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 vessel’s 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 vessel’s annual operating budget is generally in excess of $2,000,000 and is supported entirely by external funds.

Marine Operations includes up to 17 full-time staff members and several part-time 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 Director’s 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 UD’s 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 UD’s 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 University’s 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 at-sea 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 ship’s 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 ship’s schedule and mission planning process to ensure goals can be met within constraints of the ship’s capabilities and science equipment, crew staffing and rotation, typical weather patterns, personnel safety and other maritime operation factors. Coordinate closely with the ship’s 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. Top-line Reviewer for other Marine Operations Staff.
• Oversee the preparation and execution 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 execution 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 job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s 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. Master’s 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 fast-paced 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 1600-ton Master’s License or equivalent qualifications from the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, or NOAA uniformed services is highly preferred.

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