Marine Operations Coordinator

About SEA

Sea Education Association (SEA), www.sea.edu, is a non-profit educational institution located in Woods Hole, MA, which offers innovative and rigorous oceanography and environmental science programs on its campus, on-shore in remote locations, and aboard its state-of-the-art sailing research vessels, SSV Corwith Cramer and SSV Robert C. Seamans, in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

SEA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the development of a multicultural environment. SEA encourages viewpoints and perspectives across the organization to help achieve its goal of creating an academic and working community rich with cultural, social, and intellectual diversity. Applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged.

Position Summary

The Marine Operations Coordinator position will play a vital role as part of the Marine Department team, aiding in the operations of SEA’s two sailing school vessels, and at the campus in Woods Hole or for the remote shore components as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

Operational Logistics

• Paperwork: assists in drafting and submitting pre-program regulatory paperwork, such as the eNOAD (Electronic Notice of Arrival and Departure) travel letters, crew lists, etc. Creates Operation Orders and Souls on Board lists to send to the ship, along with coordinating crew medical paperwork with SEA’s Medical Coordinator.
• Crew Logistics: works with all crew to plan travel to and from the ship in accordance with SEA’s travel policy.
• Ship Logistics: works with Marine staff to procure and pack/ship supplies in response to buy lists, as well as ensure crew receive a crew shirt and/or jacket. Participates in rotating weekly coverage of daily calls with the ships.
• Drug Testing: oversees the random drug testing program, ensuring that proper test numbers are being met and are conducted in compliance with regulations.

Crew Relations

• Create and provide port and program information for relevant crew. Ensure that crew have space for feedback following programs.
• Facilitate crew newsletters and community meetings and any additional communications to disseminate relevant information.

Administration

• Hiring Paperwork: works with HR to onboard new crew. Ensures that new and returning crew complete the required paperwork for shipboard crew, including but not limited to pre-employment drug testing and medical clearance.
• Crew Training: works with a Special Projects Coordinator to plan and run crew training programs. Works on course renewal packages and audits as needed.

Position Requirements

Minimum Required Qualifications

• Eligibility to work in the United States.
• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential of OS or higher, or willingness to get one as able.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Support for institutional diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with colleagues, staff, students, and outside agencies.

This position requires an individual to be able to multi-task effectively, be flexible and innovative, and possess excellent communication skills. The ability to work as part of a team is also essential. It requires the flexibility to meet the needs of SEA’s sailing school vessels, including frequent work during non-traditional work hours (nights and weekends) and possible international and domestic travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential of AB-Sail or 200-ton+ with sailing endorsement.
• 1-2 years of seagoing experience on a tall ship or research vessel, 3 years of total professional experience.
• Experience with database management.

Other Requirements

This position is in-person at the campus in Woods Hole, MA. Candidates must be willing to live within a commutable distance for daily onsite presence. This position may be asked to sail on SEA’s vessels to fill crewing gaps at any time, requiring up to 8 weeks of time at sea, both international and domestic.

Shipboard duties require the physical ability and agility to quickly move and react to events on deck, to access below decks, to climb aloft, and to live and work in confined spaces. Life at sea demands the physical, psychological, and emotional ability to adapt to a ship’s watch schedule, to work in groups or alone, to withstand extended periods of time on a moving vessel without daily access to shore resources, and, in case of an emergency, to perform duties under adverse circumstances. Shipboard requirements also include the need to be medically cleared and adhere to SEA’s drug and alcohol policy.

Reports To

The Marine Operations Coordinator will report to the Chief Operations Officer. They will work collaboratively with the Director of Marine Operations, Port Captain, Marine Science Manager and Port Engineer, as well as Shipboard Captains, Chief Scientists and Crew.

Benefits and Compensation

The minimum starting salary for the Marine Operations Coordinator will be $45,000 – $50,000 / year, commensurate with experience. SEA offers full-time employees a benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage; life insurance; retirement plans; flexible spending accounts; unlimited PTO and generous sick time/holidays.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references to operationsstaff@sea.edu. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

More information: https://sea.edu/job-opportunity/marine-operations-coordinator/