This posting is for an alternate. The selected candidate for this role will only be officially hired should the already identified primary candidate be deemed unfit for deployment or withdraw from consideration.
Leidos is in search of a talented Marine Technician to join the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) team. The Winter Marine Technician acts as the most senior professional mariner on Station, and as such, advises Station Management on all aspects of Marine Operations. The Winter Marine Technician duties include overseeing and assisting in the operation and maintenance of a fleet of fifteen active small boats, plus a number of reserve vessels and overseeing and executing all aspects of maritime training and safety for Station residents.
*** Deployment to Antarctica is required in this role. Deployment length is expected to be for 6 months, starting in late March 2025. The candidate in the position must complete the physical and dental examinations required by the NSF for deploying to Antarctica. ***
Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.
Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.
If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading!
About the Antarctic Support Contract:
Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:
Vision: Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.
Mission: To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.
Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines. The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.
To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract, click here.
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The Challenge:
Advise Station Management regarding various marine oriented concerns.
Capability and willingness to mentor and provide advanced training to Station Staff.
Operates and maintains a fleet of an average of fifteen active small boats, including inflatable boats and outboard motors.
Operates vehicles and equipment to launch and recover the small boats via trailer.
Maintenance areas include, but are not limited to: inboard diesel, hydraulics, outboard motors, inflatable boats, and rigid hull inflatables, including proper inventory and tracking of spare parts.
Designs and implements training and oversite for station personnel in marine safety. This may include: basic seamanship, dead reckoning and electronic navigation, radio protocol, small boat handling, creating a float plan, rough weather operations, sea ice operations, vessel safety, cold water survival, deployment of oceanographic systems, trailering vessels, procedures for conducting operations in remote settings, and other topics as needed.
Leads the Ocean Search and Rescue (OSAR) team. Conducts and documents monthly drills and training.
Maintains records of daily operations including vessel logs, situation reports, fuel usage, equipment maintenance, vessel launch/recovery, and turnover reports.
Prepares and maintains documentation for Palmer Station boating operations, including JHA’s and Standard Operating Procedures.
Maintains stock and records of extensive spares inventory in order fully support the scientific program.
Recommends to Marine Technical Services Manager or designee equipment and supply needs or problems.
May involve off-ice TDY to provide planning and expertise regarding the small boat fleet.
Performs timely inspections of safety, lifesaving, firefighting and other emergency equipment.
Responsible for the safety and cleanliness of various shop areas.
Must participate in community programs, such as “house-mouse” (chores), “daisy-picking” (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & community meetings.
This position requires heavy lifting and strenuous physical activity both indoors and outdoors.
Performs other duties as required.
What Sets You Apart:
USCG Captain’s OUVP license
Minimum six (6+) years of experience acting as a vessel Captain, or in senior engineering/systems design role.
Two (2+) of the six (6+) years’ experience must be in maintaining small vessel systems and hulls, or equivalent.
Experience in commercial marine operations such as merchant marine, fisheries, or boatyards
Demonstrated experience with coastal navigation, electronic navigation, and dead reckoning
Experience training others in small vessel operation
Demonstrated leadership skills in vessel scheduling, maintenance, and operation
Ability to mentor and provide advanced training to station staff, and scientists
Comprehensive knowledge of small vessel operation, trailering, troubleshooting and maintenance
Proven ability to repair and troubleshoot engines and/or machinery including 4-stroke outboards, diesel, and inflatables
High level independent problem-solving and multi-tasking skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be able to facilitate challenging situations and communicate effectively across various stakeholders
Must be willing and able to lift and move items, parts, assemblies, and equipment up to the safety regulation maximum as required by the position.
Must be willing and able to perform physical activities including heavy lifting, climbing in and out of equipment, crawling, and working outdoors in extreme cold as required by the position.
Must participate in community programs, such as “house-mouse” (chores), “daisy-picking” (cleaning-up around the station), recycling efforts & safety objectives.
You Might Also Have:
USCG 25-ton (or higher) Captain’s license
Experience working on vessels with customers and/or students
Prior research vessel support experience
Experience working at Palmer Station Boathouse
Knowledge of Palmer Station Basin
Emergency Medical Technician, offshore or field medic training
College level coursework in marine or a science-related field
High-latitude experience is a plus
Experience transporting, handling, deploying and retrieving oceanographic sampling equipment
Must Possess a Valid Driver’s License issued in the United States
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For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.