Chief Engineer

United States
Fleet Management – Technical /
Full-Time /
On-site
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is the pioneer in the Expedition Travel space, from taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, to opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, to leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, to launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004. Now taking nearly 25,000 guests per year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 16 ships, we do whatever it takes to ensure our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Chief Engineer as a team leader is responsible for maintenance, operation, and repair of all vessel systems onboard ships. (Electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, HVAC & refrigeration) The Chief Engineer works and supervises the Assistant Engineers.


The Chief Engineer works 12 hours per day: approximately 6 weeks on, 6 weeks off rotational schedule.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Repair and Maintenance

    • Maintains the ship in a state of readiness at all times.
    • Operates and maintains the ship’s propulsion system.
    • Operates and maintains the electrical generation and distribution system, including emergency power.
    • Operates and maintains potable water and auto chlorination system.
    • Operates and maintains black water/gray water/waste tanks, treatment, and testing program.
    • Operates and maintains HVAC and refrigeration systems.
    • Performs repairs of galley equipment.
    • Monitors and ensures completion of all deficiencies noted in Cabin Maintenance Notebook.
    • Oversees all bunkering and waste discharge operations, and ensures safety and environmental compliance.
    • Maintains a log of all fuel, water, waste water, oil, and other fluid levels, and regularly reports total quantities to the Captain. Submits Voyage Logs to the company office at the end of each cruise or transit.
    • Oversees and maintains all systems, including engineering, deck, and hotel by following preventative maintenance program on daily, weekly and monthly basis with the support of the Engine Mechanic and Assistant Engineer.
    • Maintains the onboard IT, audio visual, and Public Address systems with the assistance of the company IT department and the Electrical Superintendent.
    • Participates in shipyard activities, working closely with the US Coast Guard and ABS inspectors to ensure regulatory compliance.
    • Assists with mooring the vessel, loading stores, and other port operations as requested.

    • Supervisory:
    • Directly supervises the Engine Mechanic.
    • Assigns tasks to the Engine Mechanic and Assistant Engineer.
    • Monitors and counsels work performance of the Engine Mechanic and Assistant Engineer throughout the year and conducts annual written performance evaluations.
    • Trains all new and relief Chief Engineers, Engine Mechanics, and Assistant Engineers.


    • Administrative:
    • Keeps vessel maintenance records, inventories and voyage status reports. Makes proposals for maintenance and repair projects.
    • Maintains up to date logs for all equipment, and uses NSE to track planned and unplanned maintenance.
    • Creates material requisitions in NSE, and uses NSE to log their arrival to the vessel.
    • Communicates with the Ship Superintendent on a weekly basis.
    • Operates onboard computer using standard and customized software applications.
    • Prepares thorough turnover notes for the relieving Chief Engineer, and completes a turnover discussion before disembarking.
    • Oversees compliance with the annual operating budget, inventory, and requisitions regarding equipment maintenance under the guidance of the Ship Superintendent.

    • Safety and Security:
    • Follows company safety and pollution prevention policies and procedures and will request supervisory assistance/guidance when necessary.
    • Conducts periodic inspections to ensure that crew observe regulations pertaining to safe vessel operation.
    • Prepares the vessel for all U.S. Coast Guard dry docks and other inspections in conjunction with the Ship Superintendent.
    • Participates in shore side training as required by the company.
    • Maintains familiarity with the ISM Code and requirements.
    • Maintains familiarity with all duties under the company Safety Management System, including Emergency Response activities.

DESIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

    • To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    • Maritime Engineering School Graduate in good standing and/or a Designated Duty License, or equivalent, preferred.
    • 2 years experience as Engineer on 100-ton vessels preferred.
    • Strong knowledge of diesel propulsion and electrical generating systems. Should also have knowledge of support systems such as fuel centrifuges, pneumatics, pumps, hydraulics, water makers, hotel systems, plumbing, refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning.
    • Proficient user of computer systems, with the ability to utilize MS software applications in a Windows environment.
    • Ability to analyze and interpret drawings.
    • Professional demeanor; ability to use appropriate levels of tact and courtesy.
    • Must be a self-starter, able to handle multiple tasks, work with little supervision and work in confined spaces.
    • Strong time management skills; able to handle multiple tasks, set priorities and meet deadlines.
    • Crisis management; work well under pressure, act quickly and decisively using sound judgement.


    • Communication Skills:
    • The Chief Engineer will have some guest contact and must be professional and have the ability to present information and respond to questions. Ability to read, analyze and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Must be able to provide concise and clear reports as required.

Licenses/Certificates

    • DDE 4000 preferred.
    • Current First Aid/CPR certification required.
    • Valid TWIC card required.
    • Valid US Passport required.
    • STCW Basic Safety Training required.
    • STCW Crowd Management preferred.
    • Advanced Fire Fighting Certification preferred

What We Offer

    • Target base salary for this role based on experience and vessel: $412 - $490 daily rate + bonus
    • Vacation Pay (10% of the daily rate for each day worked)
    • 7 Paid Holidays
    • Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision 
    • 401(k) plan with employer match 
    • Room and board when scheduled
    • Travel Day Pay
    • Travel Expenses Paid
    • Travel benefits for employees and their family 
    • Uniforms Provided
    • Training Opportunities
    • Short Pay
    • Emergency Coverage Pay
OUR BENEFITS
• Travel benefits for employees and their family 
• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests  
• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision  
• 401(k) plan with employer match  
• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care  
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit  
• 7-8 Paid Holidays
• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
• Parental Leave
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
• Pet Insurance discount

Communication Skills 
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos.   Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor. 
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear.  The employee will also be required to write and type.  The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.  

COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.

For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.

Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.