Research Vessel Operations Manager

The University of Texas at Austin•Port Aransas, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Vessel Operations Manager oversees 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 UTMSI. The role directs daily vessel operations and maintenance and manages planning to support operational efficiency. It oversees fleet activities, financial and administrative processes, budgets, personnel, regulatory compliance, safety programs, user services, and scientific equipment purchases and maintenance. The manager works with UTMSI business, facilities, and scientific staff and reports operational information to the UTMSI Director. The position supervises full-time Vessel Operations employees and seasonal deckhands. Work takes place in office, dockside, maintenance, and research-vessel environments, with regular outdoor work in variable weather and marine conditions. Duties may involve coastal and offshore vessel work, moving machinery, and physical activities such as standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Schedules may vary and include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight assignments. Availability outside normal hours may be needed for emergencies, maintenance issues, and severe weather, including hurricanes. Occasional travel to shipyards, ports, and field locations may be required. Compliance with maritime safety regulations, institutional policies, and personal protective equipment requirements is essential.

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.

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