New

Vessel Captain

Rutgers University

life insurance, employee discount

United States, New Jersey, New Brunswick

Apr 02, 2026

Position Details

Position Information

Recruitment/Posting Title	Vessel Captain
Posting Number	26TM0126
Department	IMCS- RUMFS (Tuckerton)
Overview	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is a leading national research university and the State of New Jersey's preeminent, comprehensive public institution of higher education. As one of the largest employers in the State of New Jersey, Rutgers University is committed not only to the students and the State that we serve, but also to the faculty and staff who work on our campuses. For two consecutive years, Rutgers is ranked on Forbes' list of America's Best Large Employers. Rutgers holds #64 of 500 employers and is the #1 New Jersey employer on the publication's 2023 list. Rutgers' commitment to its employees includes maintaining and fostering a safe, diverse, and respectful workplace environment, creating employment opportunities for our nation's military veterans, and ensuring accessibility and accommodation for individuals with disabilities.
Posting Summary	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking a Vessel Captain for the Department of Marine and Coastal Sciences ( DMCS), Rutgers University Marine Field Station ( RUMFS) and the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve ( JCNERR). This is an "on call" part time hourly position limited to a maximum of 19 hours per week. "On-call" means coordinating with the Department and full-time Captain to help cover overlapping requests. Primary ports of call are RUMFS in Tuckerton, NJ and Morgan Marina in Sayreville, NJ, although there may be needs to use other ports on occasion. Among the key duties of this position are the following: Maintains USCG authorized Captain's license to operate 3 offshore small vessels safely in accordance with research conducted. Arabella (48 ft trawler), Rutgers (36 ft landing craft), and Resilience (26 ft enclosed cabin) Communicates safety procedures to scientists and students while supporting environmental sampling through safe operation of these vessels in and around the bays, estuaries, and coastal waters offshore New Jersey. Conducts routine vessel maintenance and repairs on various vessel systems - hydraulics, engine components, pumps, etc. Familiarity w/ gasoline outboard motors and inboard diesel engines required. Knowledge of fuel systems, hydraulic systems, and electronics packages necessary. Ability to work below deck in confined spaces required. Winterizing/optimizing for in or out-of-water storage integral, dependent upon vessel schedule and season. Deploys scientific equipment and instrumentation in accordance with applicable projects. Knowledge of specific scientific equipment and instrumentation highly preferred but will train the right candidate. Demonstrates a safety-first approach, realizing many scientists and most students aboard will have limited at-sea experience. Ability to lead confidently and instruct compassionately required. Attend additional trainings as required to participate in funded/contracted research such as STCW or MOTC.
FLSA	Nonexempt
Salary Details	$35 - $50 per hour
Offer Information	The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits	Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include: Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable) Life insurance coverage Employee discount programs
Position Status	Part Time
Working Hours	20 or less a week
Daily Work Shift	Rotating
Work Arrangement	This position requires a fully on-site work arrangement.
Payroll Designation	PeopleSoft
Terms of Appointment	Temporary Staff Appointment - Hourly

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience	Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience. A minimum of three to five years of relevant professional experience in an administrative and/or supervisory function.
Certifications/Licenses	A current United States Coast Guard Master Captain's License (25 ton minimum). A valid driver's license would be required for this position.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities	Excellent communication skills. Computer literacy.
Preferred Qualifications	100 ton United States Coast Guard (USCG ) Master Captain's License Valid Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) Credential Valid (STCW) "Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping" credential appropriate for vessel tonnage Knowledge of welding and metal fabrication capabilities
Equipment Utilized	See vessel details at https://marine.rutgers.edu/about-us/facilities/
Physical Demands and Work Environment	Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to work in hot/confined spaces. Ability to work in cramped quarters, frequently in bad weather and with violent ship motion. Ability to climb steep and vertical ladders, and enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills up to two feet high.
Special Conditions	Ability to pass a United States Coast Guard (USCG) physical as well as the ability to pass random drug screenings. Must be available 7 days/week or to work in excess of 12 or more hours per scheduled trip when necessary. Safe Driving Record.

Posting Details

Posting Open Date	04/02/2026
Posting Close Date	05/02/2026
Open Until Filled	No
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus	Rutgers University-New Brunswick
Home Location Campus	Off Campus
City	Tuckerton
State	NJ
Location Details

Pre-employment Screenings

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.

Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement