Research Vessel Operations Manager

The University of Texas at Austin; Port Aransas (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin’s Marine Science Institute seeks a Research Vessel Operations Manager to oversee the UTMSI vessel fleet, small-boat operations, and related budgeting and scheduling. The role coordinates with the Assistant Director of Business Operations and leads vessel personnel to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations in support of research and education.

Responsibilities include pricing, contracts, maintenance planning, safety training, and reporting to UTMSI

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field and 5+ years’ management experience, or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Directs and manages UTMSI Vessel Operations activities, including vessel fleet oversight and maintenance.
• Manages financial/administrative tasks for Vessel Operations, scheduling, pricing, contracts, and insurance docs.
• Oversees budget expenditures, payroll records, purchasing, maintenance, and safety programs.
• Supervises vessel crews and approves timesheets, conducts performance reviews, and staffing decisions.
• Ensures compliance with USCG licensing and regulatory requirements and safety standards.
• Develops and reviews vessel policies and emergency preparedness procedures.

Skills

Vessel operations management

Budgeting & financial oversight

Staff supervision

Safety & regulatory compliance

Operations planning

Leadership & communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business-related field

Tools

UTMSI reservation system

Payroll & purchasing processes

Job description

Job Posting Title: Research Vessel Operations Manager

Hiring Department: Marine Science Institute

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: PORT ARANSAS, TX

Job Details

Purpose This position oversees and manages all activities related to the new 78-foot research vessel at the University of Texas at Austin, the R/V Katy, and the small boat fleet that supports education and research at UTMSI. This position directs personnel in the day-to-day operations and maintenance of UTMSI's small-boat fleet and manages planning to ensure the department's operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

Directs and manages all activities within UTMSI Vessel Operations, including oversight of the research vessel fleet and maintenance of UTMSI’s small/trailerable vessels. Works with the Assistant Director of Business Operations at UTMSI to manage all financial and administrative tasks for the Vessel Operations service center, including scheduling vessels in the UT-MSI reservation system, Momentus; establishing pricing structures; responding to inquiries; confirming reservations; managing and collecting contracts and required insurance documentation; and adding service orders to ensure invoicing is ready for Finance and Administrative staff. Tasks also included tracking and monitoring expenses and revenue; reviewing charter rates; maintaining payroll time records for vessel-based personnel; purchasing materials for vessel operations in coordination with the UTMSI Buyer; coordinating maintenance and repairs; fueling; and coordinating annual haul-outs and contracted shipyard maintenance. Provides the Assistant Director of Business Operations with reports and financial data as needed. Oversees departmental budget expenditures and participates in budget development in coordination with the Assistant Director of Business Operations. Supervises vessel captains and operations personnel, including mates, deckhands, marine technicians, the Outboard Mechanic, and Boat Operator. Approves timesheets and time-off requests, conducts annual performance reviews, assigns duties, and manages staffing and employee performance. Ensures vessel personnel meet applicable USCG licensing and other regulatory requirements while maintaining operational efficiency. Ensures the UTMSI Vessel Fleet and personnel maintain compliance with the United States Coast Guard, the American Bureau of Shipping, federal and state laws, and university/department policies. Coordinates with the Assistant Director of Facilities for hurricane preparedness. Develops and manages safety programs for UTMSI Vessel Operations, including regular safety inspections, drills, and emergency-preparedness training for vessel personnel; serves as the primary point of contact for emergency response involving the UTMSI research vessel. Serves as the primary point of contact for UTMSI personnel, external researchers, and other vessel users regarding ship scheduling, cruise planning, and vessel capabilities, providing responsive customer service to support research and educational objectives. Provides the UTMSI Director with reports on vessel operations status, recommends improvements to operational efficiency, and represents the vessel operations unit at routine administrative meetings. Develops and reviews departmental policies related to the safe and effective use of UTMSI vessels. Performs other duties as assigned. Oversees the purchase and maintenance of scientific equipment for the research vessel in coordination with UTMSI Scientific Staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manages and supervises all UTMSI Vessel Operations full-time employees and seasonal deckhands.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field from a four-year college or university and at least five years’ experience in management or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Possession of a U.S. Coast Guard Master’s or Operator license (100-ton or greater), or equivalent vessel command experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in a business-related field from a four-year college or university and at least two years of experience in vessel operations management.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)

Business Strategy & Acumen: Understands higher education and can use industry/professional terminology fluently. Thinks strategically and seeks to align department services and goals with institutional strategic goals. Asks critical questions to delve to the root cause to identify solutions. Understands the interconnection of decisions, actions, outcomes, and measures.

Professional Knowledge and Application: Takes initiative to develop and apply professional knowledge and skills in order to enhance individual effectiveness and improve organizational performance. Creates opportunities to apply new learnings and best practices into innovative solutions that positively impact results. Seeks development opportunities for both self and the team.

Business Execution: Leverages professional expertise and University knowledge to assess areas of opportunity, identify solutions, and effectively execute the plan. Demonstrates a high level of planning and organizational skills and the ability to move projects forward to completion. Self-motivated and accountable for results. Seeks advice and input from others and recognizes when to elevate issues or seek help.

Communication: Demonstrates the ability to deliver accurate, concise and quality communication (verbal and written) in a timely manner. Encourages an open exchange of ideas and differing perspectives. Adapts communication style to meet the needs of various audiences and situations. Listens to understand others. Provides quality feedback.

Relationship Management: Works to build and manage productive relationships with peers, leaders and customer groups. Effectively engages and interacts with others to collaborate and provide value-added support that enhances department results and team effectiveness. Affects outcomes and direction of customers’ decisions through effective relationships, trust and credibility.

Leadership: Demonstrates an openness and flexibility towards new ideas and concepts and effectively influences or facilitates during times of change. Helps others become more effective through development and coaching. Utilizes candid feedback, knowledge, resources, and opportunities to improve the performance of others and to increase their contributions. Sets clear expectations for performance, provides meaningful feedback, holds employees accountable, and recognizes successes.

Salary Range

$80,000+ depending on qualifications

Work Conditions

The Marine Operations Supervisor works in office, dockside, maintenance, and research vessel environments. The position requires regular outdoor work under variable weather conditions, including exposure to heat, humidity, wind, rain, and marine environments. Duties may involve working aboard vessels in coastal and offshore waters, exposure to moving machinery and equipment, and physical activities including standing, walking, climbing, bending, and lifting or moving equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. Work schedules may vary according to operational requirements and may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and occasional overnight assignments. The position may require availability outside normal working hours to address vessel emergencies, maintenance issues, and severe weather events, including hurricanes. Occasional travel to shipyards, ports, and field locations may be required. Compliance with applicable maritime safety regulations, institutional policies, and personal protective equipment requirements is essential.

Required Materials

Resume/CV 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor. Letter of interest.

Employment Eligibility

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university’s company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following: E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF] Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031. The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.

Start Here, Change the World At The University of Texas at Austin, tradition meets innovation in the heart of a city that frequents lists of the best places to live and work. Named by Forbes as one of America's Best Large Employers for the sixth year in a row in 2025, UT offers both a dynamic work environment and a gateway to vibrant local culture. Whether you're at the forefront of the student experience, conducting world-changing research or supporting the engine that drives Texas’ flagship university, working at UT means making a lasting impact on our city, our state and our world. Our more than 20,000 faculty and staff empower 55,000+ students to challenge ideas, pursue passions and shape their futures. Joining UT, you’ll become part of a community dedicated to making a meaningful impact on campus and throughout the world. Looking for a student job? Please see our Student Employment site.

Comments and Inquiries

Email comments to [e-mail]. For questions or concerns regarding equal opportunity only, contact Equal Opportunity Services. Additional information for applicants can be found on the Human Resources web page: Applying for Employment. For more job information, call the Human Resource Service Center at [phone], or toll-free at [phone]. UT Austin is a Tobacco-free Campus