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This position assists in maintaining, operating, and ensuring the safety of Shoals Marine Laboratory’s vessels and waterfront under the direction of the Lead Captain. Responsibilities include acting as captain of SML’s USCG-inspected vessels, overseeing laboratory and oceanographic equipment use during open-water activities, and ensuring the safety of all vessel occupants. The role also involves training and supervising student staff, conducting routine maintenance on vessels and waterfront infrastructure, and managing documentation, inspections, and permits. Additionally, the position fosters an inclusive and welcoming environment. The individual must be available for emergency response while on duty and assist with various operational needs. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.
Duties/Responsibilities
Under the direction of SML Lead Captain or Director of Operations assist to maintain, operate and ensure the safety of the R/V John M. Kingsbury, R/V J.B. Heiser, other small vessels in the SML fleet and all related elements of the waterfront providing transportation, supply, and program services for Shoals Marine Laboratory.
Regularly act in full capacity as captain of SML’s USCG inspected vessels (R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V Heiser) including the onboard supervision of at least one crew member.
Oversee the operation of laboratory and oceanographic equipment during open-water laboratories, paying particular attention to the health and safety of all vessel occupants.
Train and supervise student staff with assigned tasks within purview of vessel and waterfront operations.
Routine preventative maintenance and troubleshoot problems on all SML watercraft including vessels, motors, floats, moorings, barges, and docks. Utilizing application based maintenance software to track tasks and duties.
Assist in ensuring that all vessels have proper documentation, inspections, permits and registrations.
Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for students, researchers, and visitors.
Implement initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Expected to be available for consultation and emergency response at all times, on days scheduled to be working, and while on SML property and vessels.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Acceptable Education & Experience:
Applicants must possess a 50 ton inland (minimum) USCG Master’s license and be eligible for employment in the United States.
Ability to adapt to vessels with different and unique handling characteristics in challenging currents and conditions.
Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States.
Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing.
Meet the University of New Hampshire’s hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).
Applicants must have interest in working in a remote educational environment.
Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty and other staff members in an isolated environment.
Knowledge of basic computer skills; proven organization skills; attention to detail along with experience managing multiple tasks.
Required Licenses & Certifications:
Serve as a crew member on board a commercial or an oceanographic vessel, Merchant Mariner Credential, minimum US Coast Guard 50-ton Master License Valid Drivers License and Safe Driving Record.
Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Must be able to work with as a team member with students, faculty and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
Must be willing and able to assist with moving, packing, loading and unloading of supply runs both on Appledore and on the mainland.
Must be able to lift and move more than 50 lbs.
Other Requirements:
Shoals Marine Laboratory (SML) is a residential, teaching facility located on Appledore Island, Isles of Shoals, Maine. The island field station is open seasonally from May-September, and supports students, faculty, visitors and staff in a close-knit, sustainable community.
Room and board are provided for island staff. All staff serve the island community as a team with each department working together to support SML’s programs. It is everyone’s responsibility to foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.
Living and working on a remote island is a unique experience which requires that everyone pitch in to help, even when it is not part of their job description, or during their scheduled hours. This includes, but is not limited to helping clean up after meals, helping transport goods from the vessels to other locations on the island, operating as crew aboard vessels, and generally being supportive and helpful with other members of our community.
The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.
Preferred Qualifications:
We are especially interested in candidates with experience operating research vessels, operating commercial vessels or passenger vessels, and working in remote educational settings.
Experience operating and maintaining vessels similar to our current vessels: R/V John M. Kingsbury and R/V J.B. Heiser
Experience sport fishing, commercial fishing, leading fishing charters, etc. (rod and reel, otter trawl, etc.)
Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, instructors, and other staff members in an isolated environment.
Applicant Instructions
Applicants should be prepared to upload the following documents when applying online within the Resume/Cover Letter section of your application:
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Contact Information for 3 Professional References
Applications that are missing any of the required items may not move forward for consideration. Additional uploaded documents not requested in the position announcement will not be reviewed.
Residential position that requires living on a remote island 5 nights a week during island season (May-September), off island housing is available if needed. Position Dates April 6- October 11, 2026.
The University of New Hampshire is committed to providing a safe environment for all persons, including but not limited to children, and to prevent and respond to abuse, neglect and crimes against children. All UNH youth program staff shall be subject to a criminal background check as required by NH State Law. Staff and volunteers will also be required to complete periodic child safety training.
Compensation Pay Range:
$1,200/week
The University of New Hampshire is an R1 Carnegie classification research institution providing comprehensive, high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs of distinction. UNH is located in Durham on a 188-acre campus, 60 miles north of Boston and 8 miles from the Atlantic coast and is convenient to New Hampshire’s lakes and mountains. There is a student enrollment of 13,000 students, with a full-time faculty of over 600, offering 90 undergraduate and more than 70 graduate programs. The University actively promotes a dynamic learning environment in which qualified individuals of differing perspectives, life experiences, and cultural backgrounds pursue academic goals with mutual respect and shared inquiry.
EEO Statement
The University System of New Hampshire is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access employer. The University System is committed to creating an environment that values and supports diversity and inclusiveness across our campus communities and encourages applications from qualified individuals who will help us achieve this mission. The University System prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or marital status.
The pay range for this position is listed above. Actual offer will be based on skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity, in addition to relevant business considerations. More information on benefits can be found here: USNH Employee Benefits | Human Resources
Location:
DurhamSalary Grade:
Period Activity