Hydrographic Operations Manager

Marine Jobs with David Evans and Associates:

At David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA), our Marine team leads in hydrographic and marine geophysical surveying. With advanced technologies like high-resolution multibeam bathymetry, vessel-based LiDAR, and underwater imaging, we deliver precise, comprehensive data. Our commitment to accuracy, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery consistently exceeds client expectations. From precision charting to habitat mapping, we offer a wide range of innovative solutions tailored to fulfill our clients’ specific needs. Our work goes beyond current industry demands to pave the way for a more sustainable and progressive future, contributing to the advancement of marine sciences and enhancing the quality of marine life. 

About DEA Marine Services Team: 
David Evans and Associates, Inc. (DEA) is an award-winning leader in hydrographic and geophysical surveying. Our Marine Services division is staffed by a highly experienced team of hydrographers, surveyors, engineers, and scientists who bring deep expertise in oceanography, marine geology and geophysics, geodesy, and geospatial science. We pride ourselves on developing innovative field programs and geospatial products tailored to client needs. 

We are seeking a Hydrographic Operations Manager to join our team in Vancouver, WA.

What You’ll Do

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 David Evans and Associates?

We foster an environment where talented professionals have the freedom and support to do their most meaningful work. Our values and company culture form the foundation of our success, creating a positive and collaborative work environment. These guiding principles are vital to our continued achievements and unwavering commitment to improving the world around us.

As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to cultivate and develop your skills and work alongside talented colleagues who are committed to improving the quality of life while demonstrating stewardship of the built and natural environments.

Benefits 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 centered on physical, emotional, financial, career, and community health
• Growth opportunities: Access to mentorship, professional support, and pathways for career advancement
• Potential salary range: $120,000 - $165,000

• The posted salary range represents the typical range for this position and is provided in accordance with applicable state and local transparency laws. Actual compensation will be commensurate with experience, qualifications, and geographic location.

If you are a recruiter, search agency, or otherwise wish to refer a candidate to DEA, you will not be compensated in any way for your referral of a candidate to DEA without an active and signed written agreement in place in advance with DEA Human Resources. Any resume submitted to any DEA employee by an external recruiter without a written agreement in place at the time of submission will be considered the property of DEA and DEA will not be liable for the payment of a placement fee. If you would like to notify DEA of your interest in initiating a written agreement for services or to resumes, please e-mail [email protected].

Potential office locations include: Vancouver, WA.