Research Vessel Operations Manager

Job Posting Title:
Research Vessel Operations Manager
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Hiring Department:
Marine Science Institute
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Position Open To:
All Applicants
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Weekly Scheduled Hours:
40
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FLSA Status:
Exempt from FLSA
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Earliest Start Date:
Immediately
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Position Duration:
Expected to Continue
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Location:
PORT ARANSAS, TX
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Job Details:
Purpose
This position oversees and manages all activities related to the new 78-foot research vessel at the University of Texas at Austin, the R/V Katy, and the small boat fleet that supports education and research at UTMSI. This position directs personnel in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of UTMSI's small-boat fleet and manages planning to ensure the department's operational efficiency.
Responsibilities
Directs and manages all activities within UTMSI Vessel Operations, including oversight of the research vessel fleet and maintenance of UTMSI’s small/trailerable vessels.
Works with the Assistant Director of Business Operations at UTMSI to manage all financial and administrative tasks for the Vessel Operations service center, including scheduling vessels in the UT-MSI reservation system, Momentus; establishing pricing structures; responding to inquiries; confirming reservations; managing and collecting contracts and required insurance documentation; and adding service orders to ensure invoicing is ready for Finance and Administrative staff. Tasks also included tracking and monitoring expenses and revenue; reviewing charter rates; maintaining payroll time records for vessel-based personnel; purchasing materials for vessel operations in coordination with the UTMSI Buyer; coordinating maintenance and repairs; fueling; and coordinating annual haul-outs and contracted shipyard maintenance. Provides the Assistant Director of Business Operations with reports and financial data as needed. Oversees departmental budget expenditures and participates in budget development in coordination with the Assistant Director of Business Operations.
Supervises vessel captains and operations personnel, including mates, deckhands, marine technicians, the Outboard Mechanic, and Boat Operator. Approves timesheets and time-off requests, conducts annual performance reviews, assigns duties, and manages staffing and employee performance. Ensures vessel personnel meet applicable USCG licensing and other regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
Ensures the UTMSI Vessel Fleet and personnel maintain compliance with the United States Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, federal and state laws, and university/department policies.
Coordinates with the Assistant Director of Facilities for hurricane preparedness.
Develops and manages safety programs for UTMSI Vessel Operations, including regular safety inspections, drills, and emergency-preparedness training for vessel personnel; serves as the primary point of contact for emergency response involving the UTMSI research vessel.
Serves as the primary point of contact for UTMSI personnel, external researchers, and other vessel users regarding ship scheduling, cruise planning, and vessel capabilities, providing responsive customer service to support research and educational objectives.
Provides the UTMSI Director with reports on vessel operations status, recommends improvements to operational efficiency, and represents the vessel operations unit at routine administrative meetings. Develops and reviews departmental policies related to the safe and effective use of UTMSI vessels. Performs other duties as assigned.
Oversees the purchase and maintenance of scientific equipment for the research vessel in coordination with UTMSI Scientific Staff.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages and supervises all UTMSI Vessel Operations full-time employees and seasonal deckhands.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a four-year college or university and at least five years’ experience in management or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s or Operator license (100-ton or greater), or equivalent vessel command experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in a business-related field from a four-year college or university and at least two years of experience in vessel operations management.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA):
Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to the root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes, and measures.
Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills in order to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeks development opportunities for both self and the team.
Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions, and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to escalate issues or seek help.
Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of various audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.
Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customers’ decisions through effective relationships, trust and credibility.
Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources, and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable, and recognizes successes.
Salary Range
$80,000+ depending on qualifications
Working Conditions
The Marine Operations Supervisor works in office, dockside, maintenance, and research vessel environments. The position requires regular outdoor work under variable weather conditions, including exposure to heat, humidity, wind, rain, and marine environments. Duties may involve working aboard vessels in coastal and offshore waters, exposure to moving machinery and equipment, and physical activities including standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work schedules may vary according to operational requirements and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight assignments. The position may require availability outside normal working hours to address vessel emergencies, maintenance issues, and severe weather events, including hurricanes. Occasional travel to shipyards, ports, and field locations may be required. Compliance with applicable maritime safety regulations, institutional policies, and personal protective equipment requirements is essential.
Required Materials
Resume/CV
3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
Letter of interest
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for su