Chief Ocean Operations & Safety Leader

Lindblad Expeditions; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Travel benefits

Voyage of Discovery trips for staff

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

Lindblad Expeditions seeks a Director of Marine Operations to lead safe, compliant and efficient fleet operations. You will oversee Captains, drive navigational standards, and manage budgets while partnering with Compliance, Training and Port Operations to support exceptional guest experiences.

The role emphasizes safety, risk management, and continuous improvement across shipboard practices, with extensive travel to vessels and projects. Hybrid schedule available in Seattle and New York.

Qualifications

• Unlimited Master Mariner license or equivalent senior maritime operational experience.
• At least 10 years of progressive maritime leadership experience.
• At least five years of shoreside marine operations management experience.
• Knowledge of SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM/ISPS, STCW, and Maritime Labour Convention.
• Experience applying SMS, navigational standards, risk assessments, incident investigations.

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise Captains; provide operational guidance and follow-up.
• Establish bridge and deck practices including passage planning and risk assessment.
• Review voyage plans; assess feasibility, port requirements, weather and remote-area support.
• Coordinate responses to disruptions; escalate unresolved risks to VP.
• Lead or support safety programs and emergency preparedness; ensure compliance.

Skills

Master Mariner license

Maritime leadership

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Unlimited Master Mariner license

Tools

Microsoft Office

Maritime management systems

Job description

Lindblad Expeditions seeks a Director of Marine Operations to lead safe, compliant and efficient fleet operations. You will oversee Captains, drive navigational standards, and manage budgets while partnering with Compliance, Training and Port Operations to support exceptional guest experiences.

The role emphasizes safety, risk management, and continuous improvement across shipboard practices, with extensive travel to vessels and projects. Hybrid schedule available in Seattle and New York.