Maritime Geophysical Project Manager

Position Overview

Woolpert is hiring an experienced Project Manager for the Maritime Market in the Geospatial SectorProject Management Office. This can be a remote position or based out of a Woolpert office.

We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Applicants must already possess work authorization in the country the job is located.

What You Will Do:

Project Management role – 95%

• Manages marine geophysical survey projects.

• Leads project execution teams in the development of scope, technical approach, and execution strategy for marine geophysical surveys, including multibeam, side scan sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and magnetometer investigations.

• Develop detailed work plans, survey specifications, and line plans aligned with client objectives, regulatory requirements, and applicable standards (e.g., IHO S-44, USACE, project-specific criteria).

• Select appropriate vessels, sensors, and acquisition methodologies based on site conditions, water depths, and project constraints.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, subcontractors, and regulatory stakeholders.

• Lead project kickoff meetings, progress updates, and technical review sessions to ensure alignment on scope, schedule, and deliverables.

• Oversee mobilization, offshore operations, and demobilization activities to ensure efficient and safe execution of survey programs.

• Coordinate field teams, vessel crews, and subcontractors to maintain productivity and adherence to survey specifications.

• Monitor real-time acquisition progress and adjust survey plans as required to optimize data coverage and quality.

• Implement rigorous QA/QC procedures for data acquisition and processing, including calibrations (e.g., patch tests), sensor verification, and positioning integrity checks.

• Works directly with internal discipline and team leaders and external subcontractors for project planning and execution.

• Implement rigorous QA/QC procedures for data acquisition and processing, including calibrations (e.g., patch tests), sensor verification, and positioning integrity checks.

• Defines and communicates client needs and expectations to internal team leaders, phase managers, and technical staff.

• Delivers project ahead of or within schedule, scope, and budget.

• Maintains project information and tracking in an ERP system, updating status and resource planning monthly in coordination with team leaders and phase managers.

• Manages project invoicing and forecasting.

• Ensures continuous stakeholder communications to anticipate and mitigate project issues.

• Coordinates with team leaders and phase managers to identify, address and resolve project issues impacting quality, client goals, objectives and/or client satisfaction.

Business Development role - 5% 

• Builds and enhances existing client relationships to identify and initiate additional project opportunities.

• Identifies and grows new client relationships that match the client and project type focus and overall business strategy of the practice area and sector.

• Promotes Woolpert as an industry leader for specified market/practice and service(s) with new and existing clients.

• Represents Woolpert at conferences and other events.

• Preference to candidates that bring an existing network of client relationships.

Additional Functions -

• Assists in proposal writing and estimating.

• Develop new workflows and technology applications.

• Makes formal presentations and/or publishes articles for professional/trade/civic organizations.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Resulting Physical Qualifications:

• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.

• Must be able to operate and manipulate standard office equipment.

• Must be able to occasionally reach, bend, climb and/or balance.

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or move 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

• • Must be able to travel as required.

What You Will Bring:

• BA/BS degree in related field and a minimum of five (5) years of related Project Management experience or ten (10) years of related experience.

• Ten (10) or more years of professional geospatial experience with marine geophysical surveys

• Demonstrated experience managing multi-sensor offshore survey programs, including:

• Multibeam Echosounder (MBES)

• Side Scan Sonar (SSS)

• Sub-bottom Profiler (CHIRP/boomer/sparker/UHRS)

• Marine magnetometer systems

• Proven track record delivering projects for:

• Ports and navigation authorities

• Offshore energy/utilities (wind, oil & gas, subsea cables)

• Federal/state agencies (USACE, NOAA, etc.)

• Experience with acquisition and processing software such as:

• QPS (Qinsy/Qimera/Fledermaus)

• Hypack/Hysweep

• SonarWiz, Chesapeake, Kingdom, or equivalent interpretation platforms

• Familiarity with QA/QC processes including:

• Patch tests, calibrations, and latency checks

• Data validation and uncertainty analysis

• File structuring and metadata standards

• Proven ability to:

• Develop and execute survey work plans, schedules, and mobilization strategies

• Manage offshore operations, including vessel coordination and crew oversight

• Control budgets, track progress, and implement corrective actions

• Experience with leading technical staff to develop fee estimates for vessel-based sonar bathymetry and geophysical projects.

• Experience with contributing to and reviewing proposals (processes, bids, workflow).

• Expert in Microsoft Office suite.

• Solid background in managing large projects and budgets, including writing technical proposals.

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and in a team.

• Proven ability to take the initiative in finding solutions to complex challenges.

• Ability to develop and manage cross functional relationships.

• Previous experience in managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%, domestic and internationally.

Certified or the ability to be certified in one or more of the following below is highly desired:

• Project Management Professional (PMP)

• Certified Hydrographer

• Professional geophysicist or geologist

Benefits You Will Love

Certified as a Great Place to Work, Woolpert is one of the fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and geospatial companies in the world. With over 75 offices and countless projects around the globe, you’ll work on meaningful assignments that improve quality of life around the world. In addition to offering competitive pay, we provide employees with a robust set of unique benefits, including:

• Freedom to Work program: Set your own schedule and location (as appropriate).
• Principal program: Earn the opportunity to become an owner of the firm.
• Flexible paid time off/vacation: Take time off when it makes sense for you and your team.
• Career development: Explore a wide range of learning and growth opportunities within and across industries.
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance: Cover all your medical bases.
• Paid sick time, retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, pet insurance, identity protection, technology stipend, employee assistance program, and more!