harbor technician

title: 'Harbor Technician: Your Guide to a Dynamic Maritime Career'
salary: $45,000 - $75,000
categories: ["Maritime", "Skilled Trades", "Operations", "Facilities Maintenance"]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a 'Harbor Technician: Your Guide to a Dynamic Maritime Career'.

🎯 Role Definition

The Harbor Technician is the backbone of our waterfront operations. This multifaceted role combines skilled trades, customer service, and an unwavering commitment to safety to ensure the seamless functioning of the harbor. You will be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, repair, and operation of all marine facilities, from docks and piers to essential equipment and vessels. This is a hands-on, active position for an individual who thrives in a dynamic outdoor environment and takes pride in maintaining a world-class maritime facility. You are the first point of contact for boaters and a key player in upholding the port's reputation for excellence and safety.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

General Laborer or Construction Worker
Marine Mechanic Assistant or Apprentice
Skilled Trades Professional (e.g., Carpenter, Electrician)
Experienced Recreational or Commercial Boater

Advancement To:

Senior or Lead Harbor Technician
Assistant Dockmaster or Harbormaster
Port Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Marine Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Port Operations Specialist
Marine Construction Crew Member
Commercial Vessel Crew

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Conduct comprehensive routine and preventative maintenance on all harbor structures, including docks, piers, floats, gangways, and pilings, to ensure structural integrity and user safety.
Operate and perform daily service checks on a variety of harbor equipment, such as workboats, forklifts, pressure washers, and utility vehicles, in a safe and efficient manner.
Provide professional and safe line handling and assistance for the mooring and unmooring of a wide range of commercial and recreational vessels, ensuring proper tie-up procedures are followed.
Perform skilled and semi-skilled maintenance and repair tasks, including basic carpentry, plumbing, painting, and minor electrical work on buildings, docks, and utility systems.
Conduct regular safety inspections of the entire harbor facility, including fire extinguishers, life rings, ladders, and lighting, documenting findings and correcting deficiencies promptly.
Respond immediately and effectively to facility and environmental emergencies, such as fuel spills, vessel fires, or medical incidents, following established emergency action plans.
Enforce harbor rules, regulations, and policies in a firm but courteous manner to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all tenants, visitors, and staff.
Maintain the cleanliness and professional appearance of the harbor, including docks, restrooms, walkways, parking lots, and landscaped areas through regular cleaning and debris removal.
Operate vessel sewage pump-out stations and other environmental equipment, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental regulations.
Assist in the preparation and execution of special events, regattas, and fishing tournaments hosted at the harbor, including setup, teardown, and operational support.
Operate VHF marine radios to communicate with vessels, coordinate harbor traffic, and relay important safety and operational information.
Perform fueling operations for vessels, adhering to strict safety protocols for dispensing gasoline and diesel fuel and accurately processing transactions.
Inspect, repair, and maintain navigational aids, signage, and water-based markers within the harbor's jurisdiction to ensure safe transit for all vessels.
Assist with security patrols of the facility, monitoring for unauthorized access, vandalism, and other security concerns, and reporting issues to the appropriate authorities.
Perform groundskeeping duties, which may include landscaping, mowing, irrigation system repair, and snow/ice removal during winter months.

Secondary Functions

Support the Harbormaster with clerical and administrative tasks, including record-keeping, work order processing, and inventory management of parts and supplies.
Provide exceptional customer service by responding to inquiries from boaters and the public, providing directions, and resolving minor disputes or issues.
Maintain accurate daily logs and records of maintenance activities, safety inspections, vessel traffic, resource usage, and incident reports.
Contribute to the harbor's safety and emergency response plans by participating in regular drills, training exercises, and safety committee meetings.
Collaborate with the Harbormaster and administrative staff to provide input for capital improvement projects and help plan seasonal maintenance schedules.
Participate in regular team safety meetings and operational briefings to coordinate daily tasks, review upcoming vessel arrivals, and address any immediate facility needs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Marine Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating workboats, skiffs, and other small vessels. Certified to operate forklifts, aerial lifts, and other light/heavy equipment is highly preferred.
Dock and Facility Maintenance: Strong working knowledge of methods, materials, and tools used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of marine facilities, including wood, concrete, and composite structures.
Mechanical and Electrical Aptitude: Ability to troubleshoot and perform basic repairs on pumps, motors, and lighting systems. Foundational skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
Vessel Handling and Seamanship: Solid understanding of basic seamanship, including line handling, knot tying, and safe mooring practices for various types of vessels.
Safety and Environmental Compliance: Knowledge of OSHA safety standards, HAZWOPER, and environmental best management practices, particularly concerning fuel and waste handling.
Use of Hand and Power Tools: Competent and safe use of a wide array of tools required for maintenance and repair tasks.

Soft Skills

Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly assess situations, identify problems, and implement effective solutions, often under pressure and with minimal supervision.
Communication Skills: Clear and professional communication, both verbally (in person, via phone/radio) and in writing (logs, reports), with colleagues, customers, and officials.
Situational Awareness: A high degree of awareness of the surrounding environment, including weather conditions, vessel traffic, and potential hazards, to proactively ensure safety.
Customer Service Orientation: A positive, helpful, and approachable demeanor when interacting with the public, tenants, and visiting boaters.
Physical Fitness and Stamina: Ability to perform physically demanding tasks, work outdoors in all weather conditions, lift heavy objects (typically 50-75 lbs), and maintain balance on unstable surfaces.
Teamwork and Reliability: A dependable team player who can work collaboratively with a small crew and also take initiative to work independently.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Certificate from a vocational or technical school in a relevant trade such as marine mechanics, welding, electrical, or facilities maintenance.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Marine Technology
Skilled Trades
Facility Maintenance
Maritime Operations

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2-5 years of hands-on experience in a related field.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience working in a marina, port, boatyard, or similar maritime environment.
Verifiable experience operating workboats, forklifts, and other related heavy and light equipment.
Possession of relevant certifications such as a state boater safety card, forklift operator license, or basic first aid/CPR is highly desirable.