INTERNAL POSTING - Vehicle/Equipment Repair Technician II
Charleston County, SC, USA
Posted on Oct 15, 2026
Job Responsibilities
- The primary duty of the employee in this position is to operate and maintain the main diesel engine(s), generator(s) and other shipboard systems on SCDNR-MRD's R/V Palmetto or R/V Lady Lillian, while conducting scientific research cruises in coastal, and offshore waters of South Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Hatteras to Cape Canaveral.This employee will be responsible for the safety of the vessel and all personnel on deck during operations including rigging, setting and retrieving gear. Incumbent will be responsible for ensuring proper upkeep and maintenance of all mechanical, electrical and hydraulic systems as well as deck equipment and sampling gear. This mechanic may be required to assist on other vessels of in other ways as assigned by supervisor.
Job Duties Include:- Operating main engines, generators, various pumps and motors, A/C units and hydraulic system while underway.
- Ensuring all systems are kept on line through good preventive maintenance (P/M) and parts replacement, as necessary.
- Completing extra inspections and troubleshooting when necessary to keep system functioning smoothly.
- Maintaining assigned vessel and all issued Department equipment.
- Performing routine P/M on main diesel and generator engines, generator, hydraulics, electronics, deck gear, rigging and all State issued vessel equipment.
- Preparing annual preventive maintenance program.
- Developing spec sheet for annual yard period.
- Operating all heavy deck gear, as well as supervising and instructing scientific party in the safe operation of winches, long-line reels, pot-haulers, and other heavy sampling equipment.
- Acting as chief safety officer of the deck while at sea.
- Deploying and retrieving sampling gear safely.
- Maintaining harmonious working relations with the vessel and scientific crew.
- Maintaining inventory of proper spare parts and filters for the engineering department.
- Working with the Captain to prepare overhaul specs for engines and engineering specs for yard work.
- Working with Chief Scientist to help insure that sampling gear is maintained and in proper working order, and is used properly.
- Assuring the Department and Division policies and procedures are followed at all times.
- Performing other duties as assigned by the supervisor to include but not limited to maintaining property and equipment on campus that is utilized by vessel operations or assisting other sections i.e. the Physical Plant as needed.
Minimum and Additional Requirements
A high school diploma and two (2) years of related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training or experience that would enable the incumbent to satisfactorily perform the job duties.
Maintain First Aid/CPR, a valid SC Driver's License, a Defensive/Safe Driver's Certification, IT Security training, Anti-harassment training, Workplace Safety, and forklift training.Preferred Qualifications
Extensive sea-going experience and a good command of commercial fishing and scientific collecting gear. A good, working knowledge of diesel engine operation and shipboard operations, as well as electric generators, hydraulic systems, electric motors and pumps.