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Chief Mate, R/V David Packard
Monterey Bay Aquariam Research Institute
USD 45.68-62.5 / hour
Posted on Oct 2, 2025
Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels. MBARI had commissioned the building of a new flagship vessel, R/V David Packard, which became available in the spring of 2025. David Packard is a Coast Guard inspected subchapter U vessel, DNV Classed 1A, STCW, SOLAS, and ISM regulated vessel. Its home port is Moss Landing, California.
MBARI is seeking candidates for a full time Chief Mate aboard R/V David Packard. As Chief Mate you will be a key leader in getting the ship fully operational, meeting regulatory requirements and creating a positive culture aboard R/V David Packard for facilitating science operations. An ideal candidate will also serve as a relief Captain.
MBARI works to create and globally scale the research and technology required to explore, map, and understand our changing ocean. Access to the ocean via research vessels is vital to accomplishing this mission. You’ll work with crew members, scientists, and technical staff to build and maintain a collaborative and inclusive environment to achieve mission goals.
The Chief Mate fills an essential role in developing procedures, maintenance routines, and safety strategies on the new vessel. We will rely on the Chief Mate to lead maintaining the vessel to the highest standards. Operations consist primarily in supporting remote and autonomous vehicles including a 4000m work class ROV, AUVs and wave gliders. Moorings, CTDs and other science sampling operations are common.
The ship will support 5-10 day multi-disciplinary science missions (longer trips are possible). In an average year, the vessel supports about 18-20 science missions per year.
The ship is equipped with a variable speed DC grid diesel-electric propulsion system and azimuthing thrusters. The use of advanced systems, dynamic positioning, automation and sophisticated handling equipment will be required.
Shipboard living conditions: Two person cabins meeting MLC standards. Personnel have access to satellite internet with bandwidth restrictions. The ship offers a small gym and good coffee. The usual underway schedule is 12 hours/day (4 on, 8 off with 4 hours OT), in port schedule is typically 8-hour days.
Responsibilities:
• Officer of the watch, leads deck evaluations and emergency response teams
• Develops and implements procedures for scientific equipment deployment and recovery, and improves shipboard procedures
• Coordinates mobilization and demobilization before and after science cruises
• Completes and supervises maintenance and safety inspections
• Mentors personnel on seamanship and operations, cultivates a positive work atmosphere and collaboration between scientists and crew
Required qualifications:
• Can fill Chief Officer billet on the COI, minimum US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with OICNW II/1
• GMDSS Operator IV/2, Vessel Personnel with Designated Security Duties VI/6
• Intermediate digital literacy
• Valid passport
• TWIC
• Ability to work up to 30 days continuously on expedition voyages
Desired qualifications:
• Previous success as Chief Officer or Captain on vessels
• STCW II/2 >500 GT and Ship Security Officer VI/5
• Advanced digital literacy, experience with implementing preventative maintenance software (NS5, Helm Connect, etc.)
• Experience with dynamic positioning, diesel-electric and azimuth propulsion
MBARI benefits:
MBARI offers very generous leave benefits, including paid vacation and shore leave (the latter based on at-sea days). We believe in work-life balance and thus every attempt is made to grant people’s time-off requests. Typically, leave periods are filled by a relief pool.
• Competitive compensation, $45.68-$62.50/hr. Cruises offer ample opportunities for overtime, paid per CA state law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403B retirement plan with company contribution
• Paid travel and expenses
• MBARI pays for the training and fees to maintain merchant mariner credentials and for some professional development