Junior Marine Engineer

PAY GRADE: 29N

CONTEXT OF POSITION:

The HUGH R SHARP (SHARP) is a $20m University owned advanced technology floating laboratory which supports oceanographic research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Naval Research (ONR) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and academic intuitions throughout the U.S. The University of Delaware is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and is one of the few institutions nationwide that operates a regional class research vessel.

Safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the ship is essential for the safety of personnel accomplishment of research goals and generation of revenue to cover the $2m annual operating budget for the vessel. The principal emphasis of the Third Engineer position is the operation and basic maintenance of engineering machinery and equipment. The Third Engineer also operates deck equipment to deploy and recover research equipment over the side of the ship.

Under direction of the Captain Chief Engineer or Assistant Chief Engineer the Junior Marine Engineer / AB performs skilled work to ensure the power plant and auxiliary machinery aboard the ship is operating properly performing routine maintenance and assisting with emergency repairs to keep the ship on mission projects. They also maintain cleanliness and perform preservation of engineering and other spaces aboard ship. As AB they will support deck operations and maintenance underway or in port. The SHARP is a highly technical research vessel with numerous electronic controls and a twin azimuthdrive propulsion system. When standing watch as Duty Engineer the Junior Marine Engineer is responsible for monitoring all engineering systems and operating deck equipment while the Chief or Assistant Chief Engineer is off duty. Independent judgment and initiative are required in ensuring safety of personnel and equipment while operating deck equipment and detecting and reacting to problems with engineering systems or to emergency situations.

The Junior Marine Engineer will generally sail up to 2/3 of the ships maximum sailing schedule (up to 140 days per year) as well as fulfilling responsibilities ashore. At sea they stand watch as Duty Engineer or Able Seaman / Ordinary Seaman operate deck equipment and perform repairs and maintenance. Ashore they perform repairs and maintenance assist with fueling loading and unloading scientific equipment procuring engineering supplies and assist with preparing the ship for the next cruise.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Stand engineering watch while underway (six hours on/six hours off) as a trainee and solo when qualified; operate and monitor major engine room machinery equipment and auxiliary systems; make periodic rounds of the machinery spaces and ship. Maintain log/record books to document rounds maintenance and pass down information. Assist the Navigation watch as vessel look out as needed.
• Maintain awareness of the condition of all ships engineering systems and tank levels. Advise the Chief Engineer and/or Officer of the Watch (Mate) of issues that may impact the safety or operational capability of the vessel.
• Perform assigned maintenance and assist with repairs to the ships propulsion power generation deck equipment and other systems while ashore and during shipyard periods. Assist with the overhaul and repair of complex engineering systems (i.e. azimuth drives power management systems hydraulic cranes/frames and ship hotel services systems) under direction of the Chief Engineer.
• Assist with the safe and proper fueling of the ship.
• Operate the ships small boat and deck equipment including cranes winches frames and windlasses at sea and alongside. Responsible for following protocols to keep equipment and nearby personnel safe.
• Assist with the repair of shipboard or science related equipment.
• With coordination with the Mate on Watch and the Chief Scientist deploy and recover high value (up to $1m) complex scientific systems at sea using ships deck equipment. Ensure embarked science personnel assist in a safe manner.
• Assist with mobilization and demobilization of scientific cruises while alongside.
• Serve on emergency response teams and participate in drills and training (fire first responder: dress out in turnout gear and breathing apparatus (SCBA); man overboard recover victim with deck equipment; flooding medical lifeboat duties. Can be called out at any time at sea to assist with an emergency or urgent repair.
• Make progress in obtaining a USCG QMED Junior Marine Engineer endorsement per the Supervisory chain expectations relative to operational schedule.
• Sail as Able Seaman / Ordinary Seaman as staffing requires.
• Perform cleaning painting and maintenance of ship spaces.
• Assist with the maintenance of Marine Operations vehicles and workshops.
• Procure preapproved repair parts and engineering supplies. Adhere to University purchase card policies and procedures.
• Perform other jobrelated duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must hold or obtain within six months of hire a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential as Wiper and/or Ordinary Seaman.
  • A Qualified Member of the Engineering Department (QMED) Junior Marine Engineer endorsement is preferred.
  • An Able Seaman (AB) endorsement is preferred.
• High school diploma or GED and at least one years experience on research towing or fishing vessels; or related experience with operation and repair of diesel engines motors pumps or electrical systems.
• Experience with the general maintenance and repair of typical marine systems.
• Experience with deployment and recovery of equipment at sea such as oceanographic fishing supply or towing vessel operations is preferred.
• Must obtain and maintain other required certifications and training for the vessels size and class including but not limited to STCW Marine Fire Fighting First Aid and CPR.

OCCUPATIONAL/ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES:

• The physical environment requires the employee to work exposed to all conditions found aboard a ship at sea. This includes heavy weather extreme heat/cold and all forms of precipitation.
• Occasionally required to use personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to hazardous materials (paint solvents etc. and other risks during maintenance.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to perform normal duties aboard ship such as: climbing and descending ladders handling mooring lines opening and closing watertight doors wearing an emergency breathing apparatus reaching handling grasping and lifting lifesaving and firefighting equipment handling moderate loads (at least 40 pounds).
• Must meet the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) physical requirements for merchant seaman as outlined in 46 CFR and given on USCG Form CG719K.
• Must be able to spend extended periods away from homeport including sailing as much as 140 days 2/3 of the ships maximum sailing schedule) and be at sea for up to three weeks at a time depending on operational demands.
• Must be willing to work weekends and holidays at sea and in port as operations require.
• Must have interpersonal skills to interact appropriately with crew and scientific users to ensure safe and effective engineering deck and scientific operations while maintaining a customer service and mission accomplishment environment.
• Must be willing to be enrolled in a Department of Transportation (DOT) random drugtesting program and pass a preemployment drug screening.
• Must have a valid state issued drivers license to operate ships vehicles for crew transfers and conducting ships business.
• Requires the use of personal protective equipment to prevent exposure to safety hazards/hazardous materials.