Director Marine Operations

PAY GRADE: 34E

CONTEXT OF POSITION:

Under limited direction of the Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy the Director of Marine Operations is responsible for the overall leadership operations and administration of the R/V HUGH R SHARP R/V JOANNE DAIBER and the small boat fleet marine operations staff and the vessels instrumentation and equipment. While the Director of the School of Marine Science and Policy is able to provide general guidance in administrative matters nearly every aspect of ship operations depends on specialized technical and operational knowledge where the Director of Marine Operations must routinely make substantial decisions in areas where no one else in the University can provide guidance.

The University is a member of the University National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) and is one of the few institutions nationwide which operates an ocean research vessel as part of the U.S. Academic Research Fleet (ARF). The R/V HUGH R SHARP (SHARP) is an advanced technology floating laboratory that supports oceanographic research funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Office of Naval Research (ONR) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and academic institutions throughout the U.S. including University of Delaware Faculty. The SHARP sails with up to 8 UD crew members and 14 scientists from user agencies or institutions. The vessels annual operating budget is generally in excess of $and is supported entirely by external funds.

Marine Operations includes up to 17 fulltime staff members and several parttime employees.

The Director of Marine Operations is in frequent contact with Federal agency program officers and researchers from various academic institutions regarding scientific missions the capability of the ship funding and administration. The Director represents the University at National meetings including serving on UNOLS subcommittees and negotiating contracts for the charter of the ship.

Decisions required of the Director of Marine Operations must be based on a strong technical and operational foundation in the fields of ship fleet operations oceanographic instrumentation maritime law naval architecture marine engineering and ship handling. Much of the work performed at sea on a research vessel is inherently risky including the use of winches and cranes to deploy instruments over the side of the ship into the dynamic ocean environment. By the very nature of oceanographic research many of these systems are experimental and have never been handled at sea before.

The Director must ensure that the operation of the ship its personnel instrumentation and equipment are smoothly integrated with the requirements of each scientific mission as determined by the Chief Scientists. The Directors activities are carried out within the often competing constraints of the ship schedule the dictates of rigorous science University and funding agency administrative procedures shipboard and laboratory safety standards and State Federal and International law.

As UDs flagship the SHARP is a primary external relations asset for the University. Each year the ship is utilized by over 100 researchers from various agencies and institutions highlighting UDs unique and significant national contribution to oceanographic research. The SHARP is also a highlight during the annual Coast Day event and tours for campus visitors and prospective sponsors.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Leads the Universitys Marine Operations which includes the R/V Hugh R. Sharp R/V Joanne Daiber Marine Operations small boats and related dock and shoreside areas; Oversees the Marine Technical Service Group / NSF East Coast Van Pool Manager.
• Coordinate closely with Federal Science Agency Ship Operations Program Managers UNOLS CEOE/SMSP Leadership and Administrators Vessel Users and Marine Operations Staff to ensure UD provides customer focused safe and proper atsea vessel support for oceanographic research and meets requirements of federal Cooperative Agreements and Awards.
• Write negotiate and execute funding proposals / awards and contracts for vessel usage and science support equipment upgrades. The $2m annual operational and maintenance costs are primarily funded through vessel usage.
• Apply strategic initiative to maintain and grow the vessel user base seek funding opportunities to upgrade the ships science capabilities to meet the evolving needs of researchers work with CEOE leadership UD Development Communications and Outreach staff to pursue strategic initiatives.
• Oversee budget formulation and tracking over multiple Service Centers formulate vessel usage rates and report issues and trends to appropriate Agency and/or UD Administrators.
• Ensure the Vessel Captains have the means to operate and maintain the vessels to U.S. Coast Guard American Bureau of Shipping NSF other Federal and UD regulations and standards.
• Manage the ships schedule and mission planning process to ensure goals can be met within constraints of the ships capabilities and science equipment crew staffing and rotation typical weather patterns personnel safety and other maritime operation factors. Coordinate closely with the ships Captain the Manager of Oceanographic Services and project Chief Scientists in mission and logistics planning.
• First line Supervisor for the SHARP Senior Captain R/V DAIBER Captain Manager of Oceanographic Services and the Business Administrator. Topline Reviewer for other Marine Operations Staff.
• Oversee the preparation and of major repair and maintenance packages. Serve in Port Engineer / contract administer role and ABS Inspector primary point of contact during shipyard periods.
• Apply formulate and update operational and administrative policies and procedures.
• Manage the R/V DAIBER and Marine Ops small boats schedule in close coordination with the DAIBER Captain and the Business Administrator. Assist the DAIBER Captain with purchasing maintenance and sailing as Mate or Relief Captain as needed.
• Assist the Manger of Technical Services with preparation and of funding proposals and NSF East Coast Van Pool responsibilities.
• Perform outreach activities to promote the unique capabilities of UD Marine Operations and educate VIPS and the public on research activities.
• Performs other jobrelated duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree preferably in Marine Science Marine Operations or Marine Engineering or a related field and ten years of experience in the operation and management of research vessel(s) or fleet management or equivalent combination of education and related experience. Masters degree preferred.
• Experience must involve regular service at sea on research vessels.
• Substantial experience with operational project management administrative and supervisory responsibilities.
• Demonstrated strong judgment skills to make timely decisions regarding operations safety prioritizing work mission planning and accomplishment personnel etc.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to effectively speak and write in a variety of situations (with Crew Federal Science Agency and University leadership Chief Scientists outreach events Shipyard Superintendents etc.; ability to effectively consolidate information into verbal or written reports briefings and successful funding proposals.
• Demonstrated leadership and strategic initiative skills to lead and evolve the operation which is unique to the University and a major oceanographic asset in the U.S. Academic Research Fleet.
• Financial acumen to plan execute track and report budgets and trends manage contracts for ship use or major maintenance and optimize use of available funding.
• Management and administrative skills to lead the operation within University and outside maritime and Academic Research Fleet regulations and policies. Create and update Marine Operations specific policies and procedures that are unique within the University.
• Ability to analyze the scientific goals of research projects with a full understanding of how the needs of the science teams relate to the capabilities of the ship.
• Knowledge of marine engineering systems and ability to prepare major work specifications and ensure the ship is maintained to a high standard.
• Experience with problem solving and multitasking in a fastpaced work environment.
• Demonstrates an understanding and consideration of the differing needs and concerns of individuals with varying identities cultures and backgrounds.
• Committed to fostering a workplace culture of belonging where diversity is celebrated and equity is a core value.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• United States Coast Guard 1600ton Masters License or equivalent qualifications from the U.S. Navy U.S. Coast Guard or NOAA uniformed services is highly preferred.