Executive Director

Initial Posting Date: 08/27/2025

Application Deadline: 09/27/2025

Agency: Public Utility Commission

Position Type: Employee

Position Title: Executive Director

Job Description: Exciting Opportunity Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots

Location: Portland, Oregon

Salary Range: $7,353 - $10,827 per month

Overview: The Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots (OBMP) seeks a dedicated and experienced Executive Director to join a small but impactful team. 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 has nine members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate, consisting of 3 Public Members, 3 Licensed Maritime Pilots, and 3 Shipping Industry Representatives. 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) seeks a dynamic and visionary leader to join the Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots as the Executive Director. The OBMP's mission is to promote public safety by ensuring that only the most qualified persons are licensed to pilot ships in Oregon waterways. ORS Chapter 776 and OAR Chapter 856 govern pilots and pilotage, including qualifications, training, licensure, conduct, continuing professional development, and setting equitable rates. The Board also investigates pilot performance during reportable accidents and collaborates with industry, the public, and other government bodies to improve navigation and safety. The Board regulates approximately 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.

As the Executive Director, you will serve as the 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 regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public. This position advises the board on direction, strategy, and initiatives and then implements them as directed by the Board, with understanding of rulemaking in the maritime context.

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

This position 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 licensing and incident investigations.

The Executive Director reports to a nine-member board (three public members, three industry representatives, three pilot association representatives). The position reports to the Board Chair for operational oversight. Board members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. By statute, only public members may serve as the OBMP Board Chair. The Executive Director is an ex-officio, non-voting member of ad hoc and standing board committees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Strategy: Provide recommendations to and implement the Board's goals, develop strategic plans, and coordinate with the OBMP Administrator.
• Board Liaison: Serve as the main contact for Board matters and keep members informed.
• Budget & Contracts: Manage the Board's budget, collaborate with PUC on financial planning, and oversee contracts.
• Licensing & Training: Support pilot licensing and ensure effective training and continuing education programs.
• Safety & Compliance: Lead or oversee maritime incident investigations and ensure adherence to safety standards and regulations.
• Legal & Regulatory: Develop rules for Board consideration and coordinate with state/federal agencies on maritime and environmental issues.
• Equity & Inclusion: Promote a respectful, inclusive workplace aligned with state diversity and affirmative action goals.
• Public & Legislative Engagement: Represent the Board in media, legislative testimony, and stakeholder communications.
• Administrative Oversight: Maintain confidentiality, manage Board operations, and support 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 of 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 engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Strategic Leader: Align Board goals with state priorities and manage complex projects.
• Adaptable & Responsive: Handle urgent issues and shifting priorities under pressure.
• Physically Capable: Travel, lift up to 25 lbs., and board vessels in varying conditions, including climbing a pilot ladder up to 25 feet.
• Collaborative & Inclusive: Build respectful relationships and promote equity.
• Analytical Thinker: Evaluate data and operations to support informed decisions.

The Benefits of Joining Our Team:

The Oregon Board of Maritime Pilots 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 programs, see the pay equity project link and related information. Benefits include 11 paid holidays per year and a competitive benefits package. Advancement and learning opportunities are available; Portland offers a vibrant living environment.

• Visit the State of Oregon job opportunities webpage to submit your application. Ensure your work history is up to date and include a current resume and cover letter.
• This announcement is for one Operations and Policy Analyst 4, non-supervisory, full-time, permanent, Executive Director.
• This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies.
• For questions about the job announcement or application process, contact the Executive Recruiter John Paschal at

• Salary placement may be determined by pay equity assessment. The salary range is $7,353.00 to $10,827.00 per month.
• Commission does not offer visa sponsorship. I-9 documentation required within three days of hire; eligibility for work in the United States is required.
• Eligible veterans receive veterans' preference. For more information, visit the Veterans Resources page.

Note: This page includes general job resources and information about Oregon State job opportunities, classification and compensation, and pay equity.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: 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 does not discriminate based on disability and complies with the ADA and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Applicants can request accommodations and submit discrimination complaints through the PUC or the U.S. Department of Justice.