Find Jobs
Find Jobs Near You – Available Work in Your Location
Skip to job details
Fogg@oregonstate.edu We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu . Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification
OS
Oregon State University
Able Mariner: Marine Operations Midsize Vessel Relief Pool 2025-2026
Career Insights for Sailor / Deckhand / Marine Oiler
See where this job fits in the broader career landscape. Knowing your career path helps you see what's possible from here.
Scorecard
Based on Oregon data
Review key factors to help you decide if this role fits your goals. How is this calculated?
What they do
A Sailor, Deckhand, or Marine Oiler operates boats and equipment on boats and manages sails on sailboats. Performs a variety of manual labor tasks on boats and cargo vessels, including hauling goods, operating equipment, or cleaning the boat. Lubricates parts of marine equipment to maintain boat engines and auxiliary equipment.
$61,189 / year median in Oregon
+7% projected growth
Job Description
Department:
Ship Operations (OAS)Classification Title:
Able Mariner Appointment Type:
Classified Staff Job Location:
Newport Benefits Eligible:
Dependent:
Hours Worked/Duration Employment Category:
Intermittent Job Summary This recruitment will be used to fill future full-time, hourly, intermittent (as needed)Able Mariner:
Midsize Vessel Relief positions in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University. These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon. Oregon State University (OSU) operates multiple research vessels within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO), including the Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs) R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm, which support oceanographic and coastal research throughout the Pacific region as part of OSU's federally sponsored marine science mission. The Relief Able Mariner supports the Master and deck department aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels to ensure the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the vessel and the effective conduct of scientific missions. During assigned relief periods, the Able Mariner performs core seamanship and deck duties-including line handling, mooring, anchoring, rigging, and fendering-operates and tends deck equipment (e.g., winches, A-frames, and capstans) under direction, stands lookout and helm watches as assigned, and assists in the maintenance and repair of the vessel and deck gear. The role also supports over-the-side scientific operations, embarkation and safety drills, and general shipboard readiness, contributing to a respectful, safe, and inclusive environment for crew and science personnel. Assignments are based out of OSU's Marine Operations Facility in Newport, Oregon, and may include temporary service on other vessels within OSU Marine Operations-as licensed, qualified, and as needed-to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet. Why OSU? Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don't wait for challenges to present themselves- we seek them out and take them on.
FACTS:
- Top 1.4% university in the world
- More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
- 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
- 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
- 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
- 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
- 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
- 217k+ alumni worldwide
- For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport. Oregon State's beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America's best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.Total Rewards Package:
Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:- Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
- Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
- Retirement savings paid by the university.
- A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
- Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
- Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
- Optional lifestyle benefits such as pet, accident, and critical illness insurance, giving you peace of mind and the support you need to thrive in all aspects of your life. Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU. Key Responsibilities 45%
- Deck Machinery & Small-Boat Operations Operates/tends ship's equipment-winches, A-frame, ship's boat and davits, anchor windlass, and capstan-to support scientific operations at sea. In port, operates ship's deck gear (e.g., cranes and winches) to load and unload supplies and equipment; assists in shipboard operations as required during research work. 30%
- Deck Maintenance & Seamanship Cleans, paints, and maintains the ship's hull, decks, bulkheads, equipment, masts, quarters, heads, and tanks. Assists in mooring and unmooring, rigging and handling scientific gear, and loading/unloading equipment and stores. 20%
- Watchstanding Stands watch as helmsperson, visual and radar lookout at sea aboard OSU Mid-Size Research Vessels (MSRVs). May perform security watch in port and stands other watches as assigned for a specified period at the Master/Mate's direction. 5%
- Safety, Drills, and Emergency Response Actively participates in shipboard drills and emergency training (including training ashore).
Fleet assignment clause:
As licensed/qualified and as assigned, may temporarily support other vessels within OSU Marine Operations (e.g., Small Boats Program, R/V Taani, or successor/new-build vessels) to maintain safe crewing and operational continuity across the fleet. What We RequireMINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma (or equivalent) and six months of maritime experience.LICENSING/CERTIFICATIONS
- Merchant Mariner's Credential with an endorsement of Able Seaman, Special, or higher issued by the Coast Guard
- STCW endorsements as appropriate for this position.
- Ability to obtain a passport
- Ability to read, speak, and write in English
- Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements What You Will Need Ability to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
- including, but not limited to, the R/V Elakha and R/V Pacific Storm-on research cruises ranging from a few hours to several days, and, depending on vessel/mission, extended overnight voyages (up to ~30 days) in highly variable ocean and weather conditions.
Pay Method:
Hourly Pay Period:
16th- 15th of the following month
Pay Date:
Last working day of the monthMin Salary:
$20.19Max Salary:
$30.11 Link toPosition Description:
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/112391Number of Vacancies:
Varies Anticipated Appointment Begin Date:
11/27/2025Closing Date:
11/20/2026 Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External- open to ALL qualified applicants Special Instructions to Applicants Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation i.
PLEASE NOTE
If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties. Applicants must upload all pages of their current Merchant Mariner's Credential. Typically, the starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range. In order to maintain an active status within the pool, applicants will need to reapply annually. Should you no longer wish to remain an applicant for this posting please login and withdraw your application from this posting. Use caution as you will not be able to reapply until the next year.Please Note:
Applicants are contacted only when a need to fill Able Mariner positions arises.For additional information please contact:
Matt Fogg at Mathurin.Fogg@oregonstate.edu We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu . Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification
- 1,•2,•3, and•4.