Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, 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 candidates for the Chief Mate aboard the state-of-the-art research vessel US Flag David Packard, currently under construction in Spain. Do you have enthusiasm for the opportunity of commissioning our new vessel? As Chief Mate you will be a key leader in getting the ship to operational status, bringing the ship out of the shipyard and transiting back to our home port in California. An ideal candidate will also serve as a relief Master.

MBARI works to create and globally scale the research and technology required to explore, map, and understand our changing ocean. Access to the ocean via research vessels is vital to accomplishing this mission. You’ll work with crew members, scientists and technical staff to build and maintain a collaborative and inclusive environment to achieve mission goals.

The Chief Mate fills an essential role in developing procedures, maintenance routines and safety strategies on the new vessel. MBARI encourages autonomy in problem solving and wants employees to be creative about finding solutions to problems.

After delivery, the ship will support 5-10 day multi-disciplinary science missions (longer trips are possible). In an average year, the vessel supports about 18-20 science missions per year.

Operations consist primarily 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 1A, STCW, SOLAS and ISM regulated vessel. We will rely on the Chief Mate to lead maintaining the vessel to the highest standards.

The ship is equipped with a variable speed DC grid diesel-electric propulsion system and azimuthing thrusters. The use of advanced systems, dynamic positioning, automation and sophisticated handling equipment will be required.

Shipboard living conditions: Two person cabins meeting MLC standards. Personnel have access to satellite internet with bandwidth restrictions (no streaming, some sites blocked). The ship offers a small gym and good coffee. The usual underway schedule is 12 hours/day (4 on 8 off with 4 hours OT), in port schedule is typically 8-hour days.

NOTE: This is a full-time position and does not offer a rotation. 

Responsibilities:
• Officer of the watch, leads deck evolutions and emergency response teams
• Develops and implements procedures for scientific equipment deployment and recovery and improves shipboard procedures
• Coordinates mobilization and demobilization before and after science cruises
• Completes and supervises maintenance and safety inspections
• Mentors personnel on seamanship and operations, cultivates a positive work
atmosphere and collaboration between scientists and crew

Required qualifications:
• Can fill Chief Officer billet on the COI, minimum US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner
Credential with OICNW II/1
• GMDSS Operator IV/2, Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties VI/6
• Intermediate digital literacy
• Valid passport, TWIC
• Covid-19 vaccination
• Ability to work up to 30 days continuously on expedition voyages

Desired qualifications:
• Previous success as Chief Officer or Master on vessels
• STCW II/2 >500 GT and Ship Security Officer VI/5
• Advanced digital literacy, experience with implementing preventative maintenance
software (NS5, Helm Connect, etc.)
• Experience with dynamic positioning, diesel-electric and azimuth propulsion