Survey / Construction Operations Manager

Woolpert • San Rafael, CA

7h • Onsite

About The Position

We seek to move the world forward through innovative thinking.
Woolpert is an award-winning, global leader in architecture, engineering, and geospatial services. We blend design excellence with cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional client value. Our team is passionate about their work and committed to building the next generation of industry leaders, and as a certified Great Place to Work®, Woolpert embraces progress and innovation to create limitless opportunities for career growth.
Position Overview
Woolpert is hiring an Operations Manager to join our dynamic Hydrographic Team at our San Rafael, CA office. This position reports to the Team Lead and is responsible for overseeing vessel operators and technical staff in our San Rafael office. This role is a blend of people management and supporting day-to-day office and shop activities.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, comfortable managing a technical crew, and proactive about maintaining structure, accountability, and efficiency in a fast-moving operational environment. Hydrographic survey–specific training will be provided, making strong leadership and operational experience the most important qualifications.
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

Requirements

• Proven experience managing technical or hands-on teams (construction, marine operations, field services, manufacturing, or similar
• Strong organizational and task-management skills
• Comfortable enforcing structure, priorities, and expectations
• Ability to manage multiple moving parts without constant oversight
• Clear communicator who can give direction and follow through
• Comfortable working fully on-site in an operational environment

Nice To Haves

• Background in marine operations, construction management, field operations, or shop supervision
• Experience managing equipment inventory, logistics, or fleet assets
• Some familiarity with mechanical systems, vessels, or technical equipment (training provided as needed)
• Experience overseeing safety practices in operational or industrial environments

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of approximately 5 hydrographic and marine specialists and vessel operators.
• Coordinate vessel readiness, maintenance schedules, and upkeep in collaboration with technical staff
• Oversee office and workshop operations, including cleanliness, organization, and workflow efficiency
• Manage inventory and tracking of survey equipment, sonar systems, and field gear moving between offices and projects
• Receive, ship, label, and log incoming and outgoing equipment and packages
• Support scheduling, task delegation, and productive use of staff when not deployed on survey projects
• Lead and reinforce a strong safety culture across the office, workshop, and vessels
• Conduct and document safety briefings and safety lessons relevant to vessel operations, shop activities, and field work
• Ensure vessels, shop spaces, and office areas meet current safety standards and best practices
• Work with leadership to proactively reduce risk and prevent avoidable incidents

Benefits

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed