Jobs at Cardinal Point Captains

Supports marine ecosystem research through cruise planning, vessel-based and shore-based field sampling, data management, ecological and oceanographic data analysis, visualization, reporting, and science communication. Participates in multi-day research cruises and sanctuary projects involving benthic surveys, hypoxia monitoring, intertidal sampling, and ocean noise monitoring. Maintains species inventories, metadata, photographs, and other datasets while contributing to reports, presentations, webpages, and outreach content.

Provides systems engineering, infrastructure sustainment, configuration management, risk management, failure analysis, engineering change documentation, technical research, and program reporting for the STRIDENT program. Supports hardware, software, databases, specifications, corrective action systems, and regulatory compliance while communicating technical information to varied audiences. The role is based in Panama City Beach, Florida, requires some travel, and may require an active Secret clearance.

Assistant Engineer aboard the EPA research vessel R/V Lake Guardian, supporting propulsion, power generation, auxiliary systems, engine-room watchkeeping, maintenance, repairs, safety compliance, emergency response, inventory control, and operational documentation. The role works approximately 30 days onboard followed by 30 days off, with additional in-port work available. Candidates must hold an appropriate limited engineer endorsement, join or be willing to join the IOMM&P union, pass screening and background checks, and maintain a U.S. passport and driver’s license.

Operate and maintain propulsion and auxiliary engineering systems aboard 97–114-foot range support vessels, perform preventative and corrective maintenance, log system parameters, supervise a junior engineer, manage parts inventory, and ensure vessel readiness for naval training operations both underway and in port.

Support vessel operations for NOAA's Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary: assist the Captain with deck operations, launch and recover equipment (winches, cranes, A-frames, ROV, sonar), support sampling and diving missions, perform routine maintenance and fueling, lift heavy gear, and maintain safety certifications and NOAA component course qualification.

Support vessel engineering under the Chief Engineer: perform inspections, preventive and corrective maintenance, operate propulsion and auxiliary systems, maintain logs and inventories, troubleshoot systems, and ensure vessel readiness for operations.

Serve as an Able-Bodied Seaman aboard RSC-2 and MPC-1 supporting safe vessel operations, deck maintenance, watch duties, navigation assistance, deck machinery operation, and mission readiness under officer supervision for military support missions.

Serve as Mate aboard a 114-foot Range Support Craft supporting PMRF operations. Stand watch as Officer of the Deck, assist navigation and voyage planning, lead deck evolutions (towing, small boat ops, crane, anchoring), supervise and train deck crew, coordinate maintenance and inspections, ensure regulatory and safety compliance, participate in mission planning and SOP development, and liaise with port engineering and government stakeholders.

Manage financials for government contracts including budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, billing, revenue recognition, and compliance with FAR/DCAA. Use ERP systems to run reports, automate processes, reconcile complex accounts, produce cash flow forecasts, and support audits and project profitability analysis while collaborating with project teams.

Serve as First or Second Mate on the EPA research vessel: stand watch, assist navigation, conduct safety drills, supervise deck crew, maintain deck/hull/rigging and navigational equipment, keep logs and reports, liaise with captain, port authorities, scientists, and ensure regulatory compliance.

Perform deck operations aboard a 114-foot Range-Support Craft: handle mooring/towing gear, support loading/offloading, maintain cleanliness, conduct inspections, follow USCG/Navy safety protocols, assist navigation and mission support under the Captains direction.

Provide meal service support, assist the cook, and maintain cleanliness aboard the research vessel. Duties include cabin and public-area cleaning, laundry operation, inventory management, replenishing supplies, participating in safety drills, and coordinating with ship staff to ensure smooth onboard operations and guest/crew comfort.

Perform deck maintenance and watch duties aboard EPA research vessel R/V Lake Guardian. Operate deck machinery, support scientific equipment, assist navigation and steering under supervision, and maintain vessel cleanliness and upkeep while working with scientists and crew.