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Boating Safety Officer

Marine Facilities

Job # 560441

Close Date: October 2, 2026

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future.

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs - all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal Poly Humboldt is part of one of the nation's largest and most impactful public university systems, where education, innovation, and service create meaningful change for California and beyond. See what it's like to work at the CSU-watch our video and imagine your future at Cal Poly Humboldt.

(Job # 560441) Instructional Support Technician II, Boating Safety Officer, CSU Classification Salary Range: $4,595 - $6,694 per month (Step 1- Step 20), Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,595- $4,974 per month (Step 1-5). Final salary placement is commensurate with experience, internal equity, and budget considerations. This is a full-time, benefited, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan, permanent position, with a one-year probationary period in Marine Facilities. This position comes with a premium benefits package that includes outstanding vacation, medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, voluntary pre-tax health and dependent care reimbursement accounts, a fee waiver education program, membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), and 15 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits information can be found at https://www.humboldt.edu/hr/employee-benefits.

Position Summary:

Under the general supervision of the Dean of the College of Natural Resources and Sciences, the Boating Safety Officer (BSO) is responsible for day-to-day oversight of small boat safety in support of educational and research programs. The Cal Poly Humboldt small boat fleet consists of motorized vessels from 16 to 25 ft and kayaks used for academic research.  The BSO is responsible for operator training, assessment and authorization, vessel scheduling, float plan review and approval, and equipment maintenance related to academic (i.e., class and university research) use of small boats. The BSO ensures that all vessels in the small boat fleet are in full compliance with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) requirements with respect to safety equipment and procedures, including, where appropriate, stability and safety testing in coordination with the USCG. The BSO documents academic and contract use of small boats and their operators. The BSO coordinates and documents maintenance and repair for small boats, motors, trailers, etc., working with professional services as needed, and where appropriate, conducting minor routine maintenance and minor equipment repair on small boats and trailers, including electrical and mechanical equipment. The BSO supplements the program budget by supporting external contract work by operating small boats and developing extramural training opportunities.  The BSO supports the broader marine science community through occasional service on university research vessels (including the R/V North Wind).

Key Responsibilities:

Promote the safe use of small boats for academic research and teaching in a university setting - 65%

• Develop and implement a training program to support certification of academic small boat users.
• Coordinate with faculty, staff, students, contractors, and other program partners regarding vessel scheduling, operational needs, equipment, safety requirements, and boating activities.
• Review and approve float plans for academic, research, training, and other authorized boating activities.
• Assess and authorize boat operators, including evaluating operator competency and maintaining appropriate training/certification records.
• Launch, operate, recover, transport, and trailer small boats in support of training operations
• Maintain documentation related to users, boats, safety equipment, vessel and trailer maintenance, and operations.
• Serve on Academic Boat Safety Committee.

Maintain and manage the small boat fleet to support academic and other operations - 20%

• Conduct routine safety inspections on small boat fleet.
• Inspect and maintain boats, motors, trailers, safety equipment, and associated electrical/mechanical equipment; perform minor repairs when appropriate and coordinate more extensive repairs with appropriate service providers.
• Ensure compliance with boating safety requirements, including applicable U.S. Coast Guard, California, and University requirements; coordinate required safety or stability testing when applicable.
• Maintain records for vessels, including registration.
• Coordinate the purchase of boating supplies, parts, equipment, and services, including identifying needs, obtaining appropriate specifications/quotes, working with vendors, and maintaining related records, as applicable.
• Support fiscal management for the Boating Program, such as tracking program expenses and revenues, maintaining records related to contract activities and purchases, and providing information for budget monitoring.

Engage in research or operational contract work as boat operator to support the Boating Program budget and serve in appropriate capacity on the RV North Wind to more broadly support  Marine Operations - 10%

• Launch, operate, recover, transport, and trailer small boats in support of research and other authorized operations.
• Support operations on the RV North Wind as needed and appropriate to training.

Other Duties as Assigned - 5%

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Associated with this Position Include:

As listed in Classification Standards:

• Ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with diverse faculty, staff, students, and community members.
• Knowledge of the principles of performing support services related to small boat operations
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques related to boating safety, operations, and training
• Knowledge of the equipment, materials, and supplies related to small boat operations and their appropriate uses.
• Ability to plan, organize, and schedule activities
• Ability to operate technical equipment related to small boat operation
• Ability to maintain records
• Ability to adjust and perform simple maintenance of boats and trailers.
• Knowledge and understanding of California boating safety requirements.

As related to the major responsibilities for this position:

• Documented experience in training small boat operators.
• Documented experience developing and implementing float plans.
• Documented ability to safely deploy, recover, and transport boats using trailers.
• Knowledge of and experience with a broad range of small boats (ranging from sit-on-top kayaks to large, trailerable motorboats), trailers, boat equipment, navigation electronics, and safety gear.
• Effective oral and written communication in English, to include ability to interpret and understand documentation relevant to the operation and maintenance of small boats, boat engines, etc.
• Demonstrated experience using computer systems to organize and manage information, documentation, and communications, including use of common office software and web-based applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

Equivalent to three years of experience providing instructional support services for a related unit or discipline, or in producing materials or supplies or repairing equipment in a discipline related to the area to which assigned.

OR

Equivalent to two years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area may be substituted for one year of the required experience.

OR

Equivalent to four years of college with 16 semester units in courses involving extensive use of materials, supplies, or equipment and in a discipline related to the area to which assigned may be substituted for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Extensive (3+ years) of documented small boat operation across a wide variety of environments and missions.
2. Successful completion of formal boating safety and operations instructor's training course (i.e., Motorboat Operator Instructor Training Course; MOITC) granting authorization to offer boating safety and operations courses (MOTC or MOCC).
3. Documented experience in leading small-boat safety training courses (MOTC or MOCC).
4. Documented experience reviewing and approving float plans.
5. Education equivalent to a four-year university degree.
6. Demonstrated experience in maintaining small boats, boat engines, boating safety equipment, trailers, and other relevant gear (including the use and maintenance of hand and power tools).
7. Demonstrated understanding of and ability to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
8. Knowledge of and experience with use of scientific sampling equipment and instruments in various environments, including ability to support minor repairs or adjustments to technical and scientific equipment in the field.
9. Knowledge of and experience with providing vessel support for scientific diving operations.
10. Knowledge of and familiarity with design and execution of scientific studies sufficient to support collaborative discussions regarding operational constraints.
11. Documented experience in supporting research or analogous operations on larger vessels
12. 25-ton or greater Master's license (100-ton preferred)

Application Procedure: To apply, qualified candidates must electronically submit the following materials by clicking the Apply Now button:

• Letter of Interest
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for at least three supervisor references

Application Deadline: The deadline to submit application materials is 11:55 p.m. on October 2, 2026.

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt's Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long-lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a "Campus Security Authority", pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is disc...