In New York City, the Billion Oyster Project is seeking a Waterfront Director as we develop and expand our waterfront assets, and implement more water-dependent programs. As a Billion Oyster Project employee, the BOP Waterfront Director will report to BOP’s Executive Director and work closely with the New York Harbor School Waterfront Director, especially in regards to all School owned assets. The BOP Waterfront Director will be responsible for the safe operation and good working order of all waterfront assets and will verify and monitor all safety and pollution prevention activities.
Billion Oyster Project’s (BOP) mission is to restore the oyster reefs to NY Harbor through public education initiatives. Oysters were the keystone species and original ecosystem engineers of New York Harbor. Today, oysters are functionally extinct in the Harbor as a result of over harvesting, dredging and pollution. Restoring oysters and reefs will restore the local marine ecosystem’s natural mechanisms for maintaining itself, resulting in cleaner water and greater biodiversity.
BOP engages the community directly in the work of restoring one billion oysters through its restoration-based STEM education programs for middle and high-schoolers, its shell collection program which works with NYC restaurants to collect oyster shells for reef substrate, and its volunteer program which welcomes the community at large to get involved in hands-on restoration work.
Billion Oyster Project was born out of the New York Harbor School (NYHS), a public high school which provides a college preparatory education built upon New York City’s marine & maritime industry. NYHS remains Billion Oyster Project’s flagship education partner. The education instills in students the ethics of environmental stewardship and gives them the skills needed for careers on the water. As sophomores, Harbor School students enroll in one of seven career and technical education (CTE) programs of study including Aquaculture, Vessel Operations, Marine Biology Research, Professional Diving, Ocean Engineering, Maritime Policy & Environmental Advocacy, and Marine Systems Technology. Each CTE program has a role within the Billion Oyster Project that extends students’ education from the classroom into a real-world context.
Position Description:
With the support of the Assistant Waterfront Director and in collaboration with the New York Harbor School Waterfront Director, the BOP Waterfront Director will ensure that all NYHS/BOP Waterfront assets are in safe working order; implement the day-to-day scheduling of BOP/NYHS’s seven vessels, docks and marine facilities on Governors Island and the Brooklyn Navy Yard; develop operating, maintenance, and training procedures; serve as Captain or crew aboard BOP/NYHS vessels; ensure adherence to the Standard Operating Procedures; compel proper log and record-keeping; report and analyze non-conformities, accidents, and hazardous occurrences; ensure that adequate resources and shore-based support is provided; and assist in development endeavours, Professional Advisory Committee meetings, award dinners, regattas, Billion Oyster Project events, and waterfront fundraising and support.
The BOP Waterfront Director will assist in the implementation of BOP/NYHS current and future waterfront capital projects including but not limited to those on Governors Island and the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Key Responsibilities and Tasks (land-based):
- Ensure that all BOP/NYHS Waterfront assets are in safe working order and ready to be deployed;
- Manage the day-to-day scheduling and logistics planning of BOP/NYHS vessels and professional crew;
- Monitor risk for all vessels with the Waterfront Management Team;
- Coordinate the maintenance and operation of all vessels, workshops and marine facilities on Governors Island and the Brooklyn Navy Yard;
- Manage implementation and training for compliance with the Waterfront Standard Operating Procedures;
- Manage Waterfront budget;
- Manage hiring and payroll for Waterfront contractors;
- Assist in Billion Oyster Project development and fundraising endeavors;
- Ensure that the purchase of supplies and receipt management comply with BOP accounting procedures;
- Manage all BOP/NYHS vessels’ documentation and insurance as per Waterfront Operating Procedures;
- Serve as the Chartering Organization Representative, and fulfill adult leadership requirements for the BOP Sea Scout program;
- Coordinate the Sea Scout Waterfront workforce, with the support of the Assistant Waterfront Director;
- Create and manage vessel response plan for spills and other environmental issues; and
- Serve on Vessel Operation and Marine System Technology Professional Advisory Committee
Key Responsibilities and Tasks (underway):
- Serve as Captain or crew aboard BOP/NYHS vessels;
- Develop operating and training procedures for all vessels in collaboration with the Waterfront Team;
- Supervise and instruct students while underway in accordance with NY Harbor School curriculum; and
- Work hands-on with other BOP staff in the field
Required Qualifications:
- Comfort/dexterity working with teachers and students in classroom and field settings, including on-water operations;
- US Coast Guard Master of Sail and Motor Vessels;
- FCC Marine Radio Operator Certificate;
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification; and
- Maintain OSHA 30 hour course certificate
Preferred Qualifications and Experience:
- New York State Teacher Certification or New York City Substitute Teacher Certification; or demonstrated willingness to acquire such;
- Tall Ship or similar experiential education experience;
- Research, marine operations management; and
- Diesel/electrical/construction engineering experience
Work Schedule:
This is a 12-month, 40 hour per week assignment. Position will require flexibility with respect to work hours in order to meet the needs of the school community, including early mornings, evenings and weekends. Use of earned vacation and/or compensatory time is subject to the Executive Director of the Billion Oyster Project.
BOP is fueled by the passion and commitment of the team. Enthusiasm for the work of environmental restoration, public education and environmental justice is an expectation for the position. Candidates should be comfortable working on a team with various stakeholders and delivering on complex, multi-step projects.
The deadline to apply is October 16, 2019.
Photo of Governors Island (where the Billion Oyster Project is based) via Adobe Stock.
Submit your resume and cover letter here.