Director, Marine Operations
Next Decade
Operations
Brownsville, TX, USA
Posted on Sep 9, 2025
ABOUT NEXTDECADE CORPORATION
NextDecade is committed to providing the world access to reliable, lower carbon energy. We are focused on delivering secure, low-cost, and sustainable energy solutions through the safe and efficient development and operation of natural gas liquefaction and carbon capture and storage infrastructure. Through our subsidiaries, we are developing and constructing the Rio Grande LNG natural gas liquefaction and export facility near Brownsville, Texas, with approximately 48 MTPA of potential liquefaction capacity currently under construction or in development. We are also developing a potential carbon capture and storage project at the facility that is expected to make meaningful impacts toward a lower carbon future. NextDecade’s common stock is listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “NEXT.” NextDecade is headquartered in Houston, Texas. For more information, please visit www.next-decade.com.
SUMMARY OF THE ROLE
The Director, Marine Operations is responsible for the safe and effective execution of all marine operations enterprise activities. This role will ensure that the personnel, processes, and procedures are in place and adequate to meet the annual delivery plan as well as Reasonable and Prudent Operator (RPO) expectations. In addition to general management of day-to-day activities, the Director Marine Operations is also responsible for determining long-term marine operations strategies to effectively meet corporate objectives. This role will work closely with RGLNG department heads, Managers and Directors as part of routine operations planning and alignment on strategic issues. The Director Marine Operations is also responsible for maintaining strong relationships with critical external stakeholders such as the USCG, Port of Brownsville, Army Corp of Engineers, Tug Contractor, and Customer Marine Representatives. This position is located in Brownsville, TX. Check out our RGV Spotlight Video to learn more about Brownsville and the Rio Grande Valley!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Liaise with RGLNG engineering staff on marine matters relative to terminal development and during construction phase
- Liaise with RGLNG’s operations staff on marine matters related to the development of operational and emergency procedures
- Initiate and develop the necessary contacts with shippers, governmental authorities, and other third-party stakeholders, and support existing contacts
- Provides residentmarineexpertiseand advicetoRGLNG Project Team and EPC Contractor leading tocommissioningandfull operation of the terminal
- Implementsandmaintainsoperationalprocedures for:
- o MarineTerminalInformation andRegulations.
- o OperationsProcedureManualincludingShore/ShipInterface.
- o Marine terminal security(jettyandforeshore).
- o MarineVetting Operations(LNGCarriers nominated, allMarine Service Providervessels).
- o Marinemaneuveringactivities(Berthing,Un-berthing).
- o Linehandlingprocedures for berthing, un-berthing,andemergencydepartureofLNG Carrier.
- o LNG CarrierGasup,Cooldown andloadingactivities.
- o Handling and response to all marine related incidents relating to the terminal
- o Marine Jetty Spill response coordination.
- o LNG Carrier compliance with Terminal/Port Regulations.
- Manage all dredge activities related to terminal turning basin.
- Monitor and provide oversight of the day-to-day marine aspects of commercial agreements with capacity holders, with particular attention to ship loading performance and HSSE requirements of vessels.
- Assist in the development of the annual delivery plan and 90-day schedules.
- Provide oversite of scheduling of pilots and tugs.
- Ensure proper and timely communication with vessels, agents, pilots, and tugs.
- Maintains the Marine Terminal Manual, coordinating any changes with NextDecade Commercial and RGLNG Customers who have consent rights.
- ManagesandmaintainstheLNGvesselassuranceandvettingprogramforvesselscallingat RGLNG.
- Managestugservicesagreements,includingbilling,KPIs and auditingoftheTugServiceProvider.
- Operational liaisonwithlocalgovernmentalentitiesrelatedtomarinematters.
- Operational liaison with shippers andmarineservicesproviders.
- Workinglevelcommunicationswithtechnicalandspecialistconsultants.
- Represent RGLNG in various marine forums.
- Develop and assist in the implementation of training for all marine staff.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- 10+ years of experience in the Marine Industry specifically related to USCG Regulations involving LNG Operations.
- Experience in marine management; preferably 15+ years of experience.
- Experience in loading operations of LNG vessels.
- Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) is required.
- Fluent in English
- Solid knowledge of industry standards, marine contracts, and ship/shore operations.
- Proficient in Mircrosoft Office Suite.
- Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and timely written reports.
- Ability to remain calm, effective, and take responsible action in emergencies or high-pressure situations.
- Ability to act with integrity, discretion, and maintain confidentiality.
- Strong interpersonal skills with ability to build effective working relationships across diverse groups.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Fluent in Spanish
- Knowledge of LNG shipping economics, port operations, and project management.
- Strong negotiating skills with authorities, contractors, and shipping interests.
- Experience overseeing marine operations, vessel performance, and commercial agreements.
- Familiarity with environmental issues, spill response, and emergency response procedures.
- Ability to train and mentor terminal staff in marine practices and safety standards.
- Experience coordinating and procuring marine services (tugs, pilots, line handlers, etc.).
- Ability to represent terminal interests with local, state, and federal marine authorities.
- Strong reporting, risk assessment, and incident investigation skills.
Job Site Work Environment
· Must be able to wear all necessary PPE equipment to perform job functions.
· Operates in a complex construction environment.
· Exposure to indoor and outdoor weather conditions.
· Not necessarily protected from weather and temperature changes. Possible exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions.
· Exposure to moving mechanical parts and electrical circuits.
· Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds of a pitch level sufficient to cause marked distraction.
· Routinely uses standard office and field communications equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers w/scanner and fax, and radios.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to support individuals with ADA-recognized disabilities to perform the essential functions for the job.
· Ability to drive to other Company work locations as required.
· Ability to move throughout all areas of the facility, including being physically capable of traveling to a designed muster point during emergency situations.
· Stand and/or sit continuously and perform job functions for a full shift.
· The incumbent is required to have fully mechanical motion and usage of all extremities.
· Physically able to walk, stand, bend, stoop, kneel, reach, twist, lift, push, pull, climb, balance, crouch, handle, and lift items weighing up to 20 lbs. without assistance.
· Visual acuity corrected to perform job functions. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
· Must be able to clearly communicate with others via radio, phone, and verbal methods.
· May be required to enter confined spaces.
· May be required to work at elevated heights and access elevated structures without assistance.
If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at recruiting@next-decade.com.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
*In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.
NEXTDECADE VALUES
· Safety – We make safety a priority. Everything we do relies on the safety of our people and the communities around us.
· Integrity – We do the right thing, and are open, ethical, and fair. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in all that we do.
· Honesty – We value truth and honesty in ourselves and others. We honor our commitments and take responsibility for our actions.
· Respect – We listen, and respect people, the environment, and the communities in which we live and work.
· Transparency – Transparency builds trust. We promote open communication with our people, our customers, and all our stakeholders.
· Diversity – We value diversity of people and thought. It takes people with different strengths, ideas, and cultural backgrounds to make our company succeed.
NextDecadeprovides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NextDecadecomplies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.