Job Description

Job Description

Deckhand – NOAA Research Vessel Support (Levels I & II)

Remote/Offshore within Massachusetts or Rhode Island – accessible to Falmouth/Woods Hole, MA, and Narragansett, RI (with assignments on NOAA and partner vessels throughout the Northeast U.S.)

@Orchard LLC has been awarded the PEMAD sea-going support contract through NOAA Fisheries. We are actively hiring Deckhands (Levels I & II) to support NOAA Fisheries’ research operations aboard the R/V Gloria Michelle and other survey vessels. Deckhands are essential to the safe and effective deployment of scientific gear, vessel operations, and maintenance. This is a hands-on role requiring seamanship, technical skills, and the ability to work in a small crew environment on extended research trips.

Responsibilities

• Safely deploy and retrieve scientific sampling gear (trawls, dredges, grabs, CTDs, sensors, etc.).Conduct routine vessel operations, including docking, line handling, watches, and housekeeping.
• Assist with cruise staging/de-staging, loading/unloading of stores, supplies, and scientific equipment.
• Support deck operations during research missions, ensuring safety protocols are followed.
• Perform net mending, gear repair, and hydraulic/electrical maintenance as needed.
• Assist with vessel system maintenance (diesel engines, generators, hydraulics, deck machinery).
• Operate deck equipment (winches, cranes, derricks, reels, anchor windlass) under the officer's direction.
• Stand lookout, wheelhouse, and anchor watches using navigation equipment (charts, GPS, radar, fathometers).
• Support trawl repair and equipment troubleshooting while underway.
• Work in close quarters with diverse crews, maintaining professionalism in challenging conditions.
• Report safety issues and operational concerns to NOAA Officers in Charge (OIC/JOIC).

Qualifications

General Requirements (all levels):

• Ability to work at sea for extended periods in varied weather.
• Physically capable of lifting and carrying 55lbs, climbing ladders, and working on rolling decks.
• Willingness to work long days (12 hours standard, occasional extended shifts).
• Positive and professional demeanor in small crew environments.
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification (or ability to obtain before starting).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate government vehicles.
• Applicants must pass a drug test, background check, and NOAA medical clearance (including TB test).

Level I (Assistant Deckhand / Junior):

• Entry-level trawling or oceanographic gear-handling experience desired but not required.
• Exposure to hydraulic winches, cranes, or trawl operations is a plus.
• Able to follow instructions and support the senior deck crew with gear operations and maintenance.

Level II (Experienced Deckhand / Lead):

• Minimum 3 years of trawling/oceanographic experience (hydraulic winches, cranes, trawls, net mending, gear repair).
• Strong preference for candidates with an Able Seafarer (AB) Fishing credential (experience requirement may be halved).
• Demonstrated ability to operate and repair vessel systems (diesel, hydraulics, deck machinery).
• Proven experience managing deck operations safely and efficiently while underway.
• Familiarity with NOAA Small Boat Policy requirements is strongly preferred.

To learn more about this opportunity to serve the NOAA Fisheries mission of advancing Fisheries science, please apply.

Established in 2010, @Orchard 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

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