Ship Captain

SpecPro Sustainment & Environmental, LLC. (SSE) is seeking an experienced Ship Captain to operate the USEPA R/V Lake Explorer II (LEII) in support of research efforts on the Laurentian Great Lakes. The LEII is a 90 foot, 196 GTR, twin screw diesel propulsion of 850 HP, unmanned engine room. As a federal vessel, the LEII does not have a COI or registration. You will be working in support of SSE’s contract with the USEPA’s Laboratory in Duluth, MN. Job is based out of USEPA laboratory, ship is berthed at Montreal Pier, Superior, WI.

Primary Duties:

• Support biology and chemistry efforts of the Great Lakes Toxicological and Ecological Division of the USEPA aboard USEPA research vessel on the Great Lakes. Ship is scheduled for a 5-week sampling trip on Lake Michigan beginning sometime after July 4, 2025. There may be opportunity for relief period from a second SSE Captain.
• Operate a 90 foot, 150-ton ship and have experience and knowledge on navigating Great Lakes waters.
• Operate, maintain, and ensure safety on board LEII while upholding the EPA scientific mission. The captain/master and the crew, however, are there solely to facilitate carrying out the operational/scientific mission.
• The captain/master of an EPA vessel has full accountability and responsibility for the safety of the vessel and embarked personnel. Overriding authority in relation to matters of safety and environmental protection. Full authority over all operations and personnel onboard the vessel.
• The captain will supervise all vessel crew and embarked scientific personnel with assistance from the chief scientist and Mate.
• Coordinate vessel schedules with scientific staff and ship crew.
• Ensure vessel has proper documentation, inspections, permits, and registrations.
• Responsible for ensuring implementation of policies, plans, procedures, and safety and health requirements on board their vessels in accordance with company policy and US Coast Guard requirements.
• Expected to operate/handle ship for station keeping while equipment is deployed over side or stern.
• Safety officer for vessel.
• Responsible for directing the movement of the vessel and the actions of the crew in an emergency. Ensure that sufficient drills and instructions are conducted to ensure that all crew members are familiar with their duties during emergencies.

Qualifications/Skills:

• Previous experience aboard research vessels and the Great Lakes.
• Ideally, certified in basic/advanced marine firefighting and hazardous oil spill response (HAZMAT operations level certification).
• Must be skilled in the use of life saving equipment, such as deployment and maintenance of life rafts and/or lifeboats.
• Must be capable of instructing anyone aboard the research vessel in safe work practices.
• Basic computer skills are necessary for email communication, maintaining logs and completing administrative duties such as timecards and expense reports.
• Fluency in English, both verbally and in writing/reading is required.
• Equipment/Instrumentation Skills Required
• Strong background in vessel maintenance and understanding of all vessel systems. Experience operating and maintaining vessels of 200GTR or greater.
• Good communication skills and ability to work well with students, faculty, and staff in an isolated and physically demanding environment involving long hours.
• Maintain vessel records and logs in accordance with US Coast Guard regulations and company policies.
• Knowledge and experience of Great Lakes marine navigation, rules of the road, and vessel traffic systems. Operational knowledge of navigational electronics operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

License Requirements:

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential with at least a 200 GTR master endorsement for the Great Lakes.
• Must have a valid passport.
• Must have a valid Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
• Must have a valid USCG medical certificate.
• Must have valid driver’s license.

Experience Requirement:

• Minimum of 10 years of marine experience with a preference to research vessels, preferably to include 5 years as captain. Appropriate FCC licensing.
• Special Requirements/Certifications:

Must pass corporate and federal background checks. Federal background checks take 2-6 weeks.

Work Environment:

• Sampling activities will take place on Lake Michigan during 2025. Shift work will be necessary during transit periods. Six hours on, six off when running 24 hours.
• Typical underway day for science work is 12 hours.
• The weather conditions on the Great Lakes are extremely variable. Must be willing to work on a rolling deck requiring strength and agility. Work is sometimes required both day and night.
• Incumbent must be in sound physical and mental condition at all times. Must occasionally carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires vigorous and highly physical work; individuals who want to join our team need to be ready to handle long hours and challenging work under tough conditions.

Work Culture:

• You will be getting the opportunity to support the USEPA’s mission and work alongside some of our nation’s top scientists and boat crew.
• Successful performance of duties depends on close cooperation and a good work relationship between vessel crew and scientific staff.
• The ship will be staffed with 4 crew total, plus scientists during trips. You will be joining a top-notch crew during sampling trips, along with SSE First Mate, SSE Chief Engineer, and SSE Marine Support Technician.
• The vessel’s home port and dock are at the Montreal Pier in Superior, WI.

Pay Type:

• This is an hourly position (rate/hour DOE) with 1.5x hourly rate for overtime (more than 40 hours per week).
• Typical work schedule will be 8-hour days (M-F) and 40 hours per week (no overtime) when at dock in Superior, WI. 12-hour days when on sampling trips, with OT for over 40.
• Meal per diem provided when on sampling trips, but not when at port in Superior, WI.