Managing Director, Channel Infrastructure

Port Houston•Houston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Via supporting the Chief Channel Infrastructure Officer, helps to coordinate the Channel Infrastructure Operations, Marine Regulatory, and Channel Real Property Departments to assure availability of ship channels, its tributaries, and Port Houston berths for safe movement of commerce and to coordinate projects to further develop and enhance the Houston Ship Channel (HSC).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Environmental or Natural Sciences, Planning, or related major obtained through a formal 4-year degree public or accredited private academic institution required
15+ years of related engineering, environmental, regulatory, or project management experience required
Previous experience developing and leading projects in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Previous supervisory experience required
Knowledge of the principles of project and program management
Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and guidelines that affect the planning for submerged land and adjacent industrial property uses, riparian rights, NEPA, permits, departmental manuals and special legislation
Knowledge of dredging and dredged material placement area processes
Knowledge of strategic planning
Knowledge of methods, practices and processes of surveying, remote sensing and CADD/GIS
Knowledge of professional mechanical, electrical and civil engineering concepts
Knowledge of construction methods and techniques
Knowledge of capital budget formulation, development and execution
Project management skills
Leadership and coordination skills
Computer literacy skills
Skill in analytical writing, technical report writing and public speaking.
Ability to develop and communicate sophisticated business cases.
Ability to assess work requirements and prioritize tasks.
Ability to implement and execute proper staff procedures.
Ability to supervise and lead a diverse staff of professional, technical personnel.
Ability to develop scope of work, contract conditions and requirements for projects.
Ability to interpret and apply engineering instructions, specifications and other technical reference materials.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
P.E., engineering board accreditation and/or project management certification preferred

Responsibilities

Act as a key interface with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the Houston Pilots and provides strategic advice to Port executive management.
Plans and executes federal agreements to facilitate commerce and safe navigation.
Combine business and technical acumen to support critical decisions.
Leads and oversee, via subject matter expertise, marine permit applications to assure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Conduct strategic planning for the department and revises plans to align with Port Houston goals and objectives; provide quality control and assurance processes for staff and contractor activities.
Manage professional development of department team of professionals; hire and provide training for staff, conduct performance reviews and motivate staff to perform at high standards.
Develop and maintain a cost accountability system for fees and services related to Channel Infrastructure initiatives including interactions with USACE, USCG, and Houston Pilots; advise Port management on Channel Infrastructure financing initiatives and supports implementation.
Oversee the Disposal Area Management Program (DAMP) including the operations and maintenance, scope, cost, and schedule, as well as dredged material placement needs of the USACE, Private users and Port Houston, as required as local sponsor of the Houston Ship Channel
Obtain and maintain permits from the USACE and others as required for Port Houston construction projects and maintenance dredging of Port Houston's berthing areas and channels including the necessary dredge pipeline route permits, easements and rights-of-way; ensure all permits meet needed requirements to accomplish these projects including extension of time and conditions.
Ensure continuing compliance with required marine environmental permits from federal, state, and local agencies, acting as lead point of contact with such agencies including USACE, Environmental Protection Agency, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality
Lead the preparation and review of applications for marine permits, and the modification of active permits, for all Port Houston in-water activities.
Review and comment to USACE on permit applications that may possibly affect navigation on the HSC and its tributaries.
Execute dredged material disposal agreements for the various terminal operators for the placement of dredged material in the Port Houston's dredged material areas; verify quantities and ensure proper invoicing and collection of funds by the accounting department.
Work with USACE, USCG and Houston Pilots to ensure the HSC and other federal project channels are dredged in a timely manner and maintained at the required project depth for safe navigation
Assist the other departments to the extent responsibilities overlap, in regard to engineering, planning, legislative initiatives, operations, and budgeting.
Liaises with Marine Regulatory Development Director and staff to monitor environmental compliance for all Channel Infrastructure projects; coordinate compliance with Environmental Affairs department
Coordinate work with Port Houston staff (within and outside Channel Infrastructure) to guide junior staff and technical personnel; responsible for maintaining quality standards and quality control; oversees and coordinates the design and construction phase navigation and dredging projects
Serve as the advocate and principal Port Houston official representing Port Houston to the federal government; develop and maintain positive relationships with elected officials and federal, state and local agencies related to Channel Infrastructure and channel use.
Liaise with internal colleagues for project advocacy and financing to align with project roadmap and implementation
Review invoices and verify expenses prior to approval
Act in accordance with Port Houston core values (respect, excellence, accountability, diligence, and you)
Perform other duties as required