Research Vessel Captain

Job Details

Research Vessel Captain

Benefits of Working at UNCW:
Want to become a soaring UNCW Seahawk and work at one of the best universities on the East Coast? Want to put your toes in the sand after a day of work? The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a wonderfully vibrant university community along with a beautiful location just miles from the beach.Employees of UNCW are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other programs, resources, policies, and practices that help to support a work/life balance. Our programs have been designed to provide a variety of choices to best fit your needs and the needs of your family. Full time employees are eligible for dental, vision and health insurance plans. Health insurance benefit plans eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.Full time employees are also eligible for the tuition waiver program which covers the cost of tuition and fees for up to three (3) undergraduate or graduate courses per academic year at UNCW or any other university within the UNC System. In addition, UNCW covers the cost of tuition and fees for one UNCW course each summer session. As a full time employee, UNCW also offers a free membership to the Campus Recreation Center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, meditation and yoga sessions, voluntary supplemental insurance coverages, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave time, paid vacation and sick leave accrual and family medical leave after 12 months of continuous service.We also offer an abundance of training and development programs through our Dare to Learn Academy, and the employee assistance program, many of which are offered free of charge.

Recruitment Range: $73,306 - $86,243
Vacancy Number: E1520
Competency Level:
Location of Workplace: CMS Myrtle Grove
Home Department: Center for Marine Science - 30600
Division: Academic Affairs - 30 Division

Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit:
The University of North Carolina Wilmington's Center for Marine Science (CMS) is recognized both nationally and internationally for conducting research that contributes to the understanding of environmental processes and problems. CMS strives to engage communities to address societal issues and promote use-inspired innovations.

Research at CMS includes a variety of fields such as aquaculture; coastal water resources, risks and resilience; coastal and ocean observing and modeling; ecosystem health; genomics and bioinformatics; human health and preclinical research; marine and coastal biology; marine geology and paleoclimate; marine technology; natural products chemistry; and ocean and coastal policy. Currently, there are more than 150 scientists, staff, and students housed at or working with the unit.

The teaching and research facility located on the Intracoastal Waterway in southeastern North Carolina features state of the art core facilities in spectrometry and spectroscopy, light stable isotopes, biotechnology, aquaculture, DNA and water quality analysis as well as running seawater systems, a coastal workboat fleet and a wide range of oceanographic equipment that are available to all CMS researchers.

CMS supports educational programs related to coastal and marine science, including the Applied Coastal and Ocean Science Ph.D. program and MS Marine Science degree as well as courses and students from various marine science related academic departments across the breadth of UNCW. It also supports several outreach entities, including NC Sea Grant, the NC National Estuarine Research Reserve, and Marine Quest, among others.

Location of Workplace: CMS Myrtle Grove

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The primary purpose of the Research Vessel Captain is to serve as the Captain of The University of North Carolina Wilmington's 80 research vessel docked at the Center for Marine Science at Myrtle Grove. Reporting to the Associate Director of Marine Operations, the position is responsible for the safe and effective operation of the vessel to include navigation, operation and maintenance in support of scientific research, education and community outreach. This position serves in a supervisory role to vessel crew members. Seagoing and shore efforts will be split between frequent cruises. Some work on weekends and holidays will be required.

Responsibilities include:

• Long-range planning: Develop complex plans and schedules for research projects, including boat modifications.
• Grant/contract proposals: Prepare proposals and budgets for materials, vessel modifications, and timelines.
• Strategic and at-sea planning: Work with scientists and directors to plan operations and fulfill research goals.
• Budget and marketing: Manage budgets, develop marketing strategies, and expand customer base.
• Safety and compliance: Ensure vessel and crew safety, conduct safety drills, and adhere to regulations.
• Vessel operation and crew management: Navigate, operate, maintain the vessel, and manage crew schedules and training.
• Maintenance and inspections: Develop maintenance programs, oversee shipyard overhauls, and coordinate regulatory inspections.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• US Coast Guard Master's Licensure for tonnage required for operation of vessel intended for use.
• Ability to operate vessels ranging from 16 to 80 feet in length, equipped with inboard propulsion systems.
• A minimum of two years of hands-on experience is required in both the operation and routine maintenance of vessels at least 50 feet in length.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

• Maritime Academy graduate or degree in science, mathematics or engineering.
• Significant knowledge and technical skills for complex vessel operations with advanced navigation systems and sophisticated equipment for complex research projects including side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiles, Nissan bottles for sample collection as well as ability to construct custom brackets for research projects.
• Ability to stay abreast of current developments in the industry and trends in research advancements by attending trade exhibits such as Marine Technology, Ocean News and Technology to keep up on latest developments, meet with vendors and potential clients.
• 5 years operating a vessel of equivalent size or greater.
• 5 years supervisory experience.
• Understand the principles of good seamanship and marine maintenance.
• Knowledge of maintenance and operation of diesel and gasoline engines, pumps, compressors, generators, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, winches and other equipment common to research vessels.
• Experience with oceanographic research cruises and methods, working knowledge of common oceanographic equipment ( e.g., CTD, ADCP, sonars), as well as over-the-side deployment and recovery of research gear ( e.g., moorings, buoys, gliders, trawls).

Required Certifications or Licensures:

• United States Coast Guard (USCG) Merchant Marine Credential
• Master of Self-Propelled Vessels Of Less Than 100 Gross Register Tons (GRT) Upon Near Coastal Waters
• USCG Medical Certificate
• USCG approved Drug Test
• FCC Radio Operator License
• CPR and First Aid training certificate or ability to obtain upon hire

FTE: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
Months Per Year: 12 Months
Type of Position: Permanent
Position Number: E1520
Job Posting Date: 04/15/2026
Posting Close Date: 5/15/2026