Harbormaster (N18)

Harbormaster (N18)

Salary

$100,022.00 - $160,228.00 Annually

Location

Annapolis

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

202600274

Department

Harbormaster

Opening Date

07/15/2026

Closing Date

7/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Summary

The Harbormaster prioritizes competing needs in a fast-paced competitive environment that combines project management, business administration, and public safety. He/she maintains order and ensures the smooth operation of the City of Annapolis harbor and the channels and creeks feeding to it, along with the contiguous street end parks. The Harbormaster develops, recommends, and administers policy, legislation, budget, grants, and special events designed to serve and promote a safe, healthy, and vibrant maritime industry and performs related work as required.

The Harbormaster hires, trains, directs and evaluates the work of a Deputy Harbormaster, a Waterside Operations Supervisor, a Shoreside Operations Supervisor, and approximately 30 part time employees. He/she manages and oversees these employees to collect docking and mooring revenue, operate a pump out boat, operate a safe, efficient, and clean harbor, and to plan and execute large special events in a manner that promotes a safe and healthy maritime industry. The Harbormaster works jointly with the Mayors Office, City Council, committees, and study groups. He/she develops, and administers policy, legislation, budget, grants, and special events. He/she collaborates with other City departments to optimize resources, foster innovation, improve communication and minimize costs.

This position reports to the Deputy City Manager for Resilience and Sustainability.

Essential Job Functions

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The employee in this class works independently and with staff overseeing the public waterways and the harbor in the city. Responsible for the overall operation of the City's Harbor. Coordinates as necessary with U.S. Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Natural Resources, Fire and Police Departments, Port Wardens, Maritime Advisory Board and other state and federal agencies having jurisdiction over navigable waters and tributaries. Weekend, holiday, and evening hours required in all types of weather conditions. Position is subject to call-outs.

EXAMPLES OF WORK:

• Supervises proper maintenance and operations of City slip, mooring, and dock facilities, including collection of user fees, slip assignments, and administering leases and space assignments.
• Patrols harbor and City waterways to ensure safety and lawful compliance with maritime regulations.
• Investigates, enforces, and abates infractions of waterway laws and regulations.
• Advises the City Manager's Office and the Mayor on harbor conditions and issues.
• Maintains accounts for revenue and expenses related to harbor facilities and operations and develops the office budget and performance standards.
• Supervises and directs the activities and training of subordinates.
• Develops management goals and objectives for the organization, determines organizational structure, workflow and functional assignments.
• Plans for anticipated workload changes by adjusting priorities and functions.
• Approves leave, prepares requests for recruitment or for additional personnel, selects candidates to fill vacancies and prepares formal requests for promotions and other status changes.
• Initiates or proposes disciplinary action as necessary.
• Develops individual long-range training programs and yearly work plan.
• Performs annual performance reviews.
• Maintains clear navigation channels (obstructing vessels and debris).
• Hires seasonal personnel, designs their training procedures, supervises their training and provides management.
• Supervises maintenance and operation of moorings, slips, and docks.
• Oversees maintenance and operation of pump-out boat.
• Oversees maintenance and operation of patrol boats.
• Writes and administers grant proposals.
• Administers State-sponsored abandoned and derelict boat and debris program.
• Screens, organizes, and manages or assists in managing special waterfront events. Maintains safe conditions in Harbor, including responding and informing the public of special weather alerts, pollution control, and fire hazards.
• Responds to community and visiting boater concerns and complaints.
• Attends (or directs staff to attend) meetings of Port Wardens and Maritime Advisory Board and drafts staff reports and recommendations.
• Develops or contributes to the development of a long-term master plan for City waterways, docks, moorings and street end landings and parks.
• Assists boating accident victims and boaters who have been victims of theft;
• Liaisons with the U.S. Coast Guard, MD DNR, and NSA Annapolis for special events and operations.
• Administers the registration, collection of fees, mailings, assignments, and regulation of mooring spaces for annual mooring holders and wait list.
• Maintains a written plan of the channel and mooring basin showing the approximate location of each mooring by designated number.
• Protects life, property, the environment and evidence during the early stages of an emergency when first on the scene at a water-related incident, until such time that fire or police or more highly trained personnel arrive.
• Assists Maryland Natural Resources Police and the US Coast Guard by aiding boating accident victims and victims of other crimes that occur in or around City waterways
• Makes presentations to civic groups, school groups, and other members of the community.
• Testifies in court regarding citations and other maritime related activities.
• Collaborates with Maryland Marine Trades Association and attends training sessions and policy meetings.
• Collaborates with representatives of US Customs, environmental agencies, local government and utilities.
• Serves as the liaison with federal, state, local, and public and private agencies and organizations pertaining to marine activities.
• Directs the placement of each mooring and periodically requires verification of its condition and position to ensure the safety of vessels, adequacy of swing room, and best use of available space.
• Responsible for managing and/or ensuring corrections are implemented to address deficiencies.
• Establishes and maintains anchorage areas and transient channels.
• Responsible for ensuring private aids to navigation are maintained and available for review in accordance with U. S. Coast Guard regulations.
• Ensures dock and associated asset repairs are performed or coordinated with the Public Works Department (maintenance assistance).
• Ensures staff keeps the harbor and channels free of obstruction, and debris is disposed of properly.
• Monitors the condition of public infrastructure and equipment for proper and safe operation.
• Ensures reports of any pollution in the river/harbor are submitted to the Maryland Department of the Environment and the U. S. Coast Guard.
• Responsible for ensuring the pollution is removed using the capabilities of the department in accordance with appropriate regulations, practices or processes.
• Ensures marine and public safety radio frequencies are monitored in accordance with department procedures and practices.
• Notifies Maryland Department of Natural Resources Boating Excise team of vessels which do not display evidence of paid excise taxes.
• Controls the use of and monitors the condition of the public piers, boats, moorings, and boat launches.
• Collects fees, as established in the City's fee structure.
• Supervises the care and maintenance of the City's Harbormaster's vessels.
• Directs staff during search and rescue operations and other incidents and emergencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Solid knowledge of practices concerning the operation of a harbor facility; solid knowledge of modern business and accounting practices; good knowledge of Federal, State and City laws, regulations and procedures; good seamanship capabilities; qualified to operate watercraft under all conditions; knowledge of the operation of maritime communications equipment; knowledge of the use of tide and current tables and effect of weather conditions; ability to supervise the work of others; ability to keep records and make reports.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

At least five years progressive job-related experience at the level of Deputy Harbor/Marine Police, Navy or Coast Guard or equivalent. Completion of an undergraduate degree or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Completed courses in CPR, Water Safety, and U.S. Coast Guard courses in Navigation

Rules of the Road and Seamanship or equivalent experience and training.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Comprehensive knowledge of federal state and local laws, regulations, ordinances, and waterway rules.

Comprehensive knowledge of public safety radio frequencies and department procedures and practices

Detailed knowledge of practices concerning the operation of a harbor facility.

Detailed knowledge of the channel and mooring basin to include the location of each mooring by designated number.

Detailed knowledge of modern business and accounting practices

Skilled at boat handling and navigation techniques.

Skilled in conflict management techniques and persuasion.

Ability to use Google products, Microsoft Office and related computer platform/software programs.

Ability to communicate verbally to respond and interact with members of the public,

co-workers, City committee members, stakeholders, and/or agency representatives.as well as interpret laws, policies, regulations, and ordinances.

Ability to communicate in writing to prepare long- and short-range planning/reports and documentation of the channel and mooring basin.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and ensure actions are within acceptable

policies, procedures, and practices.

Ability to manage emergency situations using best practices, available resources, and personnel.

Adept at using Google products, Microsoft Office products and related computer

software/platforms.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completion of an undergraduate program from an accredited college or university; and at least four years of experience and training in marine operations. Demonstrated experience supervising a diverse staff of clerical, administrative, or trade positions. OR an equivalent combination of acceptable education and experience to provide the identified knowledge, skills and abilities.

This position is designated as Safety Sensitive due to the tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task, other individuals, and may lead to damage to property.

This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing to include pre-employment testing.

Special Qualifications:

The Harbormaster is required to work long hours during peak season (mid-May to November 1st) that may involve stressful situations and variable weather conditions.

Captain's License

Knowledge in boat repair and maintenance and boat trailering

Experience in project management

Critical thinker, problem solver

Aptitude with maps and spatial relationships

Experience at solving complex customer service complaints

Experience creating and managing budgets

Experience maximizing revenue while minimizing overhead

Certified in CPR, First Aid, Stop the Bleed, Narcan

Current Vessel Verification Certification

Adept at Search and Rescue

Expert knowledge of State and Federal boating law and of local ordinances

Excellent report writing and persuasive writing skills

Experience and Aptitude in creating and delivering presentations to both large and small groups.

Ability to create and deliver presentations

Adept at testifying in court

High level of leadership, attention to detail

Employment Conditions

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Dynamic standing required while operating a vessel, standing watch, patrolling docks, clearing debris, inspecting equipment.
• Walking and standing on uneven, slick and moving surfaces required while towing, inspecting, operating vessels.
• Ability to operate various types of motor and sailboats; ability to withstand working outside in extreme weather conditions; ability to operate a vehicle; ability to operate standard office equipment including copier, computer, fax machine, etc.; ability to reach into file drawers in standard four-drawer filing cabinets.
• Hearing ability: sufficient to hold conversation with other individuals in person and over the telephone and radio.
• Speaking ability: sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person and over the telephone and radio.
• Climbing and balancing when moving from boat to dock or boat to boat.
• Ability to multitask, divide attention and stay abreast of technological advances.
• Freedom from mental disorders which would interfere with duties as described.

Work Environment:

Exposure to extreme temperatures: Exposed to high and low temperatures while operating vessels year-round. Exposed to normal Mid-Atlantic seasonal changes and temperatures to include frequent temperatures in the 90s (°F) to ice conditions below 28 (°F).

Vibration: Vibration occurs when using power equipment such as power tools, or while operating or riding on boats.

Light: Duties may be performed at night or during times of decreased visibility.

Noise: Exposed to loud noises from boat engines, wind and power.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and stand, talk or hear; use hands and fingers; handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is required to walk and drive.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

During the course of daily work, the employee navigates uneven and/or slippery ground and may be required to climb, stoop, or crawl short distances. When responding to emergencies at the Harbor, work may be strenuous or dangerous. Employees assigned to this position are subject to chemical substance screening consistent with mandated Federal, State and City guidelines and programs to include drug and alcohol testing.

The Harbor Master works in a wide variety of working conditions, from an office setting to outdoors and on the water in all types of weather conditions, including cold and hot temperatures, stormy, rainy, and foggy conditions.

Summary of Benefits for Civil Service

Work Hours: Minimum 35 hour work week, depending upon department operations.