POSITION SUMMARYThe Director, Marine Operations leads the safe, compliant, dependable, and efficient operation of the Company's fleet through direct oversight of Vessel Captains and leadership of deck department standards and performance. The role translates marine operational strategy into consistent shipboard practices that support exceptional guest experiences, safety and compliance, and responsible exploration.
Reporting to the Vice President, Marine Operations, the Director is accountable for marine operational readiness, navigational standards, Captain and Officer performance and development, and assigned budgets. Working closely with the Nautical Superintendent, Technical Operations, Compliance, Expedition Operations, Port Operations, Human Resources, and Training, the Director drives operational improvements, resolves risks, and ensures clear accountability across shared initiatives. While Technical Operations oversees vessel maintenance and engineering and Compliance provides independent assurance, the Director maintains ownership of marine operational execution, coordinates priorities and deliverables, and escalates significant operational or resource concerns to the Vice President.
ESSENTIAL DUITESFleet Operations and Navigational Standards- Directly supervise Captains; provide timely operational guidance, vessel visits, and follow-up on identified performance or readiness concerns.
- Establish and maintain consistent bridge and deck practices, including passage planning, navigational watchkeeping, Bridge Resource Management, and operational risk assessment.
- Review voyage plans and higher-risk operations in accordance with Company procedures; assess itinerary feasibility, vessel limitations, port requirements, weather, and remote-area support.
- Coordinate responses to operational disruptions and readiness deficiencies with vessel leaders and relevant departments; escalate unresolved risks to the Vice President.
- Maintain small boat and Zodiac operating standards with Expedition Operations and Training, including operator competence, passenger transfers, equipment readiness, and operating limits.
Marine Personnel Leadership- Lead Captain and Deck Officer recruitment, selection, retention, development, and succession planning in partnership with Human Resources and Training.
- Review and approve officer rotations and staffing plans within delegated authority, coordinate verification of qualifications, credentials, and readiness before assignment.
- Conduct Captain appraisals, oversee officer performance reviews, and recommend promotions, transfers, disciplinary actions, and development plans under Company procedures.
Safety Compliance and Emergency Preparedness- Implement marine operational requirements of the Safety Management System (SMS); verify consistent application through vessel visits, operational reviews, and follow-up.
- Work with Compliance to maintain operational adherence to applicable flag state, coastal state, port state, classification, and Company requirements, including certification and operational approvals.
- Lead or support marine incident and near-miss investigations as assigned; implement operational corrective actions, share lessons learned and verify effectiveness with Compliance.
- Identify recurring hazards and performance trends; maintain assigned operational risk assessments, contingency plans, and emergency procedures.
- Serve on the Company's Emergency Response Team, participate in exercises, and provide operational support during emergencies and disruptions.
- Promote timely reporting of hazards and near misses, constructive challenge, and accountability. Support the Master's overriding authority for vessel safety and environmental protection; promptly escalate material concerns through Company channels.
Operational Improvement and Vessel Projects- Own assigned marine operational policies, procedures, and manuals; coordinate revisions, implementation, training, and verification of shipboard adoption.
- Identify competency gaps and coordinate practical training, coaching, and leadership development for Captains and Deck Officers with Training and the Nautical Superintendent.
- Provide marine operational requirements for drydocks, modifications, acquisitions, newbuilds, sea trials, and vessel acceptance; work with Technical Operations on readiness and return-to-service planning.
- Evaluate technology and process improvements that strengthen navigation, operational reliability, environmental performance, and the guest experience.
Financial Management and External Relations- Prepare and manage assigned operating budgets; monitor variances, forecast needs, and recommend cost improvements consistent with safety and reliability.
- Contribute to capital planning and business cases, defining operational needs, benefits, risks, and resource requirements.
- Consult with maritime authorities, classification societies, and industry organizations as delegated, coordinate with Compliance on regulatory developments, inspections, and inquiries.
Travel: Extensive domestic and international travel, including vessel visits, inspections, drydocks, and shipyard projects.
REQUIRED QUALITFICATIONS- Unlimited Master Mariner license or equivalent senior maritime operational experience demonstrating the competence to oversee the assigned fleet.
- At least 10 years of progressive maritime leadership experience, including service as Master and/or Chief Officer aboard passenger vessels.
- At least five years of shoreside marine operations management experience or equivalent senior command experience, with demonstrated leadership of multi-vessel operations.
- Working knowledge of applicable U.S. and international passenger-vessel requirements, including SOLAS, MARPOL, the ISM, and ISPS Codes, STCW, and the Maritime Labour Convention, as applicable to the fleet.
- Demonstrated experience applying safety management systems, navigational standards, risk assessments, incident investigations, and corrective action processes.
- Proven ability to coach vessel leaders, address performance concerns, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment during emergencies and operational disruptions.
- Strong written and verbal communication, cross-functional collaboration, budget management, and organizational skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and maritime management systems.
PREFERRED QUALITFICATIONS- Expedition cruise, polar, and remote-area operating experience, including small boat and Zodiac operations.
- Experience with multiple flag administrations and regulatory authorities, including U.S. Coast Guard passenger-vessel oversight.
- Experience in vessel acquisitions, newbuilds, drydocks, major modifications, sea trials, or vessel acceptance.
- Advanced education or professional development in maritime leadership, safety management, business administration, or emergency management.
$165,000 - $170,000 a year
Bonus Target 10%
Equity 5%
OUR BENEFITS• Travel benefits for employees and their family
• Voyage of Discovery trips for employees to travel as guests
• 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
• 1 Floating Holiday Options
• Up to 15 days of vacation (pro-rated per anniversary year)
• Parental Leave
• Sick/personal days per city & state ordinance
• Pet Insurance discount
Hybrid Work SchedulePositions based in our New York and Seattle offices follow a hybrid work schedule, requiring employees to work in the office Tuesday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely Monday and Friday. Candidates must reside within reasonable commuting distance of their designated office.
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 STATEMENTLindblad 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.
