Chief Engineer - Hopper Dredge

The Chief Engineer works on board a trailing suction hopper dredge and has overall on-site responsibility and authority for the vessel’s engine department. This position is responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the vessel’s machinery; coordinating and assisting with repairs, scheduled and preventative maintenance; supervising the engine room crew and contracted repair / service crews.

About the Company:

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation is the largest provider of dredging services in the United States. In addition, Great Lakes is fully engaged in expanding its core business into the rapidly developing offshore wind energy industry. The Company has a long history of performing significant international projects. The Company employs experienced civil, ocean and mechanical engineering staff in its estimating, production and project management functions. In its over 133-year history, the Company has never failed to complete a marine project. Great Lakes owns and operates the largest and most diverse fleet in the U.S. dredging industry, comprised of approximately 200 specialized vessels. Great Lakes has a disciplined training program for engineers that ensures experienced-based performance as they advance through Company operations. The Company’s Incident-and Injury-Free® (IIF®) safety management program is integrated into all aspects of the Company’s culture. The Company’s commitment to the IIF® culture promotes a work environment where employee safety is paramount.

Responsibilities and functions include:

• Effectively manages engine room staff on board the vessel and partners with the Captain
• Possesses sufficient experience and knowledge of vessel operations and all equipment required for safe operations within the bounds of company and regulatory standards
• Maintain a safe work environment by:
  1. Ensuring a safe work environment for staff during all assigned operations and tasks. Mentor all crewmembers and promote safety awareness in all operations. Lead pre-shift meetings, Job Safety Analyses and safety “walk arounds” on the dredge
  2. Develop and implement necessary crew safety actions at each job using the Standard Job and other standards for operation. (I.e. JSA, JSA Audit, etc.)
  3. Oversee and run meetings (operational and safety) for the engineering team
  4. Advocate and promote the use of proactive reports among the engineering staff (i.e. Good Catch, Near Miss, etc.)
  5. Utilize safe work practices consistent with established safety rules
• Ensure vessel meets all regulatory requirements and is properly prepared for agency inspections, including but not limited to ISM, USCG COI, and ABS load line surveys
• Conduct emergency drills as required by the US Coast Guard and keep accurate records
• Oversee and manage activities of vendor repair crews on the dredge
• Systematic troubleshooting skills - independently source and utilize available information and resources on dredging equipment
• Shipyard and/or vendor coordination experience is preferred
• Reliability Assured Maintenance:  
  1. Balance GLDD desire to increase time efficiency with the vessel’s reliability/maintenance needs, strive for opportunities to reduce unplanned maintenance events
  2. Coordinate vessel maintenance operations with Captain and Project Management staff; coordinate and communicate equipment issues with the Fleet, Dredge and Maintenance Managers
  3. Manage the vessel level maintenance operating system (MOS) through use of NS Enterprise.
  4. Continuous Improvement
• This is a domestic project–based position, with immediate assignment to our hopper fleet in the United States. The typical work rotation for the Chief Engineer is 4 weeks on duty, followed by 4 weeks off 

Requirements:

• Valid USCG Chief Engineer of Unlimited Horsepower with no restrictions required
• TWIC card required
• Preferred formal training in Caterpillar engines, EMD engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems
• Formal rigging training
• Formal overhead lifting training
• The ability to learn and use the procedures associated with living on a vessel such as firefighting, first aid, and use of life saving equipment
• Commitment to work safely and follow all safety policies and procedures
• Dredging experience preferred
• Excellent communication skills – able to express ideas, provide clear direction, ensure audience understanding
• Maintains positive attitude, and can motivate and improve team morale
• Self-starter, motivated, someone who actively monitors work outside of the control room
• Ability to determine root causes of incidents
• Complete a pre-employment physical examination, drug screen, and background check
• Valid passport preferred 

Benefits:

• Great Lakes Dredge and Dock Company contributes to benefit plans with the Seafarers International Union that are available to its members such as the Seafarers Health and Benefits Plan, Seafarers Pension Plan, Seafarers Vacation Plan, Seafarers Money Purchase Pension Plan as well as other fringe benefit plans 

Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast-feeding and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin or ancestry, age, mental or physical disability (including medical condition), military or veteran status, political preference, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or other status protected by law or regulation.

GLDD participates in E-Verify as required by law.