SpecPro Professional Services, LLC. (SPS) is seeking a Chief Engineer- USEPA Research Vessel to provide support with vessel operation and maintenance, and scientific sampling operations aboard the USEPA Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division’s Research Vessel Lake Explorer II (LEII), and other smaller craft. The LEII is a 90 foot, 196 GTR, twin screw diesel propulsion of 850 HP, unmanned engine-room ship. You will be working in support of SPS’s contract with the USEPA’s Laboratory in Duluth, MN. Primary Duties:Responsible for proper operation of all shipboard systems.Operate, service, and repair,) all propulsion systems, machinery, and equipment, including propulsion engines, electrical power plant, hydraulic equipment, pumps, heating system, winches, cranes, and anchor windlass.Serve as Tankerman (PIC) during all fueling operations.Maintain accurate records of maintenance, spare parts inventory, and equipment performance, and advise vessel Captain of these requirements.Assist in maintenance and repair of sampling equipment as directed.Participate in extended sampling trips on the Great Lakes being away from home port for 3-4 weeks at a time.At sea, you will assist the vessel Captain and other crew members as necessary in meeting cruise objectives including aquatic sampling activities (i.e., operate deck cranes and winches). Underway operations AB/QMED duties.Be prepared to respond to emergencies, equipment failures, and other critical situations.Participate in general upkeep of vessel spaces and living quarters to maintain their cleanliness and orderly appearance.Assist with winter maintenance, upgrades, and vessel watch during winter layup.You will perform other duties as assigned.License Requirements:US Coast Guard Merchant Mariners Card with a Qualified Member of the Engine Dept (QMED) endorsement ideal but not required. Required Qualifications:Skilled in operation, maintenance, and repair of diesel marine engines, generators, electrical generating equipment, potable water systems, hydraulic systems, HVAC, and deck machinery.Practical knowledge of the mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems and components of marine machinery.Skilled in use of standard machine shop tools.Enforce safe work practices regarding the crew and vessel.Basic computer skills are necessary for email communication, maintaining logs and completing administrative duties such as timecards and expense reports.Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing/reading is required.Incumbent must be always in sound physical and mental condition. Must be physically capable of performing lifesaving and emergency duties. Ability to carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.Ability to work long hours in all weather conditions; work is vigorous and highly physical, on a sometimes-rolling deck, both day and night operations.Good leadership and communication skills.Preferred Qualifications:Experienced with Cummins KT19M propulsion diesel engines and Caterpillar C4.4 (58kW) marine generators. Proficient welder.Previous experience aboard research vessels and the Great Lakes.Certified in basic/advanced marine firefighting.Certified in hazardous oil spill response (HAZMAT operations level certification).Experienced with lifesaving equipment, such as deployment and maintenance of life rafts and rescue boat.Work Environment:Sampling activities may take place on any of the Great Lakes and shift work will be necessary during transit periods. Six hours on, six off when running 24 hours.Typical underway day for science work is 12 hours.Live and work aboard the vessel while underway.Typical sampling season includes 6 weeks of underway time, not necessarily consecutive, away from home port 3-4 weeks at a time. Work Culture:You will be getting the opportunity to support the USEPA’s mission and work alongside some of our nation’s top scientists and boat crew.Successful performance of duties depends on close cooperation and a good work relationship between vessel crew and scientific staff.The ship will be staffed with 4 ship crew and scientists during trips, total berthing capacity of 11. You will be joining a top-notch crew led by a Captain, along with SPS First Mate, SPS Chief Engineer (you), and SPS Marine Support Technician.The vessel’s home port and dock are in Superior, WI.Opportunity for career growth; support in further education, training, and certificationsExcellent benefits package, including dental, vision, and 401k matchingPay Type:This is an hourly position (rate/hour DOE) with 1.5x hourly rate for overtime (in excess of 40 hours per week).Typical work schedule will be 8-hour days (M-F) and 40 hours per week (no overtime) when at dock in Superior, WI. 12-hour days when on sampling trips, with OT for over 40.Meal per diem (55% of typical gov’t meal per diem rate) provided when on sampling trips, but not when at port in Superior.Current plans call for some short duration day trips in the Duluth-Superior harbor area and a 4–5-week trip in late-June and August to Lake Erie.There will be some out-of-town requirements this fall while the ship is in dry dock.Special Requirements/Certifications:Must pass corporate and federal background checks, federal background checks take 4 weeks. Must have valid driver’s license.Application Procedure: