Research Vessel Operations Manager

University of Texas at Austin•Port Aransas, TX

2d•$80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Vessel Operations Manager oversees all activities related to the University of Texas at Austin’s 78-foot research vessel, the R/V Katy, and the small-boat fleet supporting education and research at the Marine Science Institute (UTMSI). The position directs day-to-day vessel operations and maintenance and plans for operational efficiency. It supervises all UTMSI Vessel Operations full-time employees and seasonal deckhands. The manager oversees vessel scheduling, reservations, contracts, insurance documentation, service orders, pricing, revenue and expenses, payroll records, purchasing, maintenance, repairs, fueling, haul-outs, and shipyard work. In coordination with the Assistant Director of Business Operations, the role manages the service center’s administrative and financial activities, budget expenditures, and budget development, and provides reports and financial data as needed. The position ensures vessels and personnel comply with applicable maritime regulations, laws, and university policies. It develops and manages safety programs, inspections, drills, and emergency-preparedness training; serves as the primary contact for emergencies involving the research vessel; and coordinates hurricane preparedness with the Assistant Director of Facilities. It also serves as the primary contact for vessel users, supports cruise planning and research and educational objectives, reports operational status to the UTMSI Director, recommends efficiency improvements, represents the unit at administrative meetings, develops and reviews vessel-use policies, and coordinates scientific-equipment purchasing and maintenance with UTMSI Scientific Staff. Work takes place in office, dockside, maintenance, and research-vessel settings, including coastal and offshore waters. The position involves regular outdoor work in variable weather and marine conditions, potential exposure to moving machinery, and physical activity such as standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting or moving equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, occasional overnight assignments, and availability outside normal hours for emergencies, maintenance issues, or severe weather. Occasional travel to shipyards, ports, and field locations may be required. The stated salary is $80,000 or more, depending on qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a four-year college or university and at least five years of experience in management or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
U.S. Coast Guard Master’s or Operator license (100-ton or greater), equivalent vessel command experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities in business strategy and acumen, professional knowledge and application, business execution, communication, relationship management, and leadership.
Ability to meet applicable maritime safety regulations, institutional policies, and personal protective equipment requirements.
Ability to perform physical activities including standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting or moving equipment up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Availability for variable work schedules that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, occasional overnight assignments, and response outside normal hours for emergencies, maintenance issues, and severe weather.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in a business-related field from a four-year college or university.
At least two years of experience in vessel operations management.

Responsibilities

Direct and manage UTMSI Vessel Operations, including oversight of the research vessel fleet and maintenance of small and trailerable vessels.
Manage vessel scheduling in Momentus, pricing, inquiries, reservations, contracts, insurance documentation, service orders, invoicing preparation, expenses, revenue, charter rates, and vessel-based personnel time records.
Coordinate purchasing, vessel maintenance and repairs, fueling, annual haul-outs, and contracted shipyard maintenance.
Provide financial data and reports to the Assistant Director of Business Operations; oversee departmental budget expenditures and participate in budget development.
Supervise vessel captains and operations personnel, including mates, deckhands, marine technicians, the Outboard Mechanic, and Boat Operator; assign duties, approve timesheets and time-off requests, conduct annual performance reviews, and manage staffing and employee performance.
Ensure vessel personnel meet applicable USCG licensing and regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency.
Ensure the UTMSI Vessel Fleet and personnel comply with the United States Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, federal and state laws, and university and departmental policies.
Coordinate hurricane preparedness with the Assistant Director of Facilities.
Develop and manage safety programs, inspections, drills, and emergency-preparedness training; serve as the primary emergency-response contact for the UTMSI research vessel.
Serve as the primary contact for UTMSI personnel, external researchers, and other vessel users regarding scheduling, cruise planning, and vessel capabilities.
Report vessel operations status to the UTMSI Director, recommend operational-efficiency improvements, and represent vessel operations at routine administrative meetings.
Develop and review departmental policies for safe and effective use of UTMSI vessels.
Coordinate purchase and maintenance of research-vessel scientific equipment with UTMSI Scientific Staff.
Perform other duties as assigned.