Marine Operations Superintendent - Civil & Marine division - Kotzebue, AK

Job Description

NANA Construction is seeking an experienced Marine Operations Superintendent to coordinate and supervise the daily tug, barge, cargo handling, and shoreside activities of the Civil and Marine Division. This position supports civil construction projects and customer freight deliveries throughout Alaska, including remote coastal and river communities.

The Superintendent reports to and works closely with the Marine Operations Manager to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Marine Division. Together, they coordinate operational priorities, vessel and crew resources, and project schedules. The Superintendent turns project requirements into practical operating plans, directs assigned personnel, and coordinates vessels, equipment, and freight. The position works closely with vessel captains, vessel engineers, maintenance personnel, maintenance contractors, civil project teams, customers, and logistics providers to deliver safe, efficient operations. Vessel captains retain responsibility for vessel command and safe navigation. The Superintendent also provides occasional vessel crew relief during scheduled breaks, vacations, and unexpected absences.

Responsibilities

Marine Operations and Project Coordination

• Coordinate daily vessel assignments, voyage schedules, mobilizations, demobilizations, and seasonal startup and layup activities.
• Plan operations around cargo requirements, vessel capacity, landing conditions, weather, tides, river levels, and project priorities.
• Coordinate marine support with civil superintendents and project managers, including equipment delivery and village offloading.
• Monitor operational progress, resolve field issues, and communicate delays, resource needs, and schedule changes to the Marine Operations Manager.

Crew Supervision and Leadership

• Supervise assigned marine and shoreside personnel; coordinate crew assignments, rotations, travel, and daily work priorities.
• Work with captains to confirm appropriate staffing and verify personnel qualifications for assigned duties.
• Conduct operational briefings and coordinate training, onboarding, performance feedback, and accountability.
• Review time records and communicate staffing needs and personnel concerns to management.
• Provide occasional onboard relief for vessel crew members during scheduled breaks, vacations, and unexpected time off, performing only duties for which the Superintendent holds the required credentials, training, and qualifications.
• Cargo Handling and Logistics
• Coordinate freight staging, manifests, loading plans, cargo securing, unloading, and delivery documentation.
• Work with captains to confirm cargo arrangements meet vessel capacity, stability, deck loading, and safe operating requirements.
• Supervise shoreside lifting, rigging, equipment movements, and landing activities; verify suitable equipment and qualified personnel.
• Coordinate with customers, trucking providers, vendors, and village representatives to confirm freight readiness and delivery requirements.

Safety and Compliance

• Implement company safety procedures and applicable vessel operating requirements in coordination with captains, vessel engineers, maintenance personnel, and HSSE personnel; confirm maintenance contractors follow applicable company safety procedures.
• Lead job hazard reviews, safety meetings, and field inspections; stop unsafe work and verify corrective actions.
• Support vessel inspection readiness, operating documentation, and towing safety management procedures, including applicable Subchapter M requirements.
• Report incidents and near misses promptly; support investigations, emergency response, and spill prevention activities.

Fleet Readiness and Cost Control

• Coordinate maintenance priorities and repair schedules with vessel engineers, maintenance personnel, vessel crews, and maintenance contractors to maintain fleet readiness and support operating schedules.
• Confirm vessels, tow gear, cargo equipment, fuel, and supplies are ready before deployment.
• Track vessel utilization, fuel consumption, labor, and project costs; identify operational improvements.
• Provide daily operating reports and accurate freight and equipment records to support billing, budgeting, and management decisions.
• Perform other duties pertinent to the success of the division.

Qualifications

• US.Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential with a relevant deck officer or towing vessel endorsement.
• Experience with Subchapter M and towing safety management systems.
• Five (5) years of tug and barge, marine transportation, or marine construction operations experience, including two (2) years in a supervisory or operational leadership role.
• Working knowledge of towing operations, cargo loading and securing, rigging, and shoreside equipment coordination.
• Experience planning vessel movements and freight deliveries in changing operating conditions.
• Familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard operating and inspection requirements applicable to tug and barge operations.
• Ability to lead crews, coordinate multiple work fronts, and communicate clearly with field personnel, customers, and management.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office and preparation of schedules, reports, and operational records.
• Ability to read and interpret cargo plans, equipment specifications, operating procedures, and safety documents.
• Ability to travel throughout Alaska, including remote locations, and work extended or irregular hours during marine operations.
• Ability to serve aboard company vessels as relief crew and hold and maintain the credentials, endorsements, medical certification, and qualifications required for assigned vessel duties, as applicable.
• Must be able to pass preemployment drug testing and participate in applicable company drug testing programs.
• Valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record for the past three (3) years to be eligible under the company vehicle insurance policy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Marine Superintendent, Vessel Captain, Marine Operations Supervisor, or Marine Project Superintendent.
• Experience with Alaska coastal and river operations, shallow water landings, and remote village freight deliveries.
• Experience supporting construction projects with tug and barge transportation and heavy equipment logistics.
• Experience with Subchapter M and towing safety management systems.
• Experience preparing operational cost estimates, managing subcontractors, and coordinating seasonal fleet readiness.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to wet or humid conditions; work near moving mechanical parts; work in high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; extreme cold and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud.

 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

The employee must regularly lift, move and /or carry up to 50 pounds, occasionally lift up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk and climb or balance. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear. Steel toed boots required on the job.

 

Travel may require an employee or contractor to pass a TSA security checkpoint. If the employee or contractor does not have valid identification, they will not be able to travel until valid identification is obtained and verified.  For this reason all employees and contractors must have valid identification when traveling to and from the site, for a list of TSA approved valid identification visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification . 

 

 

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

 

Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Works well in group problem solving situations.

 

Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.

 

Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.

 

Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.

 

Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly.