Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) Pool

Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) Pool Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted on the employment profile with education and work history along with any other requested documentation, e.g. posting specific question responses, transcripts, etc. Your profile MUST clearly show how you meet the minimum/required qualifications for the position. Resumes are NOT accepted at the application stage for these positions.

Equivalent required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

If you have volunteer experience relevant to this position, please include in the Employment History section and note length of time, average number of hours per week and major duties.

The typical starting salary is at the lower end of the salary range. To maintain an active status within the pool, applicants will need to reapply annually. If you no longer wish to remain an applicant for this posting, please login and withdraw your application. You will not be able to reapply until the next year.

Applicants are contacted only when a need to fill Boat Operator positions arises. For additional information please contact: Taylor Eaton at or .

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status. OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire. OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. For more details, see the Background Checks website including the for candidates section. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at .

Any required license and/or certification may be uploaded as License or Certification -1, -2, -3, and -4. The online application system will allow you to attach your license/certification if the PDF file is 9MB or less. If over 9MB in size, submit to the listed contact person. The license and/or certification must be received by the closing date if not uploaded with your application.

Position Information Department Marine Operations (RMO)

Classification Title Boat Operator

Job Title Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) Pool

Appointment Type Classified Staff

Job Location Newport

Benefits Eligible

Remote or Hybrid option?

Employment Category

Job Summary

This recruitment will be used to fill future part-time, hourly, intermittent (as needed) Boat Operator: Small Boat Operator (Intermittent) positions in the Marine Operations unit within the Division of Research and Innovation at Oregon State University. These positions will be located in Newport, Oregon.

Under the direction of the Boating Safety Officer (BSO), the Small Boat Operations Boat Operator performs a wide variety of routine and semiskilled tasks to support Oregon State University's marine research activities. This position works as part of the Small Boat Program (SBP) within the Office of Marine Operations (OMO) and provides essential field-based services including vessel operation, launching and retrieval, trailering, general boat and equipment maintenance, and logistical support for small boat operations.

This position plays a key support role in the delivery of marine and freshwater fieldwork, ensuring that university vessels and associated gear are operated safely, maintained effectively, and made ready for research and instructional use by students, faculty, and research collaborators.

OSU serves Oregon and the world through our campuses in Corvallis and Bend, our marine research center in Newport, field station in Port Orford, and our E-campus. With over $400 million in competitive research awards per year, OSU continues to lead with practical, impact-driven research that improves lives, protects natural resources, and generates economic growth.

Why OSU? Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job! Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have mindfulness for the natural world and, together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.

FACTS :

OSU highlights include top-ranked status, research funding, and a broad set of resources. For more details, visit the OSU about page:

Locations: Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

OSU's main campus is in Corvallis. The area offers proximity to the ocean, mountains and wine country, with amenities for outdoor activities.

Total Rewards Package: OSU offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits-eligible positions, including medical, dental, vision, life, retirement, paid leave, tuition reduction benefits, work-life programs, and optional lifestyle benefits. See the Benefits Calculator for details.

Key Responsibilities Vessel Operations and Field Support - 70%

• Operates small research vessels (motorized and non-motorized) in marine and freshwater environments.
• Trailers, launches, and recovers vessels using full-size trucks and other towing equipment.
• Assists with on-deck operations including gear deployment, line handling, and routine tasks required to support research missions.
• Makes basic safety and operational assessments based on environmental conditions and equipment readiness
• Assists in launching, securing, and mooring vessels before and after use.

Equipment and Vessel Maintenance - 20%

• Performs basic maintenance and cleaning of small boats, motors (inboard/outboard), and trailers.
• Conducts inspections and simple repairs using hand tools and power tools.
• Fuels vessels, checks fluids, and monitors engine condition.
• Keeps records of fuel usage, inspections, and minor repairs.
• Stores, organizes, and inventories boating equipment and supplies.

General Support and Recordkeeping - 10%

• Assists in setup and breakdown for trainings, field deployments, and safety drills.
• Loads and unloads gear and supplies for field operations.
• Maintains basic logs related to operations, maintenance, and usage.
• May help guide or coordinate the work of student employees or volunteers on-site.
• Communicates with staff, researchers, and students to support day-to-day needs of the Small Boat Program.

What We Require MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma and 2 years of vessel operations experience in assigned area of responsibility; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

• Experience supporting marine research or education fieldwork
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, safety protocols, and environmental data; familiarity with using hand tools and performing basic maintenance on mechanical equipment such as boat engines or trailers.
• Ability to foster an inclusive working environment and embrace diversity among students, staff, and researchers

Other Minimum Requirements

• Valid driver's license
• Meet Coast Guard drug testing requirements
• Ability to speak, read and write English
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects (up to 50 lbs), work in physically demanding environments, and follow established safety protocols.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess, and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

What We Would Like You to Have

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (minimum OUPV)
• Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) or US Department of Interior (USDOI) boating certifications
• Bachelor's degree in marine science, oceanography, environmental science, or a related technical field
• Experience with marine engine diagnostics and maintenance, including Volvo KAD44 or equivalent
• Paddlecraft operations and/or ACA instructor certification
• Ability to support logistical setup and breakdown of field operations or training exercises.

Working Conditions / Work Schedule

• Frequent outdoor work in all weather conditions, including rain, wind, and cold marine environments.
• Physical work including loading and unloading boats, trailering, securing equipment, and assisting in rescues or recovery of personnel or gear.
. click apply for full job details