Marine Hydrographic & Dredging Coordinator

Be a part of a team that advances initiatives to promote economic prosperity through trade, a healthy environment and thriving communities for the future generations of Canadians.

It’s a workplace where the intrinsic value of your contribution to help foster the continued growth of the Canadian economy becomes a tangible reality. Bring your unique strengths, perspectives and experiences to the port authority and join us in charting a course toward a sustainable future.

The Marine Hydrographic & Dredging Coordinator assists the Manager of Marine Operations & Deputy Harbour Master in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of marine traffic and cargo within VFPA’s jurisdiction. The position coordinates projects and initiatives as assigned, with a primary focus on hydrographic and dredging operations, such as VFPA’s dredging & survey programs and VFPA’s tide & current data programs. Other key responsibilities include information gathering and interpretation, anticipating emerging issues and taking or recommending proactive action. The Marine Hydrographic & Dredging Coordinator works closely with the Marine Hydrographic Specialist, the Marine Operations Specialist, and the Marine Operations & Hydrographic Coordinator, and based on operational needs will provide assistance to the Operations Coordinator desk as required.

The Marine Hydrographic & Dredging Coordinator will:

Marine Hydrographic & Dredging Operations

• Assist with monitoring and reporting on available drafts and air drafts in Traffic Control Zones, navigable channels and control depths in berth pockets.
• Provide transit windows for vessels planning to transit Traffic Control Zones.
• Assist with the coordination of VFPA’s survey programs and tide and current data activities.
• Assist with designing and maintaining navigation channels, navigational envelopes, anchorage radiuses and berth pockets.
• Works with the Engineering Survey & Dredging Technician in the preparation of CAD drawings and upkeep of the CARIS database.
• Support and provide hydrographic information and data to the Port’s Active Vessel Traffic Management system.
• Assist with providing expert technical guidance and advice in relation to dredging activities, methodologies, technologies, and best practices.
• Ensures current knowledge of new/proposed dredging regulations and maintains knowledge of the sand market to gain the best market for sand recovery.
• Work with the Marine Hydrographic Specialist to prepare an annual budget for dredging programs and assist with the coordination related to all aspects of dredging planning and implementation of Port dredging activities, including Port upland sand spoil sites and emergency dredging; ensures current regulatory, professional and best practice dredging standards are applied.
• Work closely with the Marine Hydrographic Specialist in making dredging-related information available to internal and external customers.
• Assist with enforcing contractual arrangements regarding sand removal.
• As required, assists with review and coordination of the tenant dredging application process.
• Assist with ensuring the correct application of all terms and conditions of dredging contracts that impact dredging billing, review dredging invoices and prepare invoice packages with detailed backup information such as dredging volumes, sand sales, AIS reports of dredge equipment locations, fuel prices, analysis of working hours and delays.
• Provide dredging volume reasonability calculations.
• Conduct site visits and spot checks of dredging activities.

Marine Operations

• Coordinate the planning, execution, monitoring, reporting, and closing of various strategic marine operations and long-term projects. Work closely with other divisions and departments as required.
• Provide technical advice on navigational impacts of various marine permitting and development applications ensuring that the Port’s navigational safety and environmental protection standards are met.
• Assist with the development, preparation of necessary documentation and implementation of policies, practices and procedures.
• Provide internal support for the analysis of incidents and the development and implementation of corrective measures, policies, procedures and programs.
• Assist with and actively participate in emergency exercises & drills.

Communication

• Attend dredge conference calls and liaise with Fraser River Pilots and terminals to ensure safe navigation of the Fraser River Shipping Channels
• Communicate with internal and external contacts, in person, on the phone and in writing, in response to operational issues. Process and prioritize requests depending on operational requirements.
• Develop and maintains effective relationships with stakeholders and customers.
• Actively participate in stakeholder working groups and committees.
• Facilitate the meaningful sharing of information between projects and initiatives within the Department.

Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting

• Maintains accurate documentation and adapts the Port’s process and systems.
• Perform research, writing briefing papers and business cases. Prepare submissions for approval.
• Produce reports, and update and disseminate information as required.
• Gather and interpret operational intelligence, anticipating emerging issues and taking or recommending proactive action.

The successful candidate must have completed a post-secondary nautical or relevant technical science diploma/graduate certificate from a recognized institution along with a minimum of three years of experience in any one or combination of dredging operations, hydrology or hydrographic survey practices. Must have good knowledge of the marine transportation industry. Must have a good knowledge of and experience with marine navigation. Having an Un-Restricted Watchkeeping Mate level Certificate of Competency as described in the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) would be considered an asset. Knowledge of and experience with different data formats from survey instruments and Geographical Information Systems would also be considered an asset. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with proficient computer literacy are required

Must be able to perform analysis of operational data and have good problem-solving skills. Must be able to work under pressure and demonstrate the ability to use good judgment, make decisions, show initiative and take responsibility for situations when required. Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills with internal and external contacts. Must have the ability to work independently,

accurately and on my own initiative to maintain work output. Must be a team player with a “customer service” focus. Must have excellent organizational skills and flexibility to perform a diverse portfolio of tasks and coordinate projects.

This position is required to access restricted areas/information. The incumbent must obtain and maintain a valid Marine Transportation Security Clearance as defined by the Marine Transportation Security Regulations.

The health and safety of employees is a priority and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is committed to ensuring a safe workplace. Vaccinations, in combination with other preventative health and safety measures, offer the best available protection against COVID-19 and that is why port authority employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Providing proof of vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment.

Candidates may be accommodated for this requirement if they are approved for a legal exemption; accommodation may be requested only for religious and medical reasons, or other protected grounds under the Canadian Human Rights Act. If you’re seeking accommodation to the COVID-19 vaccination requirement, please indicate your request during the recruitment process.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority offers a competitive total compensation package including an earned time off program. Please note this posting will remain open until filled.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

At the port authority, we are dedicated to employment equity and a workplace reflective of the diversity of our port community.