Senior Sea Captain/Master - 136397

Set your course for adventure - and impact.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) at UC San Diego is one of the world's most prestigious centers for ocean and earth science research. Our fleet of state-of-the-art research vessels travels from pole to pole, enabling groundbreaking discoveries in marine life, climate science, seafloor mapping, and more. We've sailed over six million nautical miles in the name of science, and now, we're seeking an experienced Senior Sea Captain/Master to take the helm.

About the Role

Reporting to the Marine Superintendent, the Senior Captain serves as Master of large, seagoing research vessels conducting global oceanographic expeditions. You'll command navigation, ship's business, and safety operations, while leading a diverse crew and collaborating with scientists from around the world. This is an opportunity to bring your mastery of the sea to the forefront of global ocean science.

What You'll Do

• Command vessel navigation, piloting, and ship-handling in varied seas and weather

• Ensure the safe operation, maintenance, and readiness of the ship at all times

• Lead and mentor crew members, fostering professionalism and teamwork

• Oversee compliance with all U.S. Coast Guard, international maritime, and UCSD safety standards

• Advise scientists on safety and seagoing procedures

• Serve as purser on extended voyages, directing procurement of supplies in foreign ports

• Maintain discipline, morale, and adherence to policies on controlled substances, alcohol, and harassment prevention

• Administer shipboard medical chest and provide emergency aid when required

What We're Looking For

• U.S. Coast Guard MMC with Masters Unlimited license

• Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) Operators License, Radar Endorsement, STCW95 certification, VPDSD endorsement

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience

• Proven mastery of navigation (electronic, charting, piloting, sailing) and ship maneuvering

• Strong leadership, crisis management, and communication skills

• Experience in budgeting, cost analysis, and international procurement

• Working medical knowledge for maritime operations

• Ability and willingness to go to sea for extended periods

• U.S. Passport and Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

Why Join Us?

At Scripps, you're not just steering a ship - you're propelling the future of ocean science. You'll:

• Work with top-tier scientists on missions that make a global impact
• Command one of the largest and most advanced academic research fleets in the world
• Experience unparalleled variety, from local coastal trips to multi-year global expeditions
• Receive competitive UC San Diego benefits

• Excellent navigation skills with extensive experience in electronic navigation, charting, piloting and sailing.

• Excellent ability to operate a variety of standard office software applications and common navigation and ship management software.

• Excellent business management skills, including good working knowledge of the principles of accounting, budgeting and cost analysis.

• Excellent expertise communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with a diverse group of people. Proven ability to negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally.

• Excellent leadership, supervisory, and consensus-building skills. Proven ability to function effectively under pressure, manage crisis situations timely, and lead by example.

• Excellent ability to motivate, train, mentor, evaluate, develop and implement corrective action for subordinate staff.

• Excellent ability to independently lead projects in a team environment.

• Excellent navigation skills with extensive experience in electronic navigation, charting, piloting and sailing.

• Knowledge of commercial buying in order to direct the purchase of provisions and supplies in foreign ports.

• Excellent ability to maneuver a ship through various sea and weather conditions in a safe and precise manner.

• Strong written and verbal command of the English language.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to ensure adherence of all personnel onboard to the MarFac General Memorandums and the enforcement of University and SIO policies on controlled substances, alcoholic beverages, sexual harassment onboard ship, and all other University Staff Personnel Policy and Procedures.

• Working knowledge with medical chest with the ability to provide medical aid at sea and emergency medical when in foreign ports.

• Expertise in the accurate preparation, and timely execution, of required forms and correspondence for entering and clearing vessels for coastwise and foreign expeditions.

• Ability to write/print legibly in all ship's business.

• Ability and willingness to go to sea for extended periods of time

• Ability to pass physical examination and U.S. Coast Guard (DOT) regulations for Chemical Drug and Alcohol pre-employment screening and post-employment random testing

• U.S. Passport

• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

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The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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