As First Mate and Standby Skipper, you will play a key role in supporting the research and teaching activities of the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. Working under the direction of the Master of the Research Vessel, you will provide technical expertise on the School’s Research Vessel and associated support facilities at Blyth.



You will act as standby Skipper in the Master’s absence, ensuring safe navigation, crew management, and operational leadership. Alongside this, you will contribute to the maintenance and safe operation of the vessel, associated small craft, and research equipment, supporting staff, students, and external partners in their use.



This role is central to ensuring the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of world-class marine research and teaching.



Please note that if you are successful to this role, you will require medical clearance before you can commence in the role



For enquiries on this post, please email Neil Armstrong - [email protected]

To apply please upload CV and cover letter via job link
https://jobs.ncl.ac.uk/job/Newcastle-First-MateStandby-Skipper-Res_-Vessel/1259513701/

Closing date Sunday 9th November

Key Accountabilities



Assist the Master of the Vessel and technical team leaders in the day-to-day operation of facilities, equipment, and marine infrastructure
Undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration, and preventative maintenance of relevant equipment
Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, including safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and contribute to risk assessments
Provide training and guidance to staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and technical colleagues, ensuring safe and effective working practices
Support project activities, including sampling exercises of marine organisms, after appropriate training
Liaise with the Master, PIs, and research staff to identify and procure equipment and consumables, ensuring accurate financial record-keeping
Design, adapt, and maintain sampling and operational equipment to meet research and teaching requirements
Act as Skipper in the Master’s absence, taking full responsibility for safe navigation, vessel operations, and crew management
Contribute to the effective running of associated facilities at Blyth and Dove Marine Centre
Carry out any other duties consistent with the scope and nature of the role




The Person

Knowledge, Skills and Experience



Substantial work experience in a relevant marine vessel role
Thorough working knowledge of Health and Safety procedures, with the ability to apply them in a marine setting
Demonstrates good organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain high levels of accuracy and attention to detail
Extensive operational experience of inshore vessels, including inshore fishing and familiarity with the North East coastline
Desirable

Experience in design and specification of research and teaching activities


Attributes and Behaviour

A strong team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Demonstrates technical and problem solving capability
Able to make safe, timely and practical decisions in dynamic environments, particularly when acting as Skipper at sea
Capable of balancing priorities across maintenance, teaching and research demands


Qualifications

Apprenticeship in an appropriate subject with extensive technical experience; or BTEC level 4 / HNC / HND; or A’ level (or equivalent) with broad technical work experience gained through progressively demanding roles
RYA Yacht Master Offshore commercial endorsement or equivalent
ENG1 Medical
Successful completion of courses relating to:
Seafishing
Bridge Watchkeeping
Engine Watchkeeping
Safe use of Lifting Equipment
Ship Stability
Use of VHF Radio
Desirable

Required for commercial charter activity, however training can be provided for the following:

STCW Personal Survival Techniques
STCW Basic First Aid
STCW Fire Fighting
Lifting and Slinging
HIAB Marine Tech Training