Chief Engineer

The mission of William & Mary’s Batten School of Coastal & Marine Sciences & Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is to seek and broadly communicate knowledge in marine and coastal science to the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world through research, education, and advisory service. The Batten School & VIMS make seminal advances in understanding coastal and marine systems through research and discovery, translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance, and provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with an education of unsurpassed quality.

The Marine Operations Department is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.

The Research Vessel (R/V) Chief Engineer serves as Chief Engineer on the R/V Virginia. This position may provide shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet if needed. The Chief Engineer is primarily responsible for ensuring that all federal and state maritime regulations, as they relate to engineering, are observed and complied with during the operation of R/V Virginia. The position also ensures that all VIMS rules and policies are followed.

Reporting to the Captain of the R/V Virginia, the Chief Engineer directs all shipboard engineering activities while on watch and accepts full responsibility for the proper operation of all shipboard systems.

Specific Responsibilities Include But Are Not Limited To:

• Overseeing the maintenance and operation of all deck and safety equipment.
• Effectively operating and maintaining all engineering related aspects of the R/V Virginia, such as operating the A-Frame, J-Frame, crane, trawl winches and CTD winch as necessary to accomplish each specific scientific operation in a safe and efficient manner.
• Actively participating in the repair or replacement of engineering related systems on the R/V Virginia and interfacing directly with the vessel’s Master for repairs on equipment deemed critical to the safe navigation or operation of the vessel.
• Assuming overall responsibility for the cleanliness and organization of the engine-room and other engineering related spaces on the vessel.
• Providing shoreside or seagoing support for other vessels in the VIMS fleet, as needed.

Conditions of Employment:

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and university policy. This position may require over time hours, approved by supervisor. This position is considered essential, and may require reporting to work when the University or VIMS is closed. Position requires compliance with USCG mandated drug screening and random drug testing program as well as maintaining ability to pass USCG physical and lift up to 50 lbs. Position may occasionally require a schedule of more than 12 hours, weekends, and holidays, as necessary. Position requires ability to perform all responsibilities while being exposed to inclement weather at sea for extended periods of time.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Valid Driver’s License;
• Certified in First Aid/CPR;
• Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) credential;
• Valid STCW credential appropriate for vessel tonnage;
• Prior sea service as a qualified member of the engine department or equivalent position aboard vessels;
• Rating of DDE 4000HP License issued by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) or the ability to obtain DDE 4000 within six months of start date (eligible applicants must have attended a USCG approved training course to demonstrate their eligibility to obtain a DDE 4000).
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulations (including those contained in the Federal Code of Regulations – CFR’s), governing the operation of vessels under 300 gross registered tons (GRT);
• Proficiency with MS Office applications;
• Ability to read and comprehend vessel as-built drawings including electrical one-line diagrams;
• Substantive experience with marine engineering including the maintenance and repair of diesel engines, hydraulic systems, MSD systems, reverse osmosis systems, ship-board electrical systems and refrigeration.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NMES 2000 Certification, ABYC Electrical and ABYC Refrigeration Certifications;
• Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLC);
• Knowledge of AC/DC circuits as well as various pneumatic and hydraulic systems;
• Experience working on research vessels or in the commercial industry;
• Experience working with Cummins QSK 19M diesel engines;
• Experience with computerized maintenance management software programs;
• Experience leading small groups.

Benefits Summary:

William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more.

EEO Statement:

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.