Description

IMPORTANT: APPLICANTS MUST APPLY AT THE OSU WEBSITE TO BE CONSIDERED. LOCATED HERE: https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/postings/179718

The Port Engineer supports oceanographic research for Oregon State University under the Division of Research and Innovation (DRI) in the Marine Operations group in Newport, Oregon. Marine Operations is responsible for the scheduling, operation, maintenance, and repair of multiple Oceanographic research vessels (R/V’s), a support facility, pier, heavy lift equipment and for the portable scientific vans in the UNOLS West Coast Van Pool. 

The vessels and vans are used in support of research and education conducted by the College, and other educational and research institutions, through the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS). Our success is based on an interdisciplinary approach and state-of-the-art technology and facilities. Through field experiments, theoretical investigations, and numerical modeling and simulations, we study all aspects of ocean, land, and atmosphere processes and interactions. This position contributes to broadening the knowledge of the marine and atmospheric environments through education and research.

The Port Engineer serves as Marine Operations principal authority on all engineering related matters. Duties include managing the material readiness of midsized and regional classed Research Vessels, the portable research laboratories in the van pool, and the Marine Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon. The Port Engineer is a critical part of a small, dedicated team. The Port Engineer tasks include assisting with the recruiting and selection of vessel and shore-based employees; preparing specifications for shipyard and major repair activities; specifying major vessel equipment for purchase; assisting in the preparation of budgets and proposals; implementing procedures and maintaining documentation to meet a variety of regulatory requirements including the Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for the vessels and shore equipment, Safety Management System (SMS), and US Coast Guard/American Bureau of Shipping inspection and survey, and the audits that are associated with those bodies. A portion of the incumbent’s time is spent out of the office, in hands-on activities which may include crane operations and troubleshooting vessel-based engineering issues among other facility and heavy equipment responsibilities.

OSU is managing the design and construction of three new Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV’s) for the National Science Foundation. The first vessel, R/V TAANI, will be operated by OSU Marine Operations. The Port Engineer will be instrumental in the commissioning of R/V Taani, testing mechanical systems and establishing systems and infrastructure that will function for the life of the ship. The Port Engineer will need to work with OSU staff and crew at the Project Field Office (PFO) in Houma Louisiana, with the OSU Transition to Operations team in Oregon, the shipyard who is constructing the vessel, the National Science Foundation, and additional stakeholders. The Port Engineer will provide advice, leadership, and direction regarding operational procedures, monitoring systems and methods to meet engineering best practices. OSU Marine Operations will work with RCRV program after delivery to outfit the ship, conduct underway trials and to complete a warranty haul out.

This position will work out of multiple locations including Marine Operations in Newport,

Oregon, the RCRV the project field office in Corvallis, Oregon, in Houma, Louisiana while R/V Taani is being built, and remote work as agreed upon by the employee and supervisor, contingent upon supervisor approval.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field from maritime or military academy, college, or university.

Acceptable substitutes for a degree are:

        4 years of sea service as First Assistant or Chief Engineer on research or commercial vessels.

        6 years’ experience with research or commercial vessel management.

        Military experience equal to or greater than the above qualifications.

The position also requires:

        A technical knowledge of ships and related equipment, maintenance operations, overhaul, and design.

        Must acquire forklift training and certification within 6 months of hire through OSU.

        Ability to interact and cooperate with research vessel crew, marine technicians, university staff, and scientific personnel.

        Familiarity with applicable international and US regulations pertaining to the operation and maintenance of sea-going research vessels.

        Excellent computer skills including proficiencies with Microsoft office products (Excel, Outlook, and word), database use and internet search engines.

        Demonstrated strong written and verbal communication skills.

        Have or ability to obtain a U.S. Passport and Transportation Worker

        Identification Card (TWIC) credentials within 6 months of hire.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.