Ocean Operations Manager

The School of Marine Sciences invites applications for a soft-money funded Ocean Operations Manager position. The successful candidate will work with current research operations faculty and staff to ensure continued high-level functioning of the University’s portfolio of infrastructure and projects associated with NERACOOS (Northeastern Regional Association of Coastal Ocean Observing Systems) and CARICOOS (Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System) operations, under the umbrella of the NOAA-funded Integrated Ocean Observing System association.

In addition to helping manage our ongoing ocean observing systems, the successful candidate will supervise scientific staff and help improve, modernize, and deploy buoy arrays and related infrastructure. The work will be based primarily on our Orono campus, benefiting from access to facilities and collaboration opportunities at the Darling Marine Center and the University of Maine at Machias, as well as partnerships with other institutions across the state. In-state and international travel will be required to assist with deployment and recovery in the Gulf of Maine and the American Caribbean.

The initial appointment will be for thirteen months, with renewal contingent on funding and successful performance. Typical hiring range for this soft-money funded position is $65,000 to 73,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. 

Complete Job Description

About the University:

The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer here.

Qualifications:
Required: 

• Typically has the education associated with an MS degree and at least five years of experience in ocean engineering or a related field. 
• Expertise in ocean observation methods and instrumentation
• Demonstrated ability to manage infrastructure operations
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage data and maintain operational records
• Experience with personnel management
• Ability to travel internationally and execute ship-based instrument deployment and recovery
• Non-UMaine ships may sometimes be used for deployment, and these vessels may have vaccination requirements.
• Must hold a valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift 30-50lbs.

Preferred: 

• PhD degree in an oceanography or engineering field
• Interest in working with interdisciplinary teams that include natural and social scientists
   

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on February 3, 2025.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening and post-offer physical.

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities.  The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).