11/16/88 A

This is the third and supervisory class in the series of positions responsible for the operation of marine research vessels. Positions in this class supervise and schedule research vessel staff and operations and provide for operational readiness, communication with scientific personnel, logistics, and safety. This class is distinguished from the Research Vessel Captain class by its responsibility for supervision of captains and mates. The class is distinguished from the Research Vessel Superintendent class by the latter’s responsibility for administering a complete agency vessel program.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE WORK

Complexity of Work: Performs work of considerable difficulty supervising and training staff who operate vessels to support the collection of data utilized in marine science research. Interviews, selects, and evaluates performance of staff. Serves as liaison between scientific personnel and the research vessel staff. Controls scheduling, staffing, operational readiness, logistics, communications, shore support, cost reporting, and debriefing for all vessel operations; identifies and evaluates vessel capacity, personnel requirements, and support gear available against scientific requirements; oversees the preparation of trailerable vessels to include refueling, rigging, and checking safety gear; purchases supplies and equipment; and maintains radio contact with research vessels. Supervises summer aides and graduate students; supervises the collection and review of boat log forms; certifies calculations of costs; monitors chartered vessels; develops and conducts formal training in trailering procedures, boat handling, seamanship, first aid, and related marine safety; screens scientific staff designated as small boat operators; and serves on safety committee. Develops and implements regular maintenance schedules for vessels; maintains acute awareness of field research operations through regular service as a relief captain; and performs duties of superintendent in his/her absence.

Supervision Given: Positions in this class provide direction to Research Vessel Captains and Research Vessel Mates.

Supervision Received: Receives general direction from a Research Vessel Superintendent.

Scope: Work affects the safety of vessel crew and equipment, and the department’s ability to effectively provide vessel support to research projects.

Impact of Actions: Effective decisions positively influence the ability of effectively and efficiently perform their jobs. Errors may jeopardize the safety of vessel crew and equipment.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with scientific personnel, research vessel staff, Marine Supply and fuel supply vendors, and marina personnel to arrange docking and fueling services, secure materials, clarify objectives, and to obtain/provide information.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of various types of marine research vessels an equipment; of vessel operation, navigation, and maintenance; and of shipyard facilities and operations. Working knowledge of personnel management and administrative policies and procedures. Some knowledge of the operation and purpose of applicable marine research equipment.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to supervise staff; train and oversee staff and crew members in vessel and equipment operations, oversee the maintenance of logs and records; control the scheduling of a fleet of vessels; navigate and operate vessels in inland waters and at sea; communicate effectively orally and in writing; and coordinate marine research planning and ship utilization with scientists.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from high school or equivalent, with additional course work in first aid, boating and waterfront safety, piloting, seamanship, navigation, marine life sciences or a related field.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible experience in marine research vessel operations.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class was newly established in November 1988 as a result of the Classification Review/Specification Update Program.