Research Vessel Captain

Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society seeks an experienced and safety-focused Research Vessel Captain. This position will support the Center’s environmental research, experiential education, conservation, and community engagement programs, including the work of the Watershed Innovation Lab.

The Research Vessel Captain will safely operate and maintain College research vessels used on the Chester River, Chesapeake Bay, and surrounding waterways. The captain will work closely with students, faculty, staff, visiting researchers, and community partners to support water quality monitoring, ecological research, habitat assessment, restoration projects, educational programs, and other field activities.

The successful candidate will demonstrate sound maritime judgment, strong vessel-handling skills, attention to safety, and a commitment to hands-on environmental education.

Essential Functions

Operate research vessels safely

• Captain College vessels for research, education, restoration, and outreach activities.
• Assess weather, tides, currents, traffic, vessel condition, and passenger needs before each trip.
• Conduct safety inspections and briefings and make go/no-go decisions.
• Ensure compliance with Coast Guard, Maryland, and College requirements.
• Maintain required operational and safety records and lead emergency response.
  
  

Support environmental research and education

• Transport students, faculty, researchers, staff, and community partners.
• Support water-quality monitoring, ecological research, habitat assessment, restoration, and other fieldwork.
• Safely deploy and retrieve scientific equipment and position vessels for sampling.
• Teach passengers basic boating safety and seamanship.
• Maintain and oversee vessels
• Inspect engines, hulls, electrical and fuel systems, navigation equipment, and safety gear.
• Perform or coordinate routine maintenance, cleaning, fueling, winterization, and minor repairs.
• Identify safety or mechanical problems and take vessels out of service when necessary.
• Coordinate major repairs with marine-service providers.
  
  

Manage field logistics and vessel operations

• Coordinate vessel schedules and field activities with Center staff.
• Prepare, load, unload, and store research equipment.
• Track fuel, engine hours, maintenance, expenses, and equipment inventory.
• Keep vessels, trailers, docks, and storage areas organized and operational.
  
  

Contribute to safety and program development

• Develop and update operating procedures, safety plans, and emergency protocols.
• Participate in training, safety drills, meetings, public programs, and special events.
• Work collaboratively with students, scientists, faculty, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
  
  

Qualifications

• Applicants should submit a cover letter describing relevant maritime and research support experience, a current resume, copies of applicable United States Coast Guard credentials and safety certifications, and contact information for three professional references.
• Applications should be submitted through the official Washington College employment portal.
  
  

About The Center For Environment And Society

Washington College’s Center for Environment and Society integrates environmental research, education, and stewardship. Through interdisciplinary programs and hands on learning, the Center provides opportunities for students to explore the relationships among people, communities, landscapes, and waterways, with a particular focus on the Chesapeake Bay region.

The Watershed Innovation Lab supports applied watershed research, environmental monitoring, conservation, and experiential education in collaboration with students, scientists, landowners, agencies, and community partners.

Center for Environment and Society

https://www.washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/ces/index.php

Watershed Innovation Lab

https://www.washcoll.edu/learn-by-doing/ces/watershed-innovation-lab.php

Salary: $45 per hour – part-time