Wiper

Job Title

Agency

Department

Proposed Minimum Salary

Job Location

Job Type

Job Description

A Glimpse of the Job

The Wiper, under general supervision of the Chief Engineer and First Asst. Engineer works as a day worker in the Engine department. The Wiper assists in the sanitation and general maintenance of the areas of responsibility of the Engine department. This entry-level position is intended to provide hands-on experience leading toward advancement to Engine Utility (EU), Qualified Member of the Engine Department (QMED) and beyond.

Essential Duties/Tasks

• Wiper Duties - Serves as a day worker within the engine department, assisting in the general maintenance, repair, sanitation, and preservation of all assigned equipment, materials, and spaces. Performs routine upkeep including chipping, scraping, taking soundings, priming, painting, and cleaning of the engine spaces.

• Safety and Other - Responsible for learning the location and use of emergency equipment, lifesaving equipment, damage control equipment, and safety equipment. Performs all operations connected with the launching of life saving equipment and makes security inspections of the ships. Performs other duties as assigned.
  

What you need to know

Salary: $25.48 hourly

Special Instructions: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended. You may upload these in the CV/Resume section.

Required Education

• High School graduation or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
  

Required Experience

1. Basic Maritime Training

• STCW Basic Training (BST) – Firefighting, PSC, First Aid, PSSR.

• TWIC Card (U.S. requirement).

• USCG MMC with OS endorsement.

• Some time working outdoors in labor-intensive or industrial environments (construction, warehouse, mechanical work, outdoor labor).

2. Basic Seamanship Exposure and Familiarity with Shipboard Work Environments

• Experience on a small vessel, training ship, fishing vessel, or harbor boat.

• Sea projects or lab hours from maritime academies or training programs.

• Prior service as a wiper, deckhand, or maintenance worker on boats or barges.

• Some time working outdoors in labor-intensive or industrial environments (construction, warehouse, mechanical work, outdoor labor).
  

Required Licenses and Certifications

• MMC with Wiper and Basic Training, US Passport; TWIC; Current USCG Medical Certification.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge & skills required to support and maintain a training & maintenance program for Engine cadets on the training ship under the supervision of the QMED’S and Engineering Officer.
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

1. Basic Vessel Maintenance Concepts

• Purpose of a planned maintenance program (PMS).

• Difference between routine cleaning, preservation, and corrective maintenance.

2. Engine Equipment Basics

• Names and functions of Equipment in Main Engine Room & Auxiliary machine Rooms:

• Safe operation principles (not full operation responsibility yet).

3. Safety Procedures

• Basic seamanship safety: line handling safety, Hearing Conservation, PPE.

• Permit-to-work awareness (hot work, enclosed space, aloft work).

• Emergency equipment locations and basic LSA/FFA maintenance awareness.

4. Tools & Materials

• Proper use of common hand tools: chipping hammers, wire brushes, grinders, Drills

• Types of paint, primer, and rust-treatment products.

Skills

1. Routine Engine Maintenance

• Chipping, scraping, wire-brushing, sanding, and painting surfaces.

• Cleaning and preserving Engine equipment.

• Washing, sweeping, and maintaining cleanliness on deck.

2. Basic Rigging & Line Handling

• Coil, stow, and maintain lines properly.

• Basic knots, bends, and hitches.

• Chain Hoist and Equipment Rigging.

3. Safe Tool Operation

• Hand and power tool basics (grinders, needle guns, sanders).

• Proper PPE use and safe handling of hazardous materials (paint, solvents).

4. Documentation Support

• Follow written and verbal maintenance instructions.

5. Communication & Teamwork

• Follow directions from Supervisors.

• Report unsafe conditions or equipment issues promptly.

Abilities

1. Ability to Follow Procedures Safely

• Understand and execute instructions as given during maintenance.

• Maintain awareness of hazards on deck.

2. Physical Capability

• Lift equipment, paint areas aloft, work outdoors and indoors in loud hot environments for extended periods while performing manual labor.

3. Ability to Learn Quickly

• Pick up vessel-specific procedures and maintenance routines.

• Retain training on safety and seamanship tasks.

4. Attention to Detail

• Spot rust, corrosion, or paint failures.

• Keep tools organized and equipment stowed properly.

• Notify Supervisor of any leaks, or noticed abnormalities in engine spaces.

5. Ability to Work as Part of a Team

• Support crew members and cadets during maintenance jobs and evolutions.

• Accept coaching, ask questions when unsure, and maintain professionalism.
  

Additional Information

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift or move moderately heavy objects and exert moderate force. Requires stepping through hatches, climbing ladders and working in close spaces. Requires the ability to wear required personal protective equipment. Must be able to work in various temperatures, indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions including heat, cold, rain and dry environmental conditions.
  

Other Requirements and Factors

• This position is security sensitive

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements

• Must pass USCG/DOT drug test prior to employment and participate in the University's random drug testing plan for drugs and Alcohol required by TAMU System and University Rule (34.02.99 M1, 8.6.1).

• Must be able to sail during all designated underway periods, including training crises aboard the training ship and present for shipyard periods or other periods ship is away from Galveston.

Who we are

We are the ocean campus of Texas A&M University at Galveston. Our employees come from throughout the world, with many different perspectives, talents, lived experiences, and interests. Aggies by the Sea promote a welcoming and highly productive work environment. We support the university’s goals to recruit and retain a quality workforce and encourage life-long learning

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.