DEPARTMENT: Marine Transportation
CLASSIFICATION TITLE: Maritime Vocational Lecturer
TIMEBASE/POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Non-Tenure Track
APPROXIMATE STARTING DATE: May 2026 ITINERARY: West Coast, Central, and possibly South Pacific. More details forthcoming.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: The Department of Marine Transportation of the Cal Poly Maritime Academy invites applications for our temporary positions to serve as Deck Training Officers for the 2026 Summer Sea Term. Applicants expecting to be considered for this position must complete their online application and submit requested materials. This position will remain open until filled. The trip includes the possibility of visiting international ports. Position is paid on a monthly basis and the expected duration is approximately 65 days.
Cruise Period: The operation of the TRAINING SHIP GOLDEN BEAR is primarily under management by students, with faculty and licensed officers acting in an advisory and safety capacity. First-year students perform elementary tasks, while third-year students perform the duties of ship’s officers - from loading the ship’s cargo of provisions and lighting off the plant, to navigating and providing power for the ship. Grades are assigned by faculty members based on actual performance, professionalism, and aptitude for life at sea as a licensed officer.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. Applications received by close of business day on
November 7, 2025 will receive priority consideration.
ABOUT CAL POLY MARITIME ACADEMY: Located on a compact but scenic waterfront campus in Vallejo, California (30 miles northeast of San Francisco), Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a unique and specialized campus of the 23-campus system. Serving a population of approximately 1000 undergraduate and 50 graduate students, we are one of only seven degree-granting maritime academies in the United States - and the only one on the West Coast. Cal Poly Maritime Academy offers seven baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, International Strategy and Security, Facilities Engineering Technology, Marine Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Transportation, and Oceanography. The undergraduate curriculum includes licensing programs for future merchant marine, Coast Guard, and Naval reserve officers. Cal Poly Maritime Academy also offers a Master of Science in Transportation and Engineering Management degree. Please visit our website for more information about Cal Poly Maritime Academy .
Our programs focus on intellectual learning, applied technology, leadership development, and global awareness. Cal Poly Maritime Academy students participate in training cruises aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear or other international educational experiences - gaining a unique perspective on our increasingly global culture and economy. Cal Poly Maritime Academy is committed to being a leading educational institution recognized for excellence in the business, engineering, operations, security, and policy of the transportation industries of the Pacific Rim and beyond. We are equally committed to hiring and retaining diverse and dedicated faculty and staff who lead the way in helping our students expand their knowledge and potential.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The individual in the Deck Training Officer position will be responsible for standing watches and/or instructing students. This may include instruction in radar, deck maintenance and operations, shipboard firefighting, celestial navigation, mooring, etc. Other duties will include drills, standing in port watches, and conducting lectures (all course materials provided) for assigned courses.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Current Unlimited U.S. Coast Guard license
- Current STCW endorsement including an active medical certificate valid for STCW
- Valid TWIC card
- Valid Passport
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: - Senior deck license with significant sea experience
- Experience assessing STCW competencies
- Teaching experience at the college level
- Bachelor’s degree or higher, preferably in Marine Transportation or related field
SALARY COMPENSATION:
- CSU Salary Range: $6,258 - $9,657 per month.
- Hiring salary is between $8,000 - $8,500 per month commensurate with education, experience and licensure.
BENEFITS: An excellent comprehensive benefits package is available for “qualifying” positions which includes medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances, retirement plans, fee waiver, vacation, and sick leave.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: - The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.
- A pre-employment physical is required as are subsequent USCG fitness physicals prior to each training cruise. The incumbent must participate in a random drug-screening program as required by federal law
NOTE THE FOLLOWING REGARDING THE TRAINING SHIP GOLDEN BEAR'S (TSGB) PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS :
- Work site aboard the training ship requires climbing up and down ship ladders and gangways; lifting and carrying material from pier to training ship; and occasional work in excess heat, cold, dampness or dry atmospheric conditions.
- All mariners should be capable of living and working in cramped spaces on rolling vessels, maintaining balance on a moving deck, rapidly donning an exposure suit, stepping over doorsills of 24 inches in height, opening and closing watertight doors that may weigh up to 56 pounds, pulling heavy objects, up to 50 lbs. in weight, distances of up to 400 feet, climbing steep stairs or vertical ladders without assistance, participating in firefighting and lifesaving efforts, including wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and lifting/controlling fully charged fire hoses. Extended workdays are common.
- Adherence to uniform and grooming standards is mandatory.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:
- Applicants must provide proof of US citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three days from the date of hire.
- A background check investigation (including criminal records check and drug screening) is required prior to employment. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of a current CSU employees who was conditionally offered the position.
- Applicants must submit on hire official documentation as proof of degree, license, or certificates as required.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Interested parties must apply on-line through our Cal Poly Maritime Academy Jobs website. Click “APPLY NOW” to complete and submit the Cal Poly Maritime Academy Employment Application and attach the following:
Cal Poly Maritime Academy Employment Application (required) Letter of interest Curriculum Vitae In later phases of the search, Finalist may be requested to provide the following information prior to a final campus interview: Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three letters of recommendation (professional references) Teaching evaluations (if any) Other information as needed
TITLE IX: Please view the Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator at on the CSU Title IX website.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly Maritime Academy provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Maritime Academy complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.
Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Maritime Academy, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION BACKGROUND CHECK: Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check and drug screening) is required for employment. CSU will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
NOTIFICATION: Based upon a review of applications and accompanying documents, only those persons whose qualifications best match job requirements will be interviewed. Applicants not selected for an interview will be notified only after the position closes and the successful candidate has been selected.
ELIGIBILITY TO WORK: Applicants must provide proof of U.S. citizenship or authorization to work in the United States within three days of the date of hire.
INTEGRATION: Effective July 1, 2025, the California State University Maritime Academy integrated with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, forming one academic institution operated as
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. All employment positions previously associated with California State University Maritime Academy have transitioned to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
Employment continues to be governed by California State University policies and applicable collective bargaining agreements. As we integrate our human resources and administrative systems, some materials may still display legacy Cal Maritime branding and templates.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE: Click "APPLY NOW" to complete the Cal Poly Maritime Academy Online Employment Application and attach the following documents: cover letter and resume.
DISCLAIMER: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained may be modified or changed.
Advertised: Nov 05 2025 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close:
