Marine Systems Faculty
Dan Linder '14 & '16 | Lead Instructor
Dan grew up in Duluth, MN near Lake Superior and always had a fascination with being on the water. Shortly after high school, he purchased his first sailboat and taught himself to sail. He became interested in learning how to fix everything on the boat so he wouldn’t have to hire someone to do repairs and upgrades he could do himself. After high school he worked full-time as the lead technician for his father’s electrical business which specialized in low voltage wiring, commercial audio and video, drive through systems, satellite installs, and other commercial electrical systems. Never one to sit idle, he also worked seasonally as a commercial fisherman in Alaska during the sockeye salmon run every summer in Bristol Bay.
After deciding to switch gears and fully pursue a career in the marine industry, he discovered IYRS. Dan graduated from the Boatbuilding & Restoration program in 2014 and the Marine Systems program in 2016. During this time, he also passed his Captain’s License exams and obtained a Master’s license with a sailing and towing endorsement. After graduating from IYRS, he worked on large-scale commercial projects including 3 new tug boats for Reinauer Transportation, the Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket ferries for the Steamship Authority, and the Governor’s Island ferry built at Blount Boats in Warren, RI.
With his electrical education and professional experience, Dan was recruited by Tesla where he spent three years before returning to IYRS to lead the Marine Systems program. Dan is an ABYC Master Technician, holding certifications for electrical, systems, and diesel. He is thrilled to be ‘back home’ at IYRS.
Greg Jones | Instructor
Originally from Fort Worth, Texas, Greg Jones brings over four decades of experience in the marine trades. He began his career by enlisting in the United States Coast Guard shortly after high school, serving for 23 years and retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer. Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Greg spent a year aboard a NOAA vessel as a Chief Engineer and then more than a decade working on large drill ships as an electrical supervisor in India.
Greg joined IYRS as a marine systems instructor during the 2021–2022 academic year. For the past six to seven years, he has worked in New England as an overhead crane technician and superintendent. He is deeply committed to sharing the expertise he’s gained throughout his career and inspiring students to pursue careers as skilled technicians.
Greg holds a journeyman electrician license in Massachusetts and has previously held a Chief Engineer license. Outside of work, he enjoys playing blues harmonica as a self-taught musician.
John Volpe | Program Assistant,
John Volpe is a seasoned instructor in Marine Systems at IYRS, bringing over 40 years of hands-on machining experience to the classroom. Having run his own machine shop, he is dedicated to equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed for success in the field.
An IYRS alum, he holds an ABYC master advisor certification in Marine Electrical, Systems, and Diesel. He also holds a US Coast Guard Master’s License.
John is an avid commercial fisherman, former President of Jamestown Striper Club, and Board Member of Dutch Island Lighthouse Society. He creates a supportive, real-world learning environment for his students.