Hydrographic Operations Manager - Vancouver

Overview

Hydrographic Operations Manager — Vancouver, WA

Join DEA Marine Services, a leader in hydrographic and geophysical surveying. Our team delivers accurate data using advanced technologies for charting, habitat mapping, and related marine solutions. We seek a senior manager to lead operations, program delivery, and client engagement in Vancouver, WA.

• Team & Delivery Leadership:
  Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality marine survey projects. Oversee staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation while fostering professional growth and collaboration across DEA business units. Include supervising and supporting technical and production staff, ensuring skills and resources to succeed, and driving safety, efficiency, and utilization to meet project and financial targets.
• Project Management & Client Team Leadership:
  Manage projects from planning through delivery while building trusted client relationships. Lead business development efforts with assigned clients and ensure projects meet quality standards and licensing requirements. Serve as Client Team Lead, coordinate pursuit efforts, achieve sales goals, and provide licensed oversight on projects requiring professional credentials to ensure quality and compliance.
• Technology Leadership:
  Guide selection, integration, and advancement of marine survey technologies to keep operations innovative and efficient. Collaborate with IT, project teams, and leadership to align technology investments with strategic priorities. Oversee implementation and maintenance of hydrographic survey systems and related tools; evaluate and adopt emerging solutions such as autonomous platforms and AI-enabled workflows.
• Asset & Equipment Management:
  Manage the full lifecycle of vessels, instrumentation, vehicles, and other marine assets to ensure reliability and cost efficiency. Maintain vendor partnerships and oversee warehouse operations to support seamless deployments. Implement preventive maintenance, calibration, and inventory systems to maximize utilization and ROI; track costs and utilization to inform budget planning and capital investment decisions.
• Compliance & Safety:
  Ensure operations meet maritime safety standards and regulatory requirements. Provide training, maintain certifications, and collaborate with Health & Safety teams to foster accountability and continuous improvement. Deliver and coordinate training to keep crews certified and skilled; lead incident investigations and corrective actions to uphold safety and compliance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, or a related discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in hydrographic or marine geophysical operations with proven leadership in team and project management.
• Professional Land Surveyor (or ability to obtain licensure in multiple states).
• Expertise in marine survey technologies, asset management, and operational safety standards.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in resource planning and budget alignment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams.

• Experience with autonomous survey platforms (ROVs, AUVs, USVs) and AI-enabled workflows.
• Familiarity with Coast Guard, ABYC, and other maritime compliance standards.
• National Society of Professional Surveyors – The Hydrographic Society of America Level 2 Certified Hydrographer.
• Background in preventive maintenance systems and equipment logistics.

• Comprehensive health coverage:
  Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Financial wellness:
  Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions
• Professional development:
  Support for continuing education and training opportunities
• Work-life balance:
  Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holiday Pay
• Work Schedule:
  
  Full-time onsite; may include additional hours and occasional weekends during the high season
• Retirement: 401k plan
• Wellbeing:
  Holistic Wellbeing Program focused on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities:
  Mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $120,000 - $165,000
• Salary transparency:
  The posted salary range represents typical compensation; actual pay is commensurate with experience and location.

Potential office locations include:
Vancouver, WA.