Harbormaster PT
Salary
$34.02 - $43.79 Hourly
Location
Portsmouth, VA
Job Type
Part-Time Regular
Job Number
FY2025-01435
Department
Police
Opening Date
07/02/2026
Closing Date
7/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
General Statement of the Job & Essential Functions
GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB
Under general supervision, the Harbormaster is responsible for administering, enforcing, and managing Portsmouth's waterways, including mooring fields, anchorage areas, derelict vessel oversight, and waterfront safety operations. The position ensures the safe, orderly, and environmentally responsible use of the City's navigable waters and works closely with the Portsmouth Police Marine Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Virginia DEQ, the VMRC, and other partner agencies. Reports to the Police Captain over Special Operations.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Waterway & Mooring Management
The Harbormaster manages mooring assignments, vessel registration, and anchorage compliance; maintains accurate maps and public records; and enforces City ordinances and Virginia Code §15.2-909 related to derelict, abandoned, or hazardous vessels. The position conducts routine inspections of vessels, mooring tackle, and waterfront facilities, coordinates diver inspections, documents violations, and issues corrective notices. The Harbormaster monitors vessel activity daily to ensure compliance with safety, navigation, and environmental regulations and responds to conflicts involving moorings or navigation hazards.
Derelict Vessel Enforcement & Public Safety
The Harbormaster identifies, documents, and processes derelict or hazardous vessels; coordinates removal actions; and assists with cost-recovery procedures. The position supports the Portsmouth Police Marine Patrol during emergencies, storm events, vessel groundings, and environmental hazards. Duties include conducting post-storm inspections, initiating corrective actions, and coordinating with the U.S. Coast Guard on navigation hazards and pollution threats.
Environmental Protection & Compliance
The Harbormaster collaborates with Virginia DEQ, VMRC, and the U.S. Coast Guard on spill response, environmental hazards, and water quality concerns. Responsibilities include overseeing basic water testing, environmental monitoring, and documentation of pollution risks, while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations related to abandoned vessels and marine sanitation.
Customer Service & Public Interaction
The Harbormaster serves as the primary point of contact for boaters, marinas, waterfront residents, and businesses, providing information on City rules, safety expectations, and environmental best practices. The position addresses complaints, resolves conflicts diplomatically, and maintains positive relationships with the boating community.
Administrative & Financial Responsibilities
The Harbormaster maintains accurate records of mooring applications, fees, inspections, enforcement actions, and vessel inventories. Additional responsibilities include tracking expenses and equipment needs, assisting with budget preparation and grant applications, preparing reports and recommendations for City leadership, and supervising seasonal staff when assigned.
Interagency Coordination
The Harbormaster works collaboratively with PPD Marine Patrol, Fire Department, Emergency Management, DEQ, VMRC, USCG, and regional partners. The position participates in planning meetings, emergency response coordination, and interagency briefings, and assists in developing long- and short-term goals for waterfront safety and derelict vessel reduction.
Facility & Equipment Oversight
The Harbormaster conducts routine inspections of docks, piers, and waterfront facilities to ensure safety and cleanliness, coordinates maintenance needs with City departments, and operates City vessels and equipment safely.
Other Duties
Performs other duties as assigned. Individual assignments will be determined by the supervisor based on the current workload and department needs.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Knowledge of Job: Has thorough knowledge of maritime regulations, mooring systems, derelict vessel enforcement, and waterfront safety operations. Able to plan, direct, and coordinate work; prepare reports; exercise independent judgment; and maintain effective working relationships.
Quality of Work:Maintains high standards of accuracy and communication.
Quantity of Work: Maintains effective and efficient output of all duties.
Dependability: Assumes responsibility for assigned work and deadlines.
Attendance: Attends work regularly and adheres to City policies.
Initiative and Enthusiasm: Maintains a self-starting approach and anticipates work needs.
Judgment: Exercises analytical judgment and identifies solutions.
Cooperation: Accepts direction and works toward departmental goals.
Relationships with Others: Maintains cooperative and courteous relationships.
Coordination of Work: Plans and organizes daily work effectively.
Safety and Housekeeping: Adheres to all safety standards.
Education, Experience & Special Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Requires a high school diploma or GED and three to five years of experience in marine operations, boating safety, marina management, law enforcement marine units, or related fields.
Experience with vessel operations, mooring management, or maritime enforcement is preferred, as is supervisory experience.
Certified law enforcement officers are preferred, or the candidate must be able to obtain certification as a Special Conservator of the Peace (SCOP), including meeting all DCJS requirements.
Any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position may be substituted for stated requirements.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Requires an acceptable general background check to include local, state, and federal criminal history and sex offender registry checks.
Requires a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. Must be able to obtain certifications in CPR, First Aid, and AED. Must be certified or eligible to operate a motorboat.
Certified law enforcement preferred, or must be able to meet requirements for SCOP appointment, including psychological screening, firearms qualification, and DCJS registration.
Requires pre-employment medical evaluation and substance abuse testing, and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing. Individuals in this position may be expected to work hours in excess of their normally scheduled hours in response to short-term department needs or City-wide emergencies, and are required to respond during declared emergencies.
Physical Demands
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate boats, vehicles, and equipment. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force and work outdoors in extreme weather conditions. Requires the ability to stand for extended periods, kneel, lift, pull, and perform physical tasks associated with marine operations.
Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and judge observable characteristics of data, people, or things.
Interpersonal Communications: Requires the ability to speak and signal people to convey or exchange information, including giving instructions and receiving directions.
Ability: Requires the ability to read and prepare reports, correspondence, and records using proper grammar, punctuation, and style. Requires the ability to speak in front of groups with clarity and confidence.
Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Must be able to interpret regulations and apply them to real-world maritime situations.
Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information and follow oral and written instructions.
Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, add, subtract, multiply, divide, and interpret graphs.
Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) REQUIREMENTSThe City of Portsmouth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the city to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.This is a class description and not an individual position description. A class specification defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification. Still, it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list all the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.
This class description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the employers needs and job requirements change.
01
Do you have a valid drivers license with an acceptable driving record?
02
Please select the highest level of education completed.
03
Do you have at least three years of experience in marine operations, boating safety, marina management and/or law enforcement marine units as required?
04
Do you have any experience with vessel operations, mooring management, or maritime enforcement as preferred?
05
Do you have any supervisory experience?
06
Do you have any Certified law enforcement experience as preferred?
07
Are you certified or eligible to operate a motorboat as required?
Required Question
Employer City of Portsmouth
Address 801 Crawford Street
2nd Floor Human Resource Management
Portsmouth, Virginia, 23704
Phone (757) 393-8626