Executive Director

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Exciting Opportunity!

Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots

Salary Range: $7,353.00 - $10,827.00

Location: Portland, Oregon

Apply Today: The Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots (OBMP) is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional Executive Director to join our small but impactful team. Established in 1846, OBMP plays a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime shipping in Oregon. The Board operates within the Oregon Public Utility Commission and is staffed by two key positions: an Executive Director and an Administrator.

About OBMP

The Board is composed of nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate:

• 3 Public Members
• 3 Licensed Maritime Pilots
• 3 Shipping Industry Representatives

Together, the Board develops and oversees programs that promote safe navigation, fair regulation, and effective pilotage services along Oregon’s waterways.

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots as the Executive Director.

The Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots’ (OBMP) mission is to promote public safety by assuring, through training, education, and examination, that only the most qualified persons are licensed to pilot ships in Oregon waterways.

ORS Chapter 776 and OAR Chapter 856 give the Board jurisdiction over pilots and pilotage. These laws set the qualifications for selection, training, licensure, conduct, and continuing professional development. In addition, the Board is charged with setting equitable rates that are not excessive or inconsistent with the services that pilots render. The Board also investigates pilot performance during any reportable accidents; ensure efficient and effective pilotage services are available and works with industry groups, the public and other federal state and local governments to improve navigation and safety of our waterways. The Board regulates approximately sixty-five (65) state-licensed pilots who guide vessels through four statutorily designated pilotage grounds: the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, the Columbia River Bar, the Coos Bay Bar, and the Yaquina Bay Bar.

What You Will be Doing

As the Executive you will serve as principal interface between the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots and State licensed pilots, and among industry stakeholders including the shipping industry, environmental community, state and federal government regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. This position advises the board on direction, strategic and initiative and then implements them as directed by the Board. You will do this through board understanding of rulemaking in the context of the maritime industry..

The Executive Director develops and implements policies, procedures, and program priorities consistent with policy established by the Board of Maritime Pilots and determines the most effective use of resources to execute agency goals and objectives.

This position also has general oversight responsibility for the conduct, classification, and scope of maritime incident and complaint investigations initiated by the Board, forwarding recommendations to the Board concerning results, analysis, and policy options on the outcome of licensing and incident investigations. 

The Executive Director reports to a nine-member board that consists of three members of the public, three representatives from industry and three from pilot associations. The position reports to the Board Chair for operational oversight.  All OBMP board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. By statute, only public members are allowed to serve as the OBMP Board Chair.

The Executive Director is an ex-officio, non-voting member of ad hoc and standing board committees.

What We Are Looking For

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Ability to provide recommendations to and implement the Board’s goals, develop strategic plans, and coordinate with the OBMP Administrator.
• Board Liaison: Serves as the main contact for Board matters and keeps members informed.
• Budget & Contracts: Manages the Board’s budget, collaborates with PUC on financial planning, and oversees contracts.
• Licensing & Training: Support pilot licensing and ensures effective training and continuing education programs.
• Safety & Compliance: Leads or oversees maritime incident investigations and ensures adherence to safety standards and regulations.
• Legal & Regulatory: Develop rules for the Board considerationand coordinates with state/federal agencies on maritime and environmental issues.
• Equity & Inclusion: Promotes a respectful, inclusive workplace aligned with state diversity and affirmative action goals.
• Public & Legislative Engagement: Represents the Board in media, legislative testimony, and stakeholder communications.
• Administrative Oversight: Maintains confidentiality, manages Board operations, and supports committee work.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in business or public administration, Behavioral or Social Sciences, Finance, Political Science or any degree demonstrating the capacity for the knowledge and skills; and five years professional-level evaluative, analytical and planning work.
OR
Any combination of experience and education equivalent to eight years of experience that typically supports the knowledge and skills for the classification.

Desired Skills and Attributes:

• Legal & Policy Expertise – Ability to interpret and communicate laws, rules, and Board policies clearly.
• Strong Communicator – Draft official communications and engages effectively with stakeholders.
• Strategic Leader – Align Board goals with state priorities and manages complex projects.
• Adaptable & Responsive – Handles urgent issues and shifting priorities under pressure.
• Physically Capable – Able to travel, lift up to 25 lbs., and board vessels in varying conditions, including climbing a pilot ladder (wooden rungs connected by ropes) 10-25 feet up the side of a ship without being tied on.
• Collaborative & Inclusive – Builds respectful relationships and promotes equity.
• Analytical Thinker – Evaluates data and operations to support informed decisions.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team:

The Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots (OBMP) mission is to promote public safety by assuring that only well-qualified persons are licensed to pilot vessels entering and leaving Oregon’s ports. To learn more about the programs, click here

• 11 paid holidays a year, and a competitive benefits package.

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon
• Live, work, and play in Portland, Oregon

Application Details and Instructions:

• Please visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application for the position. Please ensure the work history in your applicant profile is up to date and include a current copy of your resume and cover letter.
• This announcement is for one (1), Operations and Policy Analyst 4, non-supervisory, full-time, permanent, Executive Director
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies
• If you have questions about the job announcement, or how to apply, please contact the Executive Recruiter John Paschal @ John.L.Paschal@das.oregon.gov

Additional Details:

• The information in your application will be used to complete a pay equity assessment to determine salary placement upon hire. The salary range for this position is a MENN-AA-32, $7353.00 to $10,827.00 per month. Please see the link here to our Pay Equity Project. If you have additional questions, please contact the HR Talent Acquisition Consultant.
• Commission does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, applicants will be required to complete I-9 documentation and confirm authorization to work in the United States. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet Agency employment eligibility standards
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For more information, please visit Veterans Resources.

Helpful Links & Resources:

How to Set Job Alerts | Workday Applicant FAQ | What You Need to Know to Get the Job

Oregon Job Opportunities Webpage | Classification and Compensation | Pay Equity

Come for a job. | Stay for a career. | Make a difference... for a lifetime!

The PUC is an Equal Employment Opportunity–Affirmative Action employer, committed to inclusive hiring practices and providing reasonable accommodations during the application and interview process. The PUC is committed to equal access to all facilities, programs, and services, ensuring that all individuals have equitable opportunities to work for or with the agency. The PUC is active in its diverse workplace commitment to build a workforce that reflects the communities it serves across Oregon. It does not discriminate based on disability and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Applicants can request accommodations and submit complaints about discrimination through the PUC or the U.S. Department of Justice.