Senior Operations Manager - ROV Jason

Job Summary

The Sr. Operations Manager – Jason, is responsible for all aspects of the ROV Jason Program as part of the larger National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF) hosted by WHOI.
The Sr. Operations Manager – Jason, is responsible for all aspects of the ROV Jason program, including but not limited to budget preparation, tracking, operations, and engineering planning and management of a multi-million-dollar program. The Jason ROV operates from a wide variety of vessels within the U.S. Academic Research Fleet and may spend typically between 150 to 200 days at sea. The Sr. Operations Manager – Jason, will be responsible for the cost, schedule and technical performance of all aspects of the ROV Jason program, directing key phases of program/projects from inception through completion. This position oversees and manages the shore-based and at-sea operational aspects and components of the program, including cruise preparation, staffing, scheduling, shipping, logistics, and act as the primary point of contact for all science users. The Sr. Operations Manager leads the strategic planning for the ROV’s capabilities as part of the core NDSF Management Team.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & DUTIES:

• Manage and staff Jason cruises mobilization to demobilization for shore-based and at-sea going operations.

• May participate and direct field operations as the on-site Jason ROV Expedition Leader which requires leadership of all aspect of the at sea program, including supervision of the operational team and liaison with the support vessel crew and Chief Scientist.

• Primary person responsible for developing, tracking, and managing multi-million-dollar annual operating budgets.

• Demonstrate leadership in recruiting junior staff, mentorship and prioritize diversity within the Jason Team.

• Review and maintain monthly financial stats, charts and reporting.

• UNOLS Deep Submergence Science Committee meeting preparation and participation, acting at the Jason Program’s primary interface with science user community.

• Review and maintain awareness of all new and existing post-cruise reports from internal / external science users and action technical and programmatic responses as needed.

• Continuously develop and manage the implementation of upgrades to software, mechanical, and electrical engineering systems to ensure operational readiness and technical advancement.

• While supervising the Jason Groups technical leads and Operational Coordinator, manage maintenance planning and scheduling.

• Ensure technical requirements for each cruise are achieved and meet safety standards required for at-sea operations.

• Maintain and ensure a respectful and inclusive workplace ashore and at sea.

• Responsible for hiring, managing, and mentoring new engineers into the program.

• Manage mechanical, electrical, and software engineers supporting the Jason ROV Program.

• Supports the Facility Director by providing feedback from cruises and users that can be incorporated into strategic planning for the facility.

• Supervise the scheduling and oversee Jason maintenance work periods.

• Manage system improvement tasks as they move from initial concept to implementation, testing and completion.

• Ensure annual Jason engineering dives are adequately planned and utilized.

• Develop, document, and maintain appropriate Program related processes, procedures and standards including emergency procedures, with appropriate updates on a continuous basis.

• Develop initiatives for streamlining the Program’s efforts and increasing reliability while being actively responding to input from scientific users of the Jason ROV system. 

• Participate and contribute to NDSF management meetings.

• Works directly with the WHOI Marine Operations vehicle scheduler on vehicle activities over multi-year periods.

• Responsible for non-UNOLS vehicle requests, including proposals, budgeting, and contract support.

• Work alongside other vehicle managers (HOV Alvin and AUV Sentry) to efficiently manage staff and shared Facility.

• Develops innovative and new techniques for operating the ROV program, often in collaboration with the Facility users internal and external to WHOI.

• Ensure projects are completed on schedule with appropriate documented approvals.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist NDSF Director with matching future expeditions to science user needs

• Participate in business development/ new user/ marketing/ education/ outreach activities for the program by interacting with the users’ funding agencies and oth