R / V Western Flyer Licensed Marine Chief Engineer

Licensed Marine Chief Engineer

The Florida Institute of Oceanography (FIO) is engaged in marine research, education, and resource management. FIO provides collaborating opportunities across academia, government, and private sector for educational, training, research, and public outreach for students and scientists across the state of Florida. The FIO currently operates a marine facility (Keys Marine Lab) which supports and enables research and education across the state of Florida, offering unique opportunities for college level education and research studying marine ecosystems. The FIO has recently acquired a third research vessel (Research Vessel Western Flyer) that will be used to expand upon educational and research activities to include new STEM Education programming.

Per the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the R / V Western Flyer crew must include an engineer with a Chief Engineer license due to the size, tonnage, and on-board equipment for this particular vessel. To ensure FIO is compliant with the USCE regulations for operation of this vessel, the position of Licensed Marine Chief Engineer has been created.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the vessel's engines, generators, frames and winches, and all other mechanical and electrical equipment and systems required for the daily operation of the vessel.
• Oversee ship's engineering crew, assign watches and duties, and assist Marine Superintendent and / or Master in writing crew evaluations.
• Maintain and update vessel's electronic maintenance and inventory control and management system, including continuing the vessel's current crack inspection program.
• Maintain all other operational logs, monitor fuel and lube oil consumption, maintain onboard parts inventory for all systems on vessel.
• Assist Marine Superintendent in preparing Shipyard Repair and Modification Specifications.
• Oversee all shipyard work for any and all equipment listed in Primary Duties.
• Assist Marine Superintendent in overseeing and managing ship's engineering crew, engineering vendors and subcontractors, and shipyard shops, as their work pertains to the vessel's equipment listed above.

Qualifications

Minimum 2 years of experience sailing as an Engineering Officer on tugs, supply vessels, or other vessel of similar size and power to R / V WESTERN FLYER (117 feet LOA, 2500 horsepower, diesel / electric drive).

U.S. Coast Guard License, minimum rating as follows : Chief Engineer (Limited) of Less Than 1,600 Gross Registered Tons Upon Oceans. All STCW Certifications and Certificates as required for U.S. Coast Guard License above.

Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (The Florida Senate) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S. A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed : (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree; (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor's degree; (c) Six years of direct experience for a master's degree; (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree. Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment. Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application / interview process.

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.