Job Information
University of Washington PORT CAPTAIN--MANAGER OF PROGRAM OPERATIONS in Seattle, Washington
Req #: 233388
Department: OCEANOGRAPHY
Posting Date: 04/16/2024
Closing Info: Open Until Filled
Salary: $7,548-$10,850 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf) Applications received before 1 May 2024 will be given priority
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The School of Oceanography fosters continued advancement of the ocean sciences, solutions to problems of societal relevance, and public awareness of the marine environment. It is at the forefront of creating knowledge and understanding about the ocean through observation, theory, modeling and technological innovation. The School focuses on learning and discovery, equipping students with knowledge and insights, scholarly methods, scientific tools and communication skills.
The School of Oceanography promotes diversity and inclusivity among our students, faculty, staff, and public. At the University of Washington, diversity is integral to excellence. We value and honor all experiences and perspectives, strive to create welcoming and respectful learning environments, and promote access, opportunity, and justice for all. We are committed to ensuring the safety of crew members, science team, and anyone who interfaces with our research vessels. Thus, we are seeking candidates whose experiences have prepared them to fulfill our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and can engage thoughtfully with people from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
The Manager of Program Operations / Port Captain is an integral member of the shore-based management team responsible for operating the School of Oceanography’s two research vessels – the US Navy owned Global-Class R/V Thomas G. Thompson and UW owned Coastal-Class R/V Rachel Carson. These vessels are an important component of the US Academic Research Fleet - operated through the UNOLS (University National Oceanographic Laboratory System) framework - and their operation is critical to seagoing research and educational programs within the University of Washington. The Manager of Program Operations / Port Captain supervises the Research Cruise Coordinator and is the shoreside supervisor for all shipboard positions. This position manages operations for a total of 22 positions on R/V Thomas G. Thompson and up to 5 positions on R/V Rachel Carson throughout the year. The positions are filled with a mix of permanent and nonpermanent (relief) crew members who total approximately 75 at any given time. The position reports to the Manager of Marine Operations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Port Logistics – 25%
• Identify and work with ship agents in ports • Hire shore-based assets such as cranes and forklifts • Manage shipping needs with crew and scientists • Coordinate crew and scientist arrival and departures • Ensure port utilities and supplies are arranged (garbage, potable water, sewage, fuel, ships stores, etc) • Hire necessary vendors/contractors • Create and manage the in-port schedule
Crewing – 25%
• Serve as shoreside administrative supervisor for crew - both permanent and temporary positions (up to 75 positions at any given time); approve time and absence, overtime, compensatory time, etc. • Ensure both vessels are properly crewed • Maintain crew schedules / identify crew change dates • Maintain crew documents and ensure crew have proper training • Recruit / hire new crew and initiate onboarding • Plan and coordinate promotions / staffing permanent positions • Manage the USCG drug testing program and ensure compliance • Plan and organize crew arrivals and departures to include entry requirements for foreign countries • Create policy with the crew and for the crew in accordance with UW policies and procedures; update as rules, regulations and systems change • Address low to mid-level HR issues
Cruise Planning – 20%
• Work with scientists to plan their assigned cruise. Responsible for leading all in port logistics for the mobilization and demobilization of major at sea scientific expeditions. This includes coordinating the science mission needs for science parties of up to 35 scientists and technicians from various universities around the world. And coordinate the logistics and support for the arriving and departing science groups, up to 70 personnel every month. • Ensure the ship is capable of conducting the planned work and coordinate with crew to setup the deck(s) appropriately • Collect equipment information to ensure proper ship and shore support for mobilization and demobilization • Assist science party with transportation, port entry, etc.
Regulatory – 15%
• Ensure all ship documents are valid and updated • Manage and maintain vessels’ Safety Management System (SMS) which include the requirements of the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP), and the Drug & Alcohol Testing Program. • Coordinate inspections with the USCG; assist with ABS annual surveys (Port Engineer has the lead). • Conduct internal ABS office and ship audits as well as coordinate ABS external office and ship audits • Schedule meetings for and oversee the Marine Operations Safety Committee • Manage bridge equipment inspections • Ensure all inspection findings are addressed and closed • Request waivers and extensions as needed • Serves as Alternate Designated Person Ashore (DPA)
Other duties – 15%
• Coach / mentor Oceanographic Research Cruise Coordinator • Financial management: Make purchases as a procurement card holder; reconcile transactions; review and approve port costs for payment • Propose and track the annual crew training budget • In coordination with the Manager of Marine Operations, support and participate in appropriate UNOLS committees and/or activities (RVOC, Safety Committee, etc) • Oversee monthly maintenance reports
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
A bachelor’s degree in Science, Engineering, Management, Maritime Transportation or any related field) and a minimum of five years of vessel management; operations and scheduling; personnel administration. Familiarity with the various requirements of cognizant regulatory bodies (USCG, ABS) concerned with research vessel operation.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Five years experience leading or supporting complex oceanographic operations over a wide geographic range. • Fiscal management experience. • U.S. Coast Guard license as Master (any tonnage).
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Applicants must hold a U.S. passport. • Subject to drug testing per the random chemical testing program.
Application Process: The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you log into your “My Jobs” page. If you choose to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.