclusive job ads. Recent hires reflect 30% growth in diverse faculty since 2020.
Campus life at Cal Maritime blends academic rigor with maritime adventure. Employees enjoy Bay Area proximity—commute to Oakland in 45 minutes—plus on-campus housing options. Work-life balance features 24/7 ship rotations with compensatory time off, summer research sabbaticals, and wellness centers. Faculty participate in annual cruises (up to 2 months), offering travel to Hawaii or Alaska.
Community events like Fleet Week, sailing club, and cadet parades foster camaraderie. Benefits include 22 vacation days, parental leave, and EAP counseling. Vallejo's revitalized waterfront adds dining and trails, countering demanding schedules.
CSU package: medical/dental/vision, 403(b) matching up to 7%, tuition waivers for dependents. Maritime perks: hazard pay, per diem abroad. Professional development via conferences, sabbaticals every 6 years. Career paths lead to department chairs or industry consulting. Salaries: Assistant Professor ~$85K-$110K, scaling with experience.
Explore professor salaries for benchmarks.
Jobs at California Maritime Academy offer unparalleled blending of education and adventure. From faculty instructing future captains to researchers innovating green shipping, opportunities abound for qualified professionals. Ready to apply? Check higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and post a job for more. Discover roles in lecturer jobs or professor jobs. Vallejo's location enhances appeal for U.S. careers.
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