Research Vessel Operations Manager
Utaustin· Higher Education· Oct 21, 2026 · 7d ago
PORT ARANSAS, TX
In office
Full-time
Manager
$100K–$129K est.
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 escalate 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
Working 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
Important for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers: You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.
Important for Current university employees and contingent workers: As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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]
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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.
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
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