Ship Operations is seeking a Marine Superintendent. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. This position is located in Newport, Oregon.
Oregon State University (OSU) is a leading institution in marine research and education, spearheading an NSF-sponsored initiative to design and build three new Regional Class Research Vessels (RCRV). The first of these vessels, the 199-foot Taani, will be operated by OSU and homeported at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport, Oregon. Additionally, to enhance operational efficiency, OSU is centralizing its marine operations under the Division of Research and Innovation, encompassing research vessels, small boats, scientific diving, technical services, and shoreside infrastructure. This initiative presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of OSU's marine enterprise while supporting cutting-edge research and education in oceanic and freshwater environments for the broader academic community.
The Marine Superintendent holds primary responsibility for ensuring the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of OSU research vessels, to support research, education, and outreach missions. Through coordination with the Office of Marine Operations, this role oversees shore-based infrastructure and associated business processes, including scheduling, planning, regulatory compliance, maintenance, and strategic enhancements for OSU's oceanographic fleet. Reporting to OSU's Director of Marine Operations (DMO), the Marine Superintendent supervises the Port Engineer and Port Captain, while working closely with support staff. This position serves as the Designated Person Ashore (DPA) under the International Safety Management (ISM) Code, as well as the Facility Security Officer (FSO).
Beyond daily operations, the Marine Superintendent serves as co-Principal Investigator for the Ship Operations cooperative agreement and West Coast Van Pool grant, funded by the National Science Foundation. This role is instrumental in securing and managing funding for vessel and shore-based activities. In collaboration with the Office of Marine Operations, this role oversees the preparation of proposals to federal and state agencies, negotiates funding for ship operations, vessel repairs, and equipment, and fosters strategic partnerships with federal & state agencies, the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS), and OSU-affiliated research programs. Furthermore, the Marine Superintendent facilitates effective communication between ship and shore personnel, ensuring seamless integration of marine operations within OSU's broader strategic plan of Prosperity Widely Shared.
Typically requires Bachelor's degree in technical field such as ship operations, engineering, oceanography or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience in the operation and/or management of vessels. Experience with budget development, fiscal management and personnel administration.
Requirements :
Education
Bachelor's degree in a technical or maritime field, business management, public administration, or a related discipline.
Experience
3 years of experience in budget development and fiscal management for programs greater than $2M.
5 years of experience in marine personnel administration.
Experience in the operation and/or management of research vessels that are greater than 150-ft in length.
Experience in preparing and executing technical contracts and/or federal grant proposals.
Knowledge & Skills
Understanding of oceanographic research facilities and federal agency programs funding marine science.
Ability to manage complex logistics, including vessel operations, scheduling, and regulatory compliance.
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage operational challenges within complex and dynamic environments.
Commitment to equity and diversity in an inclusive setting.
Certifications & Compliance
Must possess (or obtain within 6 months of hire) a Transportation Workers Identification Card (TWIC) and a passport.
This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.
This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.
Type:
This position is located in Newport, Oregon on the Yaquina Bay. The climate of this area necessitates that the candidate has the ability and willingness to occasionally work outdoors in inclement/variable weather (including wet, windy and cold weather) and onboard research vessels. This position may require working on elevated surfaces and in confined spaces, exposure to high noise levels, and working in areas where energy control (Lock-Out, Tag-Out) is required.
Vessel operations can occur seven days per week; therefore, some weekend and holiday work may be required to meet business needs.
Some travel and driving between campuses will be required. Occasional attendance of UNOLS committees and conferences.
Oregon State is a leading research university located in one of the safest, smartest, greenest small cities in the nation. Situated 90 miles south of Portland, and an hour from the Cascades or the Pacific Coast, Corvallis is the perfect home base for exploring Oregon's natural wonders. Oregon State University has always been a place with a purpose - making a positive difference in quality of life, natural resources and economic prosperity in Oregon and beyond. Through discovery, innovation and application, we are meeting challenges, solving problems and turning ideas into reality.Founded in 1868, Oregon State is the state's Land Grant university and is one of only two universities in the U.S. to have Sea Grant, Space Grant and Sun Grant designations. Oregon State is also the only university in Oregon to hold both the Carnegie Foundation's top designation for research institutions and its prestigious Community Engagement classification.As Oregon's leading public research university, with $261.7 million in external funding in the 2011 fiscal year, Oregon State's impact reaches across the state and beyond. With 12 colleges, 15 Agricultural Experiment Stations, 35 county Extension off...ices, the Hatfield Marine Sciences Center in Newport and OSU-Cascades in Bend, Oregon, State has a presence in every one of Oregon's 36 counties, with a statewide economic footprint of $2.06 billion. Oregon State welcomes a diverse student body of over 26,000 students from across Oregon, all 50 states and more than 100 countries. They can choose from more than 200 undergraduate and more than 80 graduate degree programs, including over 30 degrees online offered through Oregon State Ecampus. Oregon State increasingly attracts high-achieving students, with nationally recognized programs in areas such as conservation biology, agricultural sciences, nuclear engineering, forestry, fisheries and wildlife management, community health, pharmacy and zoology. Oregon State also ranks high in sustainability, fourth among universities nationwide for using renewable energy and first in the Pac-12 Conference. And our students literally help power the university: 22 exercise machines at Oregon State University has always been a place with a purpose - making a positive difference in quality of life, natural resources and economic prosperity in Oregon and beyond. Through discovery, innovation and application, we are meeting challenges, solving problems and turning ideas into reality. For more information visit http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/index.cfm.The 400-acre main campus in Corvallis includes a Historic District, making Oregon State one of only a handful of U.S. university campuses listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The district includes such icons as Weatherford Hall, the Memorial Union and Benton Hall, the oldest building on the oldest building on campus.OSU commits to inclusive excellence by advancing equity and diversity in all that we do. We are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, and particularly encourage applications from members of historically underrepresented racial/ethnic groups, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, LGBTQ community members, and others who demonstrate the ability to help us achieve our vision of a diverse and inclusive community.