William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission to conduct research in coastal ocean and estuarine science, educate students and citizens, and provide advisory service to policy makers, industry and the public. VIMS provides these services to Virginia, the nation and the world.
Chartered in 1940, VIMS is currently among the largest marine research and education centers in the United States.
The Marine Operations Department at VIMS is comprised of a dedicated group of professionals whose primary function is to provide safe access to the marine environment for all students, staff, faculty and other users and to support the needs of these users as they relate to vessels, field support services, instrument fabrication, equipment repair and servicing.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer (COO), the Director of Marine Operations (DMO) is charged with oversight, strategic planning, administering, and evaluating the Institute’s vessel operations, maintenance, repair, and fabrication as well as the marine safety and diving programs. While the COO is able to provide general guidance in administrative matters, the DMO must possess specialized technical and operational knowledge, skills, and experience to effectively carry out the responsibility of managing every aspect of vessel operations. The DMO must also provide leadership, guidance, and expert recommendations for Institute-level decisions regarding marine operations, policies and procedures that ensure optimum safety, readiness, and efficiency, and effective use of resources to achieve the Institute’s goals and objectives.
The Director of Marine Operations oversees and manages all phases of the marine operation organization for the Institute including financial management, resource management, strategic planning, safety & training programs, and vessel fleet maintenance. The VIMS fleet includes 4 large vessels (Virginia (93’), Bay Eagle (64’), Tidewater (42’), & Tyndall Pointe (37’) and over 20 small vessels and trailers). The DMO provides strategic leadership in planning and implementing program services and activities for VIMS Research Fleet Operations, with an operations budget of approximately $1.7M. Overall, the Director is responsible for 16 employees (with direct reports including; the Senior R/V Captain, Finance Manager, Port Engineer, Design Manager, and Marine Safety Officer).
Core responsibilities of the position include:
- Manages the complex operation and activities of the Marine Operations unit
- Establishes the strategic direction and ensures the success of the Marine Operations unit by coordinating the development of goals and objectives that are consistent with and supportive of the mission of the Institute.
- Ensures the Institute’s vessel fleet is operated at the highest possible safety standards and in accordance with appropriate U.S. Coast Guard, Loadline, and vessel State Registration regulations at all times.
- Administers an effective preventive maintenance program, maintaining a priority system for deferred maintenance work, and implementing quality assurance programs.
- Ensures responsible management and use of Institute resources, including the development and management of all marine operations-related budgets.
- Participates in obtaining external funding for the R/V Virginia by marketing the vessel in subject appropriate publications and funding sources.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a technical field such as Engineering, Oceanography, Marine Science, Business, Management or related field or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience directly related to the position.
COMPETENCIES
- Knowledge of ship handling, marine weather, and equipment deployment and recovery to ensure the vessel is able to safely and effectively support science research missions.
- Knowledge of Federal (including those contained in the Federal Code of regulations and U.S. Coast Guard), State, and local regulations governing the operations of research vessels.
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the proven ability to lead a department in achieving operational and institutional goals.
- Strong working knowledge of supervisory principles and practices, with the ability to delegate effectively, motivate and inspire staff while fostering a culture of customer service and integrity. Proven ability to manage performance, provide feedback and mentor staff.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interface and collaborate effectively with internal human resources professionals to cultivate and maintain a culture of service, performance, and integrity, consistent with the Institute’s mission, vision, and values. Proven relationship building skills with internal and external constituencies.
- Strong presentation, oral and written communication skills with the ability to articulate and present complex issues to non-technical audiences.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize effectively, work well under pressure, and adhere to time-sensitive deadlines.
- Proficiency in a variety of software applications, with demonstrated skills in Microsoft suite software applications.
EXPERIENCE
- Supervisory/managerial position experience in a marine/vessel operations organization. Experience should include progressively responsible management experience with both professional and operations staff.
- Experience in the operation and/or management of vessel(s).
- Demonstrated experience in budget development, establishing vessel rates, and fiscal management.
Location: Gloucester, Virginia
Application deadline: April 29, 2022
