Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.

MBARI is seeking engineering candidates ranging from QMED-Oiler to OICEW for intermittent temporary work aboard the R/V Rachel Carson and R/V David Packard. Operations primarily consist in supporting remote and autonomous vehicles, including a 4000m work class ROV, AUVs, and wave gliders. Moorings, CTDs and other science sampling operations are common. The David Packard is a Coast Guard inspected, DNV classed, STCW, SOLAS and ISM regulated vessel. We rely on our Engineering Staff to lead in maintaining vessel plant operations to the highest standards. The R/V Rachel Carson is MBARI’s 135-foot coastal vessel. The vessel supports multi-purpose operations revolving around AUV deployments, offshore instrument deployments, and diving tasks. When switching between these activities, mobilization and reconfiguration of the vessel in port is required. Most vessel operations are completed in one day.

Primary responsibilities:
• Watch standing. Must be aware of normal machinery sounds, temperatures, smells, and other indicators so that small changes can be observed and acted upon to prevent larger problems.
• Performs maintenance and repair tasks on ships machinery and equipment.
• Assist with deployments of science equipment, including ROVs, AUVs, and Mooring work.
• Carry out assigned duties to help maintain the safe operation of all auxiliary systems.
• Assist with the deployment and recovery of scientific equipment, assist in the Galley when needed, and assist with routine vessel provisioning.
• Ensures professional working relations with co-workers and customers; Must be able to work with diverse groups of people.
• In port, you may be asked to stand a security watch.

Minimum required qualifications:
• Can fill the Oiler billet on the COI, minimum US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential
• RFPEW III/4 – this cannot be limited to motor and/or gas turbine propelled vessels without distilling plants
• Basic Training VI/1
• Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties VI/6 (If not acquired, MBARI can arrange for online training)
• Valid MMC, passport, TWIC, and Medical Certificate
• Covid-19 vaccination
• Ability to work up to 30 days continuously at sea