Logo
The Hydrographic Society of America

Hydrographic Operations Manager

The Hydrographic Society of America, Vancouver, Washington, United States, 98662

Save Job

Overview

We are seeking a Hydrographic Operations Manager to join our team in Vancouver, WA. The Marine Services division leads in hydrographic and geophysical surveying, delivering high-quality data and innovative solutions for client needs. Our work supports sustainable and progressive advances in marine sciences. Key Responsibilities

Team & Delivery Leadership: Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality marine survey projects. Oversee staffing, scheduling, and resource allocation while fostering professional growth and collaboration across DEA business units. Supervise and support technical and production staff, ensuring they have the skills and resources to succeed. Drive safety, efficiency, and utilization of staff and equipment to meet project and financial targets. Project Management and Client Team Leadership: Manage projects from planning through delivery while building trusted client relationships. Lead business development efforts with assigned clients and ensure projects meet quality standards and licensing requirements. Serve as Client Team Lead, coordinating pursuit efforts and achieving sales goals. Provide licensed oversight on projects requiring professional credentials to ensure quality and compliance. Technology Leadership: Guide the selection, integration, and advancement of marine survey technologies to keep operations innovative, efficient, and competitive. Collaborate with IT, project teams, and leadership to align technology investments with strategic priorities. Oversee implementation and maintenance of hydrographic survey systems and related tools. Evaluate and adopt emerging solutions such as autonomous platforms and AI-enabled workflows. Asset & Equipment Management: Manage the full lifecycle of vessels, instrumentation, vehicles, and other marine assets to ensure reliability, readiness, and cost efficiency. Maintain strong vendor partnerships and oversee warehouse operations to support seamless deployments. Implement preventive maintenance, calibration, and inventory systems to maximize utilization and ROI. Track costs and utilization to inform budget planning and capital investment decisions. Compliance & Safety: Ensure all operations meet maritime safety standards and regulatory requirements. Provide training, maintain certifications, and collaborate with DEA’s Health & Safety team to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Deliver and coordinate training to keep crews certified and skilled. Lead incident investigations and corrective actions to uphold safety and compliance. What You Bring

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Hydrography, Oceanography, Geomatics, or a related discipline. 10+ years of experience in hydrographic or marine geophysical operations, with proven leadership in team and project management. Professional Land Surveyor (or ability to obtain licensure in multiple states). Expertise in marine survey technologies, asset management, and operational safety standards. Strong financial acumen with experience in resource planning and budget alignment. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Preferred Qualifications

Experience with autonomous survey platforms (ROVs, AUVs, USVs) and AI-enabled workflows. Familiarity with Coast Guard, ABYC, and other maritime compliance standards. National Society of Professional Surveyors – The Hydrographic Society of America Level 2 Certified Hydrographer. Background in preventive maintenance systems and equipment logistics. What We Offer

Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance Financial wellness: Health Savings Account (HSA) and Lifestyle Spending Account with employer contributions Professional development: Support for continuing education and training opportunities Work-life balance: Vacation/Sick/Holiday Pay Work Schedule: Full-time onsite; may include additional hours and occasional weekends during the high season Retirement: 401k plan Wellbeing focus: Holistic Wellbeing Program Growth opportunities: Mentorship and pathways for career advancement Potential salary range: $120,000 - $165,000 Salary and benefits are determined by experience, qualifications, and geographic location Potential office locations include: Vancouver, WA.

#J-18808-Ljbffr