TJ HOUCK
Berlin
Summary
NOAA Corps Officer with combined NOAA and Coast Guard service, specializing in program management, facility oversight, and interagency coordination. Experienced in leading teams of up to 20 personnel, assisted in managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and ensuring operational readiness for global oceanographic research. Skilled at coordinating across regional NOAA programs, academic institutions, and interagency partners to deliver mission success.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Operations Officer
NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown
06.2025 - Current
- Manage daily operations and scientific mission execution following mid-life repair.
- Coordinate research cruise planning with NOAA and external partners.
- Oversee operational readiness, maintenance planning, and supported global oceanographic research.
- Provided mentorship to junior officers during ship navigation, science operations, and in-port activities, fostering professional growth and operational confidence.
- Oversaw daily operations ensuring compliance with safety regulations and environmental protocols.
- Coordinated logistics for research missions, optimizing vessel schedules and resource allocation.
Vessel Operations Coordinator & Officer in Charge
R/V Victor Loosanoff | NOAA Fisheries
10.2022 - 06.2025
- Directed maintenance, budget planning, and readiness for three NOAA vessels.
- Supervised crew and coordinated mission logistics with NOAA Fisheries and academic partners.
- Effectively maintained vessel property and equipment reliability while operating under strict budget constraints.
- Represented the laboratory in regional NOAA vessel strategy discussions.
- Assumed additional duties as Unit Diver Officer and Laboratory Safety Committee Chair, overseeing dive operations, safety planning, and risk management across the facility.
OOD / NOAA Diver
NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter
01.2020 - 10.2022
- Qualified OOD and NOAA Diver supporting scientific operations.
- Treasurer for Gulf Coast ACO, managing budget planning, accounting, and financial oversight.
- Participated in interagency exercises and community engagement events.
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class
USCG Station Apra Harbor
03.2017 - 01.2020
- Operated and supervised maintenance of two 45’ and two 29’ small boats for SAR and naval escort missions.
- Mentored junior enlisted personnel in crew duties and u/w operations.
- Collaborated with other service branches in community volunteer initiatives, fostering goodwill and expanding Coast Guard presence across the Mariana Islands.
- Developed training programs for crew members, improving operational efficiency and teamwork.
- Collaborated with other departments to streamline inter-agency communication during maritime operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
Rider University
Lawrenceville, NJ01.2015
Skills
- Leadership & Supervision
- Budget & Fiscal Management (contracts, purchasing and reconciliation)
- Facilities Oversight (planning and overall maintenance)
- Program / Project Coordination (vessel allocation and inter agency coordination)
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement (volunteering)
- Vessel Ops & Maintenance
- Mission Planning
- Operational efficiency
- Resource management
- Budget management
Certification
- NOAA Diver
- PADI Rescue Diver
- Qualified NOAA OOD working toward SWO
Timeline
Operations Officer
NOAA Ship Ronald H. Brown
06.2025 - Current
Vessel Operations Coordinator & Officer in Charge
R/V Victor Loosanoff | NOAA Fisheries
10.2022 - 06.2025
OOD / NOAA Diver
NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter
01.2020 - 10.2022
Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class
USCG Station Apra Harbor
03.2017 - 01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Marine Science
Rider University
Awards
NOAA Corps Achievment Medal - Coordinated $84K shipyard repairs and oversaw in-house upgrades to the 51’ R/V Victor Loosanoff, saving $50K while extending vessel service life and improving safety. Restored the lab’s 22’ Boston Whaler to active service and supported multiple research missions across CT, MA, and NY. Served as a NOAA Diver for oyster and clam field collections, directly enabling successful laboratory research programs.