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.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is seeking candidates for a 12-month term QMED-Oiler aboard the state-of-the-art research vessel US flag David Packard, currently under construction in Spain. After delivery, the ship will be tasked with supporting 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 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 subchapter U vessel, DNV classed 1A, STCW, SOLAS and ISM regulated vessel. We rely on our Engineering Staff to lead in maintaining vessel plant operations to the highest standards.

The ship is equipped with a DC grid variable speed diesel-electric power plant, PEMS, two electric primary propulsion azimuthing thrusters of 530kW each, a drop down electric azimuthing bow thruster 300 kW, and electric-hydraulic overboard handling systems.

Shipboard living conditions: Two-person cabins meeting MVC standards. Personal 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 hrs/day (Two 4-hour watches and 4 hours of daywork), in port is typically 8-hour days.

Reporting to the Chief Engineer, the QMED-Oiler carries out duties as directed at sea and in port to ensure the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the vessel. The successful applicant will be detail oriented and have a willingness and ability to learn new skills. Training will be provided as appropriate.

Primary responsibilities:

• Support their OICEW. Watch standers must keep aware of normal machinery sounds, temperatures, smells and other indicators such that small changes can be observed and acted upon to prevent larger problems.
• 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 provisioning of the vessel.
• Ensures professional working relations with co-workers and customers; Must be able to work with diverse groups of people.
• While in port, may be asked to stand a security watch.

Required qualifications:

• Can fill the QMED-Oiler billet on the COI, minimum US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential
• RFPEW III/4 – 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 
• Valid passport, TWIC, Medical Certificate
• Covid-19 vaccination
• Ability to work up to 30 days continuously at sea

Desired qualifications:

• ASE III/5
• Intermediate Digital Literacy