Ship Ops Intern

Job Summary

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is currently searching for an Intern / Engineering Assistant I/II to join the Ship Operations Department. This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is not eligible for benefits.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) is the world's leading, independent non-profit organization dedicated to ocean research, exploration, and education. Our scientists, engineers and operational practitioners push the boundaries of knowledge about the ocean to reveal its impacts on our planet and our lives.

WHOI operates a fleet of research vessels, a key operational capability.  Research vessels are complex platforms, requiring specialized skills for their operations, maintenance, refit, upgrade and overall support of seagoing science.  Research vessels routinely deploy and recover delicate scientific sensors, oceanographic mooring systems and submersibles; tow nets for biologic sampling; take sediment cores, bottom samples and water samples; map the seafloor and subbottom stratigraphy with a range of sophisticated sonar systems; continuously collect meteorologic and oceanographic metadata and provide a range of onboard sample and data processing resources including wet, dry and computer laboratories.  To accomplish these tasks, research vessels have highly specialized equipment and capabilities in addition to traditional ship’s systems such as dynamic positioning, hull-mounted transducer arrays, motion reference units, precision clocks, winches, a-frames, ultra-low temperature freezers, facilities for handling radioisotopes, telepresence systems, and many others. 

An internship is available within the WHOI Marine Operations Department that provides exposure to research vessel operations.  Students in naval architecture who are looking for a position to satisfy an internship requirement in their undergraduate education programs are encouraged to apply. The opening includes work ashore in support of vessel management activities.  This is a temporary, casual, non-exempt position, and is eligible for casual benefits and is available during the period January-February 2024. The Internship is at Woods Hole, MA.

Essential Functions

Objectives:

Targeted Task Areas:

• Scheduling
• Mission planning
• Logistics
• Port engineering
• Crew management
• Regulatory compliance
• Budgeting
• Reporting
• Long range planning
• Shipboard scientific equipment
• Under the direction and supervision of the captain, serves as deck-hand by handling lines, rigging equipment, and assisting in the general operation of the vessel on day trips or short coastal voyages.
• Under the direction and supervision of the Captain, facilitates the maintenance, inspection, service and operation of the vessels on board equipment.
• Performs general engineering and housekeeping related duties including but not limited to small diesel engine oil changes and service intervals, cleaning and wiping oil from engines and mechanical spaces, maintaining tools, light mechanical jobs, Loading of fuel and water and removal of waste water.
• Under the direction and supervision of the Captain, cleans, preserves, primes, coats, sponges, and maintains all interior and exterior spaces on board including bilges, bulkheads, decks, passageways, machinery, and compartments.
• Assists the Captain and science party as directed in operating scientific equipment on board in support of research projects. (Equipment may include winch systems, hydraulically controlled lifting frames, handling of various wires)
• Stands watch underway on the bridge as helmsman, lookout, or as otherwise directed by the Captain.
• Operates deck equipment as directed and supervised by the Captain for loading stores and/or other equipment.
• Assists the Captain in keeping maintenance logs and records in accordance with Institution and U.S. Coast Guard directives.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• As deemed necessary by supervisor, must be willing to take on a variety of tasks regardless of levels

Education & Experience

• 1-3 years' progress toward a degree with some project or other internship experience.

Special Requirements

• TWIC
• Must be a US Citizen

Physical Requirements

Physical duties for this position include but are not limited to, ability to lift less than 25 lbs independently, 2 times per day; carry 10-25 lbs, 2 times per day. Visual abilities to include near, far, peripheral, depth perception, and ability to distinguish basic colors. Hearing requirements include the ability to hear and respond to instructions, communicate effectively in loud areas (pier/dock, warehouse). Other physical tasks include occasional prolonged standing/walking; use of hands for basic /fine grasping and manipulation, repetitive motion, reaching above and below the shoulders, pushing, pulling, kneeling, bending, twisting, and stooping. Other occupational requirements include talking, traveling, working around others, and with others. Will be exposed to dust or other irritants and electrical/mechanical/power equipment hazards. Physical duties are subject to change.

Sea Duty

May work at least 8 hours per day and, at times in excess of 12 hours per day, 7 days per week. Sleep and work hours can deviate from those on land. May be expected to work on watch schedule (such as 8 hours on and 8 hours off or 12 hours on and 8 hours off) for all or part of a cruise or to work as hours are needed to accomplish the planned work. May need to travel during holidays and for long distances to and from foreign ports. May experience rudimentary living and working conditions, with shared and basic living quarters and laboratories. May experience bad or extreme weather conditions, including heavy seas, winter weather or hot, tropical weather. Work on deck may occur in both hot and cold conditions around the clock. Sea conditions will lead to active ship motion. Should be able to climb steep and vertical ladders and able to enter and exit compartments through hatches, doors, and sills. Should be able to carry heavy gear and participate in the loading and unloading of the ship as well as in the activities on deck and in the labs during the cruise. Shipboard environment may include: confined areas, shared sleeping quarters (berths) and bathroom facilities, small and basic berthing, fixed meal times and basic menus. Modest levels of heating, cooling, ventilation, and illumination, limited or no email and internet access and limited off-duty and recreational facilities (library, lounge, movies). May be exposed to potential allergens and irritants, including paint fumes. May experience constant and intermittent loud noises, and slippery and uneven surfaces.