Response Supervisor: Marine Emergency Response Supervisor – Leadership Role in Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection
Response Supervisor : The position of Marine Emergency Response Supervisor is designed for experienced professionals who are passionate about maritime safety, environmental protection, and emergency management. This role plays a critical part in ensuring preparedness and rapid response to incidents occurring in marine and industrial environments. Based in Seattle, this opportunity offers a stable career path, competitive compensation, and the chance to lead skilled teams in high-impact, real-world operations.
Role Overview and Professional Scope
As a Marine Emergency Response Supervisor, you will be responsible for managing and directing emergency preparedness and response activities across diverse marine settings. The role requires hands-on leadership during incidents such as marine spills, vessel emergencies, and hazardous material releases. You will oversee field teams, coordinate with external agencies, and ensure that every response is effective, timely, and compliant with regulatory standards.
This position demands the ability to operate confidently in fast-moving situations while maintaining clear communication, operational discipline, and safety awareness. The supervisor acts as a bridge between company leadership, response teams, and regulatory authorities, ensuring alignment and accountability at all stages of an incident.
Key Responsibilities and Daily Operations
In this role, you will lead and coordinate on-water and shoreline response operations, including spill containment, vessel support, and environmental mitigation activities. You will direct vessel crews, response technicians, contractors, and support personnel during both planned exercises and real emergencies. Ensuring compliance with maritime and environmental regulations is a core responsibility, requiring close attention to operational standards and reporting accuracy.
You will also oversee the readiness and maintenance of critical response equipment such as containment boom, skimmers, vessels, trailers, and personal protective gear. Maintaining detailed documentation, incident logs, and regulatory reports will be part of your routine duties. In addition, you will play a key role in developing and improving emergency response plans, conducting drills, and implementing lessons learned from previous incidents.
Leadership, Communication, and Coordination
Strong leadership is essential for this role. You will provide clear direction to teams during high-pressure situations and foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. Acting as a liaison with port authorities, regulatory agencies, and external partners, you will ensure smooth coordination and information flow during emergency responses.
The role also includes supporting customer service needs related to marine safety planning and emergency preparedness. Your ability to communicate technical information clearly to diverse stakeholders will directly impact operational success and client confidence.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Candidates should have a minimum of three to five years of experience in maritime operations, emergency response, environmental services, or closely related fields. Proven leadership experience in dynamic operational environments is essential. A strong working knowledge of marine safety procedures, emergency response techniques, and regulatory frameworks is required.
Applicants must hold a valid driver’s license and be capable of obtaining a transportation worker identification credential if necessary. The ability to work outdoors in industrial and marine environments under varying weather and operational conditions is critical. A current 40-hour hazardous waste operations certification and experience with incident command systems are also expected.
Preferred Skills and Certifications
Additional qualifications that strengthen candidacy include prior environmental response experience, familiarity with oil spill response fundamentals, and hands-on involvement in vessel operations or on-water response activities. Certifications such as CPR, First Aid, or other emergency medical credentials are highly valued and demonstrate readiness for field leadership.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
This role is based in Seattle and typically begins with an early morning start time, with flexibility for alternate shifts as operational needs require. The work environment is primarily outdoors and may involve exposure to industrial settings, marine hazards, and challenging weather conditions. Physical demands include lifting heavy equipment, standing for extended periods, and working safely around water, machinery, and environmental risks.
Compensation, Benefits, and Career Growth
The position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from 72,800 to 93,600 dollars, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Employees receive retirement savings options with company matching, health coverage after the initial eligibility period, generous paid time off, and access to company-funded training programs. Tuition reimbursement, provided uniforms, and protective equipment further support professional development and workplace safety.
This role provides a dynamic and collaborative environment where continuous improvement is encouraged and leadership contributions are recognized. It is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking long-term growth in marine emergency management and environmental response leadership.