Vessel Captain

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

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 Open Date: 04/02/2026

Posting Close Date: 07/08/2026

Regional Campus: Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Home Location Campus: Off Campus

City

Tuckerton

State

NJ

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