Ocean Career: Oregon State University Director of Marine Operations

Marine Operations Manager

Manages the complex operation and activities of Marine Operations across OSU. Establishes the strategic direction and ensures the success of the Marine Operations organization by coordinating the development of goals and objectives that are consistent with and supportive of the mission of the university. Ensures prioritization, responsible management and use of resources, including the oversight of all marine operations-related budgets. Oversees, authors, and approves preparation of proposals and administration of grants and other sources of funding for: the operations, maintenance, and replacement of OSU research vessels, the NSF West Coast Van Pool, marine technician program, scientific diving, scientific boating, and shore support facilities.

Investigates and implements new areas of cooperation with NSF, NOAA, ONR, and other agencies, including facilitating use of ARF and charter vessels on behalf of OSU personnel and research programs such as NSF's Ocean Observatories Initiative. Manages contracts, included but not limited to, naval architects and ship design firms for contracts related to OSU Marine Operations.

Develops and continually refines strategic plans, operations, and staffing roles and responsibilities with an explicit focus on effective and efficient use of resources. Builds positive, productive, and collaborative relationship with OSU's Research community of users, partner agencies, funding agencies, and partner universities. Approves budgets; supports management team with setting funding priorities. Serves as PI, or CO-PI on federal grants and cooperative agreements.

Review and approve marketing plans. Interfaces with relevant Advisory Boards. Provides leadership and insight to UNOLS committees and research vessel operators committee. Coordinates with HMSC Facilities and Operations for building maintenance, access control, and campus logistics. Identifies and prioritizes infrastructure needs and fundraising or grant opportunities to meet strategic goals and programmatic needs. Develops universal user pathway (roadmap) for all newly centralized Marine Operations facilities and services.

Works in collaborative membership with Research Support network to provide service and access to researchers. Participates and coordinates the development of risk policies, chartering standards, and plans timelines for vessel and support facility improvements or replacements.

Serves as top level supervisor for all Marine Operations employees. Exercises hiring, performance, and disciplinary authority over direct reports. Provides leadership, supervision, and direction for assigned staff.

Participates in UNOLS committees and leadership. Maintains liaisons with Federal and State regulatory agencies, keeping up to date on regulations and laws affecting marine operations. Sits on Yaquina Bay user group, HARBOR (Hatfield and Regional Boating Organization). Oversees the development and publishing of cruise planning manual and other related policies/procedures for vessel and shore operations.

Creates and maintains an overarching OSU Marine Operations safety and security policy. Develops, implements, and maintains mandated plans for vessel operations including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandated International Safety Management (ISM) plan, Oil Spill Response Plans, and other plans required by international and US regulations. Ensures the university's vessel fleet is operated at the highest possible safety standards and in accordance with appropriate U.S. Coast Guard, Loadline, and vessel State Registration regulations at all times.

Works with colleges and Environmental Health and Safety to develop universal field safety guidelines and relevant trainings including the prevention of harassment and discrimination.

Establishes and maintains vessel chartering guidelines. Maintains risk and safety policy/services related to OSU marine operations. Oversees policies and operations ensuring security of all OSU vessel operations.

Advanced Degree in technical field such as Engineering, Oceanography, Business, Management, or related field or equivalent combination of…