Lead Deck Hand & Vessel Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator (USCG Master I & II)

Falmouth, MA (WHOI); Pocasset, MA; and Narragansett, RI

This role involves significant time on board research vessels at sea.

Join @Orchard and become the operational backbone of a critical national mission with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC). This role provides essential, hands-on support aboard a NOAA research vessel, enabling scientific surveys that are fundamental to managing and sustaining our nation’s living marine resources. Your professional seamanship, technical skills, and leadership on deck ensure the safety and success of every research cruise, making science possible.

@Orchard is seeking an experienced and licensed Lead Deckhand / Vessel Operator to support a 72’ NOAA research vessel. This is a hands-on role for a seasoned mariner who excels in deck operations, vessel maintenance, and navigational support. You will be responsible for everything from deploying and repairing complex trawl gear to maintaining the ship's engine and standing watch in the wheelhouse. We are hiring for two levels of experience (Level I and Level II) based on qualifications.

This position requires a professional with a broad skillset, commitment to safety, and the ability to work effectively as part of a small, dedicated team in a dynamic at-sea environment.

Key Responsibilities

Your duties will encompass all aspects of vessel operations, maintenance, and safety.

Deck Operations & Gear Management

• Safely and efficiently manage all deck operations while underway.
• Lead the deployment and retrieval of sampling gear, including bottom / midwater trawls, dredges, probes, and CTDs.
• Perform expert maintenance and repair on fishing trawls and other sampling gear, with a strong focus on fishing net repair and mending.
• Operate all deck equipment, including articulating cranes, net reels, trawl winches, and anchor windlasses.
• Assist with docking exercises, line handling, and tying various rope knots.

Vessel Systems & Maintenance

Navigation & Watchkeeping

Safety & General Shipboard Duties

Required Experience & Qualifications

Experience Level (One of the following is required) :

Licenses & Certifications :

Technical Skills & Knowledge :

Essential Personal & Physical Requirements :

Established in 2010, @Orchard LLC has an exceptional reputation, providing staffing solutions to time-sensitive, talent scarcity issues to deliver better talent management ROI. Our specialty lies in the critical area of program talent acquisition and resource management, not in one narrow skillset, but across many areas of technical and functional delivery. To learn more about our other exciting opportunities, visit our Jobs Page at www.atOrchard.com .