The Director of Marine Operations leads vessel operations ensuring compliance with standards, develops maritime talent, and oversees fleet management and safety policies.
WHO WE ARE
Lindblad Expeditions is a true pioneer in Expedition Travel. From taking the first citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, opening the Galapagos and Easter Island to tourism in 1967, leading the first tourist expedition through the Northwest Passage in 1984, and launching our innovative partnership with National Geographic in 2004, we're now taking almost 30,000 guests a year to some of the world’s most remote and pristine locations on our fleet of 21 ships, and are committed to ensuring our guests experience the “Exhilaration of Discovery”.
JOB SUMMARY
The Director of Marine Operations plays a pivotal role in steering the success of the Company’s US flag vessels. This dynamic leader collaborates closely with the VP of Marine to guarantee that all vessels are crewed and operated in full compliance with regulatory standards, company policies, and the high expectations of our guests.
A central focus of this position is the attraction, development, and retention of top-tier maritime talent within the deck department, ensuring that Lindblad remains at the forefront of the industry. The Director will also take an active role, as guided by the VP Marine, in overseeing our prestigious Blue Water Fleet (Bahamas Flag) and Galapagos Fleet (Ecuador Flag), further solidifying our commitment to excellence in marine operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead with vision and impact in a vibrant maritime environment.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- DECK OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
- Supervises NG Sea Bird, NG Sea Lion, NG Quest, NG Venture and future US Flag vessels’ Captains. Indirectly supervises all US Flag vessels’ personnel
- Supervises other vessels as directed by VP Marine
- Ensures the vessels are manned in accordance with regulations and that crews are suitably trained and experienced
- Ensures that the policies of the Company are understood by, valued by and followed by officers and crew
- Ensures that input from a cross section of ship leaders is sought when policy changes are considered
- Provides competency assessment of all Deck Officers as per SMS procedures
- Provide operational support to Deck Officers in navigational requirements and international/US marine regulations/instructions
- Establishes exacting standards for vessel safety, readiness, reliability, and guest/public appeal within the Company’s resources and operational constraints
- Lead officers and deck crews to a high-level of performance and productivity while maintaining the authority to critique, evaluate and discipline in accordance with Company policies and procedures
- VESSEL & OFFICE COORDINATION
- Assists Designated Person Ashore (DPA) in liaison between the fleet and Company office in all vessel related matters
- Serves on Safety Management Team and Emergency Response Team
- Ensures all marine shipboard safety and environmental policies are carried out in accordance with international and federal laws/regulations and company policies
- Partners cross functionally to achieve ship level, fleet and Company required outcomes
- Develops and prepares annual budget requirements for US Flag vessels’ crew expenses and in coordination with the Nautical Superintendent for deck consumables, equipment, and R&M, and monitors monthly financial reports for these budget categories
- Assists with shipyard inspections by authorities, document renewal, permit acquisition and overall ships’ document/certificate management
- Reviews and approves itineraries in coordination with the vessel Captains
- Assists with evaluating ships for new charter programs and provides safety/environmental quality control for our existing vessels under charter
- Consults on ship new buildings and vessel acquisitions for the company as required
- Works with Technical, Compliance and Supply Chain functions to maintain sufficient and up to date critical spares (including LSA/FFA) stock at warehouse in relation to the logistical lead time for procurement and delivery as well as ensures that lack of critical spares do not impede on vessel performance
- Oversees stability program for all vessels in coordination with VP Technical Operations and VP Compliance/Training, or designated representatives
- Oversees bridge, communications, safety and security equipment program for all vessels in coordination with VP Technical Operations and VP Compliance/Training, or designated representatives
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) and 5+ years related experience and/or training in fleet management, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Must be familiar with ISM/SMS/ISPS/MTSA/SOLAS/MARPOL standards and systems
- Must have or be able to obtain a transportation workers' identification credential (TWIC Card), a USA passport, and necessary visas for overseas travel
- Must have experience managing projects effectively
- Prior experience reporting to and communicating with senior executives
- An affinity for collaboration, and a willingness to engage with ship leaders
- Capable and experienced user of standard business systems (e.g., Microsoft Outlook suite, SharePoint, accounting and procurement systems) to produce necessary reports, documentation, system updates, etc.
- NOTE: This is a hybrid role; candidates must be willing/able to work onsite in our Seattle offices Tue/Wed/Thu every week.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Familiarity with US regulatory environment and USCG oversight, or equivalent, is desired.
- Familiarity with incident management and emergency response, or equivalent, is desired.
OUR BENEFITS
• Travel benefits for employees and their family
• Health insurance including Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Long-Term Disability, Life & AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to be used for out-of-pocket medical and dependent care
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit
• 7-8 Paid Holidays
• 2-3 Floating Holiday Options (pro-rated per start date)
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
• Parental Leave
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
• Pet Insurance discount
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Using the English language, this person must have the ability to read, write, and comprehend policies, legal guidelines, correspondence, and memos. Must also possess the ability to effectively communicate--both in writing and orally--with a professional demeanor.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and hear. The employee will also be required to write and type. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
COMPENSATION STATEMENT
Lindblad Expeditions determines the pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data. We evaluate external equity and the cost of labor/prevailing wage index in the relative marketplace for jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company. Our posted salary range is based on national data and may be refined for a candidate's region/town/cost of living.
For new hires, we strive to make competitive offers allowing the new employee room for future growth. Salaries will be based on the applicant’s location, level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills. An employee/candidate with a stronger skill set will receive higher pay.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER STATEMENT
At Lindblad Expeditions, we simply could not do our work without the diverse kaleidoscope of humanity that creates and delivers our remarkable offerings across the planet. As a Company that respects and celebrates the inherent diversity in the places we explore, we recognize the need to mirror that same diversity and all the interconnected perspectives within our organization. We are committed to building a community of different genders, races, ages, sexual orientations, chosen identities, and countries of origin where every person brings their whole self to work and whose skills, talents, and abilities are valued. We believe we can explore further and in a more meaningful way by actively creating a more diverse and inclusive organization where everyone feels they belong.
Lindblad Expeditions is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals seeking employment at Lindblad Expeditions are considered without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetics, marital status, pregnancy, unemployment status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or veteran status.
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