Working Onboard 
Scripps Ships

We need licensed merchant mariners to crew our research vessels! Want to explore the world, aid in important scientific missions AND get paid? 

Current Shipboard Openings

Per Diem Talent Pools

Crave flexibility and adventure? Join our Talent Pools for per-diem employment! There is no minimum working commitment to join and you’ll be among the first to know about future openings, last minute crewing needs, or relief work on board R/V Sally Ride and R/V Roger Revelle.

Simply apply via the links below and as openings come up throughout the year, you will be notified.

Deck Talent Pool

For Chief/2nd/3rd Mate, Able Seaman, Ordinary Seaman and Cooks

Apply

Engine Talent Pool

 For Chief/1st/2nd/3rd Assistant Engineer, Oiler and Wipers

Apply

Choosing Scripps Ships

Work/Life Balance

Rotation length and a typical work day on board

Whether you are career or per-diem, rotations are typically 2-3 months long, depending on the ship schedule and scientific mission! Want to explore during your time off? Go ahead! With advance predictable scheduling, crew typically get 2-3 months off at a time to rest, recharge, and get out on their own adventure! A typical day working onboard is 8-10 hours, with watchstanders on watch for 4 hours and off for 8. While some overtime can be expected, it is rarely mandated or necessary. 

Onboard amenities

Strong Wi-fi means you will always be connected with family and friends back home! Our talented cooks will always make sure you are fed and happy with no shortage of snacks in between. On R/V Sally Ride, all crew get their own cabin and share a head with one other crew member so you can recharge and relax in your off time.

Time off, travel and adventure

We go where science needs us! In 2023, R/V Roger Revelle is conducting research off Punta Arenas, Chile; Cape Town, South Africa; Port Louis, Mauritius; and more. R/V Sally Ride will be largely coastal in the eastern South Pacific, including San Diego, Calif., Oregon and Washington. A revised watch schedule in port means all crew have the opportunity to explore and have time off while in port. 

Career vs. Per-Diem Positions

Not sure if you want a career or per-diem position? Per-diem positions, also referred to as temporary or contract employment, offer flexibility and are a great way to try us out! Although benefits and regular scheduling are not included with per-diem employment, you can still expect a 2-3 month hitch, a great working environment and overtime eligible as needed on the vessel. Career employment on the other hand comes with predictable scheduling, UC benefits and of course that work-life balance that research vessels can provide! All documentation requirements are the same no matter how you are hired. See document requirements and more info about career and per diem employment below.

Per-Diem Positions

Crave flexibility and adventure? Join our Talent Pools for per-diem employment! There is no minimum working commitment to join and you’ll be among the first to know about future openings, last minute crewing needs, or relief work on board R/V Sally Ride and R/V Roger Revelle.

Simply apply via the links below and as openings come up throughout the year, you will be notified. Please see the postings for document and credential requirements to take advantage as they come up!

Career Positions

Looking for work-life balance, predictable scheduling and awesome benefits? Apply for a career position! They don’t come up as often so take advantage when they do. 

  • UC Benefits, including medical, dental, retirement contributions and comp time accruals
  • Rotations are typically 3 months on, 2+ months off (depending on the ship schedule)
  • Predictable Scheduling- schedules for the following year are sent out each November and updates are sent monthly in case of any changes due to the Ship schedule. Plan your life and vacations outside of work!
  • Funding is available for license renewals and upgrades, up to $6k per mariner
Required Documents (For all positions)*

  • U.S. Passport

  • Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC), 

  • Medical card

  • TWIC 

  • Proof of COVID vaccination and booster (per UCSD Policy)

  • Pre-Employment Drug Test

*See job posting for additional certifications needed

Inland Boatman’s Union

Read more here: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/b6/index.html

Hiring Contacts

Faye Shittu
Recruiter/Crew Scheduler
fshittu@ucsd.edu
(858)761-7691 (work cell)

For questions regarding employment (both per diem and career opportunities), crew scheduling, travel arrangements etc. First point of contact for all mariners at Scripps.

Human Resources
nmfhr@ucsd.edu

For questions regarding hiring paperwork, onboarding,  i-9, benefits, comp time, sick/vacation time and reimbursements

Our Research
Vessels

R/V Sally Ride

R/V Roger Revelle

R/V Robert Gordon Sproul

R/V Bob and Betty Beyster