Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) Pool 2025-2026 in Newport

This recruitment will be used to fill future part‑time, hourly, intermittent (as needed) Boat Operator 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. Under the direction of the Boating Safety Officer (BSO), the Small Boat Operations Boat Operator performs a wide variety of routine and semiskilled tasks to support Oregon State University’s marine research activities. This position works as part of the Small Boat Program (SBP) within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO) and provides essential field‑based services including vessel operation, launching and retrieval, trailering, general boat and equipment maintenance, and logistical support for small boat operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Vessel Operations and Field Support – 70%
  • Operates small research vessels (motorized and non‑motorized) in marine and freshwater environments.
  • Trailers, launches, and recovers vessels using full‑size trucks and other towing equipment.
  • Assists with on‑deck operations including gear deployment, line handling, and routine tasks required to support research missions.
  • Makes basic safety and operational assessments based on environmental conditions and equipment readiness.
  • Assists in launching, securing, and mooring vessels before and after use.
• Equipment and Vessel Maintenance – 20%
  • Performs basic maintenance and cleaning of small boats, motors (inboard/outboard), and trailers.
  • Conducts inspections and simple repairs using hand tools and power tools.
  • Fuels vessels, checks fluids, and monitors engine condition.
  • Keeps records of fuel usage, inspections, and minor repairs.
  • Stores, organizes, and inventories boating equipment and supplies.
• General Support and Recordkeeping – 10%
  • Assists in setup and breakdown for trainings, field deployments, and safety drills.
  • Loads and unloads gear and supplies for field operations.
  • Maintains basic logs related to operations, maintenance, and usage.
  • May help guide or coordinate the work of student employees or volunteers on‑site.
  • Communicates with staff, researchers, and students to support day‑to‑day needs of the Small Boat Program.

What We Require

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High School Diploma and 2 years of vessel operations experience in the assigned area of responsibility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job as listed above.

What You Will Need

• Experience supporting marine research or education fieldwork.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, safety protocols, and environmental data.
• Familiarity with using hand tools and performing basic maintenance on mechanical equipment such as boat engines or trailers.
• Ability to foster an inclusive working environment and embrace diversity among students, staff, and researchers.

Other Minimum Requirements

• Valid driver’s license.
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements.
• Ability to speak, read, and write English.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), work in physically demanding environments, and follow established safety protocols.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified, and self‑report convictions as per University Policy 05‑030.

What We Would Like You to Have

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (minimum OUPV).
• Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) or US Department of Interior (USDOI) boating certifications.
• Bachelor’s degree in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or a related technical field.
• Experience with marine engine diagnostics and maintenance, including Volvo KAD44 or equivalent.
• Paddlecraft operations and/or ACA instructor certification.
• Ability to support logistical setup and breakdown of field operations or training exercises.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

Frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, and cold marine environments. Physical work including loading and unloading boats, trailering, securing equipment, and assisting in rescues or recovery of personnel or gear. Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs regularly. Standing, bending, climbing, and walking for extended periods. Occasional work on boats underway in rough conditions or low visibility. May involve occasional weekend work and overnight travel in support of research activities. Must be able to operate large OSU vehicles including 15‑passenger vans and pickup trucks towing boat trailers.

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.e. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for these positions. Equivalent required experience is based on full‑time equivalent (40 hours per week). If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, include it in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week, and major duties. 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. If you no longer wish to remain an applicant for this posting, please log in and withdraw your application. Applicants are contacted only when a need to fill Boat Operator positions arises.

For additional information please contact Taylor Eaton at Taylor.Eaton@oregonstate.edu or 541‑698‑8356. 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. 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 (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.