Boat Captain

Boat Captain

Marine Services Jobs with David Evans and Associates:

At David Evans and Associates, Inc., our Marine team leads in hydrographic and marine geophysical surveying. With advanced technologies like high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, vessel-based LiDAR, and underwater imaging, we deliver precise, comprehensive data. Our commitment to accuracy, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery consistently exceeds client expectations. From precision charting to habitat mapping, we offer a wide range of innovative solutions tailored to fulfill our clients’ specific needs. Our work goes beyond current industry demands to pave the way for a more sustainable and progressive future, contributing to the advancement of marine sciences and enhancing the quality of marine life.

The Marine Services Business Unit is seeking a Boat Captain in Morgan City, LA.

DEA’s Marine Services Division is looking to hire a temporary Boat Captain with detailed knowledge of operating on the Gulf of Mexico. The Boat Captain's responsibilities will be diverse and will include safely piloting survey launches, sound judgment on weather and other safe operational decisions, adhering to all applicable USCG regulations and rules of the road, maintaining a proper watch, provision of daily safety briefs and person overboard drills, precise piloting of the survey launch along pre-planned survey lines, performing safe refueling and routine maintenance as advised by DEA Project Manager and adherence to all company policies and procedures on board as described under DEA’s Safety Management System (SMS) manual.

Work Schedule: This is a temporary position expected to continue through Summer/Fall of 2026. Schedule for this position is typically 20 days of rotating shift work on the vessel followed by 10 days off the vessel. Crew change will take place in Morgan City, LA.

What You’ll Do

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely operate and pilot 82’ survey vessel
• Navigate the Gulf of Mexico
• Follow all USCG regulations and Rules of the Road
• Maintain proper lookout and safe vessel watch at all times
• Directing and managing vessel crew (cook and deckhand/engineer) for daily tasks
• Exercise sound judgment regarding weather and operating conditions
• Conduct daily safety briefings and man-overboard drills
• Precisely follow pre-planned survey lines
• Perform safe refueling operations
• Conduct routine vessel inspections and basic maintenance
• Coordinate with hydrographers and Project Manager during operations
• Ensure compliance with DEA’s Safety Management System (SMS) and company policies
• Maintain accurate vessel logs and operational records
• Ensure safety of crew, equipment, and onboard personnel

What You Bring

Required Qualifications:

• 100-ton Merchant Mariners License
• Safety-minded and confident in operating vessels in close proximity to coastal jetties, pile dikes, marine terminals, and bridges
• Current CPR and AED training
• Strong nautical skills in vessel handling, mooring, anchoring, use of radar, and VHF radio
• Diligent in maintaining a proper watch and mindful of vessel traffic
• Team player with good communication skills
• Knowledge of weather forecasting and sound judgment on safe operational decisions
• Mechanical and organizational skills with the ability to perform regular maintenance and keep boats in safe and clean operating order
• High school diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record (CDL preferred)
• Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC)

Physical Requirements:

• Vision that allows to safe maneuvering aboard the vessel in situations that are likely to occur when a boat is in navigation night and day, year around. Depth perception must be adequate for assisting the wheelhouse personnel in navigating in close quarters, including lock or bridge approaches.
• Work in all weather conditions. Conditions are usually hot, noisy and messy. Workplaces may also be dangerous.
• Capable of stooping, bending, ascending and descending stairs or ladders safely, sometimes while transporting tools or objects.
• Ability and know how to use the emergency equipment located on the vessel.
• May be required to reach into small, poorly accessible areas of machinery; work on equipment that has pressurized or hot components; troubleshoot equipment that is difficult to reach; work in areas that have high noise levels; work below decks in an area that may experience periods of darkness in unusual situations; work in confined and restricted spaces.
• Lifting up to 75 pounds may be required.
• It is the responsibility of every DEA crewmember to report to the vessel in a timely manner, fit and ready for duty.

What We Offer

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities.
• Work-life balance: Vacation, Sick time, and Holiday Pay
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $43.00/hr.
• The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local pay transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services, please e-mail careers@deainc.com.

Potential office locations include: Morgan City, LA.