Licensed Watch Officer - Training Ship Golden Bear

Job Summary

The Licensed Watch Officer (LWO) sail and serve aboard the Training Ship Golden Bear as a Licensed Watch Officer – Deck for the 2026 summer sea term. This temporary position reports directly to the Captain of the Training Ship Golden Bear and is responsible for various watches, participating in drills, and supervising assistant watch officers in their duties.

The Office of Marine Programs at Cal Poly Maritime Academy is responsible for Waterfront Operations, the Training Ship, and Summer Sea Term. The Training Ship is located on the waterfront of the campus and sails for 60+ days during the summer.

• Must have good communication skills.
• Must be proficient in navigation and ship handling, maritime safety and emergency procedures.
• Knowledgeable of maintenance and repairs required for compliance with USCG and ABS standards.

• Good communication skills, proficient in navigation and ship handling, maritime safety and emergency procedures and knowledgeable of maintenance and repairs required for compliance with USCG and ABS standards
• Unlimited U.S. Coast Guard motor license
• All current STCW endorsements including an active medical certificate valid for STCW
• Valid TWIC card
• Valid Passport

The anticipated hiring range for this role is $8,500 - $9,000 per month. Note that the offer is calculated based on the background and relevant years of experience of the individual selected. Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees.

Cal Poly Maritime Academy is a campus of the California State University and is the only degree-granting maritime academy on the West Coast. Located on the scenic Vallejo waterfront, the campus serves a student population of approximately 1000 undergraduates and 50 graduate students.

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 provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin.

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly 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. 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 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.