Sea Education Association (SEA), http://www.sea.edu, invites applications for the permanent, fulltime position of Vessel Operations Manager. SEA is a non-profit educational institution located in Woods Hole, MA, which offers innovative and rigorous oceanography and environmental science programs on our campus and aboard our state-of-the-art sailing research vessels, SSV Corwith Cramer and SSV Robert C. Seamans in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

We are an equal opportunity employer and committed to the development of a multicultural environment.  We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates. We value input of multiple viewpoints and perspectives across the organization.  Our goal is to create an academic and working community which is rich with cultural, social and intellectual diversity.

Position Summary
The Vessel Operations Manager will play a vital role in supporting SEA’s two sailing school vessels. They will work alongside the Captains, Senior Chief Mates, Marine Operations staff, the Academic Dean, as well as the Nautical Science faculty in support of nautical science programs and overall ship operations. This position requires an individual to be able to multi-task effectively, be flexible and innovative, and possess excellent communication skills. The ability to work as part of a team is also essential to this position. The Vessel Operations Manager may also have the opportunity to sail as a Mate or Captain as needed. This position requires the flexibility to be able to meet the needs of our sailing school vessels, including frequent work during non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends) and possible international and domestic travel.
The Vessel Operations Manager reports to the Director of Marine Operations.

Primary Responsibilities
• Lead the continued advancement of SEA’s deck crew program. This will include recruiting Mates, and deckhands on board SEA’s two vessels. Working directly with Marine Staff to schedule crew for short term and long term work agreements.   Participate in Crew training planning of current and prospective Deck Crew and identifying opportunities for professional development.
• Coordinate with the sailing deck crew to ensure operations are ready for program on the Corwith Cramer and Robert C. Seamans.
• Manage SEA’s robust bosunry, safety and navigation preventative maintenance programs.
• Coordinate SEA’s deck maintenance schedule
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with a variety of regulatory, governmental, and educational institutions and agencies.

Additional Responsibilities
Supervise Senior Chief Mates in identifying and managing shipboard and shore-based schedule and expectations of role

Collaborate on the following shared responsibilities:

– Oversee updates to Deck department preventative maintenance plan for ships, including Bosun and NavCom/Safety
– Participate in planning of annual deck operations budget and oversee expenses
– Support the sailing crew to ensure all deck operations needs are met.
– Shore-based support to aid in troubleshooting, servicing, and maintaining rigging, sails, navigation equipment and safety systems
– Plan and coordinate deck portion of maintenance periods in collaboration with Marine Operations staff

• Collaborate with other Marine Operations staff to:
– Ensure timely coordination of logistics for vessel arrivals and departures and as well as other at-sea activities

• Other duties as assigned

Professional Development
The Vessel Operations Manager will have the opportunity to attend or instruct SEA’s crew training courses on campus in Woods Hole. They may also represent SEA at industry specific conferences and meetings to learn more about research and sailing vessel operations and engage with the broader community.

Position Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
• BS in Marine transportation or related field, or equivalent work experience
• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential (Master or Mate Aux. Sail minimum)
• 5-7 years of relevant supervisory experience in a professional setting
• Familiar with research vessel or sailing school vessel operations
• Working knowledge of Code of Federal Regulations
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Experience overseeing or managing staff and/or volunteers
• Experience recruiting and hiring
• Support for institution wide diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Experience communicating with federal and international government agencies
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills
• A demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, staff, students and outside agencies
• Experience teaching undergraduate level students in experiential, outdoor learning environments
This position may require the ability to work for extended periods in an area exposed to weather during day and night hours.  The position requires the ability to maintain vessel safety while executing the details of directing and teaching students.

Shipboard duties require the physical ability and agility to quickly move and react to events on deck, to access below decks (ladders and companionways are provided), to climb aloft (ladders provided), and to live and work in confined spaces.  Life at sea demands the physical, psychological, and emotional ability to adapt to a ship’s watch schedule, to work in groups or alone (sometimes in remote un-monitored spaces), to withstand extended periods of time on a moving vessel without daily access to shore resources, and in case of an emergency to perform emergency duties under adverse circumstances.

Preferred Qualifications
• Merchant Mariner Credential (Master 500GT upon Oceans, Aux. Sail, STCW)
• Familiar with shipyard operations and safety
• Familiar with SMS and vessel operations software.
• Industrial rigging certification
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR) or higher advanced medical certification, and experience as an SEA Medical Officer

Benefits and Compensation
The salary range for this position is $48,000 – $52,000, commensurate with experience. SEA offers a full benefits package which includes health, dental, vision coverage and life insurances; retirement plans; Aflac; flexible spending accounts; and generous vacation/sick/personal time and holidays.

How to apply
Please submit resume, cover letter and 3 professional references to mailto:  VOMSearch@sea.edu.  Applications will be accepted until position is filled.