Director, Ship Operations   Email     Print   PDF

Reporting to the Vice President of Marine Facilities & Operations, is responsible for the management of all Institution research vessels.

• Has overall responsibility for the operation of the Institution's research vessels, including crewing, expenditures, maintenance, personnel and material logistics, statutory compliance and policy implementation.

• Prepares proposals for support of ship operations and for the acquisition of shipboard equipment and shipboard scientific equipment.

• Develops capital and operating budgets for vessel operations and marine shore services.

• Assists in preparing operating schedules for ships and foreign clearance where appropriate.

• Maintains liaison with federal agencies to ensure up-to-date knowledge of and compliance with applicable laws and regulations affecting vessels and/or shore-based marine services.

• Recommends and implements policies pertaining to marine personnel and vessel operation.

• Provides for adequate crewing of Institution vessels, in conjunction with the Institution's Personnel Office, as required by regulatory agencies and Institution policies.

• Develops planning needs for ship operations and acquisition of vessel and dockside equipment and facilities.

• Plans and oversees modifications, maintenance, repairs, and improvements to Institution vessels as necessary and establishes contacts with and directs efforts of consultants, engineers, contractors and vendors engaged in Institution marine projects.

• Represents the Institution at regulatory body hearings, insurance matters, and other meetings pertaining to Institution marine interests.

• Maintains records of vessel utilization, structures, and regulatory and inspecting agency compliance.

• Supervises Port Engineer, Marine Engineer, Marine Personnel Coordinator, and other Marine administrative personnel.

• Performs such other duties as the supervisor may from time to time deem necessary.

Thorough working knowledge required of oceanographic research vessels, marine operations and Coast Guard regulations as they apply to research vessels. Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering, marine engineering or related field preferred. Eight to ten years experience at sea on a merchant or military vessel as a deck or engineering officer, preferably engaged in marine research or equivalent experience in the marine industry with significant supervisory and budgetary responsibilities.