Research Vessel Captain (#MCCZ14)
$45,798.00 Yearly Min / $57,248.00 Yearly Mid / $68,698.00 Yearly Max

The employee in this class serves as Captain of various research vessels, including but not limited to sixty-five-foot and thirty-four-foot vessels, used for finfish and shellfish research, habitat manipulation or revitalization, and compliance with harvest regulations. The Captain also oversees and manages all related grants funding the operation and maintenance of the research vessels. Work of this class requires employees to maintain a US Coast Guard (USCG) National Master Of Self-Propelled Of Less Than 100 GRT Upon Near Coastal Waters Credential.

An employee receives minimal supervision from an administrative supervisor or higher; the supervisor defines objectives, priorities, and deadlines and assists the employee with unusual situations. The employee serves as Captain of various research vessels, including but not limited to sixty-five-foot and thirty-four-foot vessels, and is responsible for operating the vessels, machinery, electronic equipment/systems, and rigging required for fin fisheries and shellfish research, habitat manipulation or revitalization, and harvest compliance. The employee captains the vessels year-round in the Delaware Bay and River, the Inland Bays, and adjoining Ocean waters; and determines when to deploy depending on safe and unsafe weather conditions. Work includes performing preventative maintenance and repair, and overseeing major overhaul and retrofit projects on the hull, machinery, electronic equipment/systems, and rigging. A significant aspect of work includes serving as project lead by managing all related grants funding the operation and maintenance of the research vessels and collaborating with scientists and supervisors in planning projects. The Captain makes decisions involving funding levels needed, and when and where to pursue fish and shellfish sampling within a framework scheduled by an administrative supervisor. To ensure successful missions, the Captain trains scientists and technicians in the operation and maintenance of vessels and equipment, as well as maritime laws, rules, and regulations, and shipboard safety, rescue and survival techniques.

Essential functions are fundamental and core functions common to all positions in the class series. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, employees can complete job duties of a similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Maintains a US Coast Guard (USCG) National Master Of Self-Propelled Of Less Than 100 GRT Upon Near Coastal Waters Credential.
• Captains various research vessels, including responsibility for the machinery, electronic equipment/systems and rigging.
• Ensures the vessel is supplied and rigged to serve the mission's purpose and to operate effectively and safely.
• Develops maintenance schedules, performs preventative maintenance and repairs including correcting problems or performing updates to the electronic systems, plans and designs retrofits to the hull, machinery, electronic gear and rigging.
• Communicates clearly with other vessels in the vicinity when deploying sampling gear to ensure other vessels stay clear.
• Coordinates the acquisition of new equipment and inspections of shipyard overhauls which may include working with purchasing agents, mechanics, marine engineers, and others.
• Reviews fisheries and marine publications and updated navigational charts to remain current on latest changes and developments to recommend methods, retrofits, and acquisitions that will ensure the vessel, equipment and systems will support the agency's mission and ensure safety.
• Serves as project lead by managing, reporting, estimating budgets, and making decisions on grants and funds for the operation and maintenance of the research vessels and collaborating with scientists and supervisors in planning projects.
• Trains scientists and technicians in the operation and maintenance of vessels and equipment, as well as maritime laws, rules, and regulations, shipboard safety, rescue and survival techniques.
• Determines methods and locations to ensure safe harbor against dangerous weather conditions.
• Monitors weather, tidal and related conditions to determine if conditions are suitable for operations and locations of sampling sites.
• Attends special events to explain to the public the mission of research vessels and critical role in managing the State's natural resources.
• Performs related work of the same scope and complexity as required.

The listed knowledge, skills, and abilities give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSAs listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the needs of every position in the class.

Note: Employees are not required to be proficient in the KSAs listed in this section at entry, but within six months to one year performing work as described in each level of work.

• Knowledge of applicable maritime laws, rules and regulations. 
• Knowledge of laws, rules and regulations applicable to shellfish development and harvest.
• Knowledge of the mission, goals and objectives of the agency.
• Knowledge of marine architecture. 
• Knowledge of state or federal laws, rules and regulations for grants and contracts, and mandated reporting requirements.
• Skill in all phases of seamanship including command, navigation, and first aid.
• Skill in the operation, maintenance, and repair of marine vessels and related equipment and systems.
• Skill in the operation, maintenance, and repair of navigational equipment and marine electronics. 
• Skill in handling large vessels under variable climatic conditions and close quarters.
• Skill in determining sampling locations based on weather and tidal conditions.
• Skill in effective communications, both orally and in writing. 
• Ability to train assigned personnel in boating safety and related practices and procedures. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Research Vessel Captain
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. US Coast Guard (USCG) National Master Of Self-Propelled Of Less Than 100 GRT Upon Near Coastal Waters Credential to confirm proficiency in marine operations, seamanship practices, and climatic interpretation.
2. Two years’ experience in operating and maintaining electronic gear, rigging and diesel engines.
3. Coursework, training and/or work experience in shellfish and fin fish development and harvest.