Director of Marine Operations

Oregon State University, United States

Updated: about 10 hours ago
Location: Newport News, VIRGINIA
Deadline: 18 Jul 2024

Position Details
Position Information


Department Hatfield Marine Sci Ctr (RMS)
Position Title Administrator 1-Marine Ops
Job Title Director of Marine Operations
Appointment Type Professional Faculty
Job Location Newport
Benefits Eligible Full-Time, benefits eligible
Remote or Hybrid option?
Job Summary
The Hatfield Marine Science Center is seeking a Director of Marine Operations. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position.

Oregon State University is a world class marine research and education institution with marine-related programs and facilities spread across six colleges and two campuses (Corvallis and Newport). OSU is leading a NSF-sponsored program to design and build three new Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV), the first of which, the 199-foot Research Vessel (R/V) Taani, will be operated by OSU from Newport. OSU’s Marine Operations assets also include the 84-foot converted fishing trawler R/V Pacific Storm, and the R/V Elakha, a 54-foot coastal research vessel. OSU has small boat and scientific diving programs that are broad in scope (including marine and freshwater environments). OSU’s Marine Operations facilities are based in Newport at the Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) and in close proximity to the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Operations Center – Pacific (MOC-P). Home port for three NOAA ships and support center for all NOAA’s Pacific fleet. OSU facilities currently include dockage capable of supporting up to two regional, ocean or global class research vessels, as well as a separate dock for the R/V Elakha, and ca. 9400 sq ft of shops, staging, and office space.
Hatfield is a 49-acre coastal research campus that has operated in Newport for over 60 years. The Hatfield enterprise employs a mix of over 450 state and federal professionals and hosts over 460 students annually for hands-on research and experiential instruction. In addition to OSU faculty and staff, HMSC is an oceanographic research base for five state and federal research agencies including: NOAA, USEPA, USDA, USF&W, ODFW as well as ships and faculty from partner universities. Hatfield facilities include laboratories supplied by seawater (over 1 million gpd), a small boat storage area, shops, and an Innovation lab (iLab) outfitted with prototyping and fabrication tooling and machinery focused on marine instrumentation development and testing. Other ocean enterprise programs operated by OSU in proximity to HMSC include PacWave (an open ocean facility for the testing of wave energy conversion devices) and the NSF-funded Ocean Observatories Initiative Endurance Array (both operated by the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences).
Under the leadership of the Director of Marine Operations (DMO), the Office of Marine Operations (“marine” here and throughout pertains to ocean and freshwater) provides centralized, coordinated, and facilitated oversight of OSU’s owned and operated ships, mid-sized vessels, marine technician services, scientific boating, and scientific diving programs including marine-related field and vessel operations safety policy, trainings, guidelines for chartering non-OSU vessels, vessel acquisition, and maintaining a full inventory of vessels and related equipment. The office of Marine Operations includes centralized support of scheduling, billing, communication, operation, researcher coordination, regulatory compliance, and maintenance, repair, and enhancement of the oceanographic research vessels and shore-side facilities.
Working with the Marine Superintendent and other program leads, the DMO determines required funding levels to support vessel and shore-based operations and prepares, reviews and approves proposals to Federal agencies to augment that funding. This may include building relationships with foundations and private donors to support fellowships, and student scholarship programming. The DMO serves as the Principal Investigator (or co-PI) for multiple Federal Grants, including NSF support for operations of the Academic Research Fleet (ARF) through OSU. The DMO serves as a liaison with federal agencies and is responsible for strategic direction of OSU personnel associated with the broad scope of OSU marine operations, including and importantly in the context of effective and efficient use of resources, personnel, and assets in cross-cutting ways. The DMO fosters a culture of collaboration and effective communications amongst all ship and shore-based personnel, including awareness, institutional representation, and service in national efforts for ocean advocacy to renew the US academic fleet. The DMO is also responsible for maintaining good working relationships with federal agency partners and directors at other oceanographic institutions and within the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) council.
With a priority on research support, Marine Operations is a customer service/client supported unit where each employee understands the mission to assist research faculty, staff and students in meeting their requirements of safe and compliant access to the marine environment, as well as ensure facilities support for vessels and crew from other institutions docked at OSU’s pier. The DMO must appreciate and support OSU’s mission and vision, while engaging University leadership to improve its operating efficacy. The DMO shall identify and bring forth new ideas and opportunities enhancing the mission of Marine Operations and be able to encourage positive change in a shared governance environment.
The DMO reports to OSU’s Division of Research and Innovation through the Associate VP for Marine Research Operations (based at Hatfield) and serves as a member of the AVP’s leadership team. The DMO is responsive to the guidance provided by the Marine Operations Advisory Board. The DMO must be a strategic visionary with strong leadership skills and the proven ability to effectively foster a culture of superior team performance, customer service, accountability, and integrity.
Why OSU?
Working for Oregon State University is so much more than a job!
Oregon State University is a dynamic community of dreamers, doers, problem-solvers and change-makers. We don’t wait for challenges to present themselves — we seek them out and take them on. We welcome students, faculty and staff from every background and perspective into a community where everyone feels seen and heard. We have deep-rooted mindfulness for the natural world and all who depend on it, and together, we apply knowledge, tools and skills to build a better future for all.
FACTS:
• Top 1.4% university in the world
• More research funding than all public universities in Oregon combined
• 1 of 3 land, sea, space and sun grant universities in the U.S.
• 2 campuses, 11 colleges, 12 experiment stations, and Extension programs in all 36 counties
• 7 cultural resource centers that offer education, celebration and belonging for everyone
• 100+ undergraduate degree programs, 80+ graduate degrees plus hundreds of minor options and certificates
• 35k+ students including more than 2.3k international students and 10k students of color
• 217k+ alumni worldwide
• For more interesting facts about OSU visit: https://oregonstate.edu/about
Locations:
Oregon State has a statewide presence with campuses in Corvallis and Bend, the OSU Portland Center and the Hatfield Marine Science Center on the Pacific Coast in Newport.
Oregon State’s beautiful, historic and state-of-the-art main campus is located in one of America’s best college towns. Corvallis is located close to the Pacific Ocean, the Cascade mountains and Oregon wine country. Nestled in the heart of the Willamette Valley, this beautiful city offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a river perfect for boating or kayaking and an eclectic downtown featuring local cuisine, popular events and performances.
Total Rewards Package:

Oregon State University offers a comprehensive benefits package with benefits eligible positions that is designed to meet the needs of employees and their families including:
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Basic Life. OSU pays 95% of premiums for you and your eligible dependents.
• Free confidential mental health and emotional support services, and counseling resources.
• Retirement savings paid by the university.
• A generous paid leave package, including holidays, vacation and sick leave.
• Tuition reduction benefits for you or your qualifying dependents at OSU or the additional six Oregon Public Universities.
• Robust Work Life programs including Dual Career assistance resources, flexible work arrangements, a Family Resource Center, Affinity Groups and an Employee Assistance Program.
Future and current OSU employees can use the Benefits Calculator to learn more about the full value of the benefits provided at OSU.
Key Responsibilities
50%-Business Operations and Leadership:
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.


20%-Personnel Management:
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.
15%-Stakeholder Management:
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.
15%-Health, Safety, and Environment:
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.
What You Will Need
  • Advanced Degree in technical field such as Engineering, Oceanography, Business, Management, or related field or equivalent combination of education and training in a relevant professional industry or military service role.
  • Demonstrated success in marine operations management in a complex scientific and technical organization.
  • Extensive (5-7+ years) experience in a senior management role, preferably within a public institution or university.
  • Professional experience or professional certification in two of the following areas: risk management planning, financial analysis, and capital planning.
  • Experience in leading negotiations at university, state, national and international level.
  • Experience in conflict management.
  • Expert skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations.
  • Possess broad knowledge and awareness of science and scientific issues across the ocean sciences.
  • Knowledge of the organization and operation of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF) and University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS).
  • Advanced knowledge of technical support of marine operations and their critical application in science mission objectives.
  • Professional knowledge and experience with research small boat safety, pier management, and complexities of research diving programs.
  • Demonstrated sea-going experience on oceanographic research ships.
  • Experience in the preparation and execution of technical contracts and/or proposals for federal grants in excess of $3M.
  • Demonstrated experience with national oceanographic research programs being underwritten by Federal agencies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to equity in a multicultural setting and to advancing the participation of diverse groups and supporting diverse perspectives.
  • Strong presentation, oral and written communication skills with ability to articulate and present complex issues to non-technical audiences.
  • Must be able to pass a Federal background check and be issued a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC)


This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
What We Would Like You to Have
  • Ph.D. in technical field such as Engineering, Oceanography, Business, Management, or related field.
  • Experience with scientific or technical leadership at sea.
  • Experience working on research vessels, and with small boats, scientific diving programs engaged in research activities.
  • Experience managing a technical staff.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with the various requirements of applicable regulatory bodies concerned with research vessel operations.
  • Knowledge of International Safety Management.
  • Experience in the management of Federal Cooperative Agreements and Grants.
  • Experience with Vessel Computer-based Maintenance Management Systems (i.e. NS5)
  • Familiarity with small-boat operation and Scientific Boating Safety Association (SBSA) standards.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and experience with scientific diving operations in accordance with American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) standards.
  • CPR and First Aid certification.
  • Knowledge of university priorities in student engagement and experiential learning
  • Proficiency in a variety of software applications, with demonstrated skills in Microsoft suites.
Working Conditions / Work Schedule
This position is located in Newport, Oregon on the Yaquina Bay. The climate of this area necessitates that the candidate has the ability and willingness to occasionally work outdoors in inclement/variable weather (including wet, windy and cold weather) and on-board research vessels. This position may require working on elevated surfaces and in confined spaces, exposure to high noise levels, and working in areas where energy control (Lock-Out, Tag-Out) is required.
Some travel between campuses will be required. Occasional attendance of University -National Oceanogrpahic Laboratory Systems (UNOLS) committees and conferences.
Pay Method Salary
Pay Period 1st through the last day of the month
Pay Date Last working day of the month
Recommended Full-Time Salary Range Salary is commensurate with skills, education and experience.
Link to Position Description
https://jobs.oregonstate.edu/position_descriptions/155218

Posting Detail Information


Posting Number P08133UF
Number of Vacancies 1
Anticipated Appointment Begin Date 11/01/2024
Anticipated Appointment End Date
Posting Date 06/03/2024
Full Consideration Date
Closing Date 07/18/2024
Indicate how you intend to recruit for this search Competitive / External - open to ALL qualified applicants
Special Instructions to Applicants
When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:
1) A resume/CV; and
2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.
You will also be required to submit the names of at least three professional references, their e-mail addresses and telephone numbers as part of the application process.
For additional information please contact: Mark Farley at [email protected] or 541-207-5283.
OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.
OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. This job has “critical or security-sensitive” responsibilities. If you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU’s Employee and Labor Relations team at [email protected] .

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