Job Description

Position Information

Posting NumberSRGV9211

Working TitleBoat Captain

Number of Vacancies1

LocationSouth Padre Island, Texas

DepartmentCollege of Sciences / Coastal Studies

FTE1

FLSAExempt

Scope of Job

To operate and maintain University research vessels and small boats both at sea and in port, in support of the Department’s marine research program.

Description of Duties

• Responsible for the performance of vessel-related duties, as well as for the safety of University property and personnel.

• Operates boats, including performing precision piloting and navigation.

• Operates advanced vessel electronic systems (e.g., depth recorder, chart plotter and radar).

• Develops and implements routine preventative maintenance plan for diesel and outboard engines, drives, and other research vessel systems including electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic equipment.

• Oversees the servicing and repairs of boats, motors, generators and trailers.

• Supervises trawling operations.

• Certifies new small boat operators during practical phases of boat operator exams.

• Coordinates maintenance and safe operation of small boat trailers.

• Responsible for the safe operation of the vessels and the safety of employees and passengers on board.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received

Work is performed under the general supervision of the chief scientist in charge of research or education conducted aboard the vessels and is evaluated through review of the condition of the vessels, the readiness of vessel-mounted gear and other equipment, and their safe and effective operation.

Supervision Given

Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education

Bachelor’s of Science or closely related field from an accredited university.

Licenses/Certifications

U.S. Coast Guard Master’s Near Coastal License (50 ton).

Preferred: SCUBA Certification.

Required Experience

Five (5) years experience with small boat <24’ operation and maintenance, including three (3) years of experience as a boat captain. Considerable knowledge of local coastal waters and U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations governing the operation of a vessel inland and in offshore waters. Knowledge of the sea and weather, sufficient to safely direct the operation of a vessel on the open ocean.

Preferred Experience

Five (5) years of experience as a boat captain.

Equipment

Knowledge of diesel engines, trawl winches, GPS chart plotters, depth recorders and radar. Considerable knowledge of the various sampling techniques used on board departmental research vessels, the use of trawl equipment, navigation, use of SCUBA diving equipment, and the use of standard and electronic navigation devices.

Working Conditions

Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Work is usually confined to the research vessel which operates in Texas in-shore waters and the Gulf of Mexico. Work requires long hours on some days and extensive trips may be of several weeks duration. The Captain is required to accompany the research vessels while in shipyard dry docks for major repairs and inspection.

Other

Hazardous Conditions – Operation of the research vessel exposes employee to inclement weather, rough seas, glare and extreme temperatures. When below decks, employees will be subject to noise, vibrations, fumes, oil, grease, steam and moving machinery when assisting others in repairs. Some hazard in operation of trawl and other equipment. Occasionally they may be exposed to unsafe conditions while assisting in the maintenance or repair of the research vessel and to moving equipment while loading or unloading the vessel. Skills in all phases of seamanship including command, navigation and first aid. Ability to plan voyages and plot courses. Ability to make quick decisions on vessel operations in times of crisis such as equipment breakdown or inclement weather. Ability to pilot a vessel in inclement weather and heavy seas.

Physical Capabilities

N/A

Employment CategoryFull-Time

Minimum SalaryCommensurate with Experience

Posted SalaryCommensurate with Experience

Position Available Date10/22/2026

Grant Funded PositionNo

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date

Posting Detail Information

EEO Statement

It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Dear Applicant,

Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following:

Date of Birth

Gender

*Ethnicity/Race

Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley reserves the right to discontinue accepting applications prior to the stated close date of this position, after meeting the posting requirement of three (3) calendar days.

If you have any questions, please visit our Careers site at for detailed contact information.

Additional Information

UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need.

All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ). Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of Human Resources.

Quick Link

Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• • Are you a current UTRGV employee?

• Yes

• No

• • Are you now, or previously, employed by The University of Texas System or any of its institutions?

• Yes - I currently am employed by the UT System or its institutions

• Yes - I have previously been employed by the UT System or its institutions

• No - I have never been employed by the UT System or its institutions

• • Please select your highest level of completed education.

• 6th grade education

• 10th grade education

• High School Diploma or GED

• Associates Degree, Technical, or Trade School Degree/Certification or 60 Hours of College Hours

• Bachelors Degree from an accredited university

• Masters Degree from an accredited university

• Ph. D. or other terminal degree from an accredited university

• None of the above

• • Please provide the field of study for your education:

(Open Ended Question)

• • Please indicate the number of years of work experience you have directly related to the position in which you are applying for:

• Less than 1 year

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 4 years

• 5 years

• 6 years

• 7 years

• 8 years

• 9 years

• 10 years

• Over 10 years

• • Do you meet the minimum requirements for this position?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have five (5) years of experience with small boat <24’ operation and maintenance, including three (3) years of experience as a boat captain?

• Yes

• No

• Do you have a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s Near Coastal License (50 ton)?

• Yes

• No

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume

• Certifications and Licenses

Optional Documents

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

• Unofficial Transcripts

• Reference Letter 1

• Reference Letter 2

• Reference Letter 3

• Training Certificates

• Other Document

• List of 3 References

• Unofficial Transcripts 2

• Unofficial Transcripts 3

• Additional Document

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