Harbor Master Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Find Your Future in Paradise!

Catalina Island Company welcomes all guests and visitors to our very special island. Beyond being warm and courteous, our exceptional team members are knowledgeable and helpful - anticipating and personalizing their service on an individualized basis.

We seek individuals like YOU to create the finest personal service and extraordinary experiences for our guests.

WHY CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY?

The Catalina Island Company offers more than just a workplace - it is a destination for service, adventure and inspiration!

In 1919, chewing gum entrepreneur William Wrigley Jr. bought nearly every share of the Santa Catalina Island Company until he owned a controlling interest. He then invested millions in his vision to create a "playground for all" on Catalina Island, building infrastructure, a reservoir, Hotel Atwater, Bird Park, and other attractions. In 1921, he made Avalon the Spring Training home of his beloved Chicago Cub's, building the Catalina Country Club to house the team's lockers and provide a gathering place for players. The team continued to train on the island until 1951. In 1929, Wrigley built the iconic Catalina Casino, which boasts the world's largest circular ballroom and the first theatre designed and built to show talking motion pictures. During World War II, the island served as a military training facility and was closed to tourists. The island was a popular spot with Hollywood's elite during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. It also became a popular location for production companies to shoot movies. More than 500 films, documentaries, commercials, and TV shows have been shot in and around Catalina over the years, especially in Two Harbors on the island's west end. To this day, descendants of William Wrigley Jr. still own the Catalina Island Company and carry on his vision to create a world-class island resort.

We are a welcoming community that believes in fostering a positive, team-oriented atmosphere where every team member plays a part in creating unforgettable memories for our guests. Join a team that is as vibrant, dynamic, and unique as the island itself!

JOB SUMMARY
Harbor Patrol is responsible for ensuring safe operations and assists boaters on and off their moorings throughout the 12 coves that make up Catalina Island west-end, encompassing more than 25 miles of coastline and over 700 moorings.

Various levels of Harbor Patrol Captain are available depending on license and skill set:

The Harbor Patrol Captain I is an experienced boat operator holding a USCG merchant mariner credential with an OUPV endorsement.

The Harbor Patrol Captain II is an experienced boat operator holding a USCG merchant mariner credential endorsed as MASTER of vessels less than 25grt upon near coastal waters.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Job duties include, but are not limited to:

• Patrol mooring fields and waterfront to ensure safety of guests and property, and remove navigational hazards from waterways

• Monitor marine radios, respond to emergencies (towing, boat fires, medical, disabled vessels, etc.), and operate within established policies and procedures

• Conduct routine inspections of company vessels, moorings, docks, and lines; perform general maintenance and cleaning

• Tow guests, company, and unattended vessels; assist with mooring assignments, reservations, and guide vessels through the mooring field

• Dispense fuel, water, and pump-out services for guest and Harbor vessels

• Handle lines for commercial passenger ferries and operate shore-boat services and charters

• Communicate general information about the Harbor, including policies, rules, events, and available facilities

• Other duties as assigned

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as MASTER upon near coastal waters

• FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit

• USCG Merchant Mariner Credential endorsed as OUPV

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School diploma/GED

• Boat handling experience required

• Must be at least 18 years of age

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills

• Live aboard boaters preferred

• Computer / tablet proficiency

• ABCs of California Boating and USCG navigation rules

• Safely operate a Patrol vessel in the harbor, coastal waterways, and close quarter mooring fields, including maintaining a holding pattern alongside other vessel

• Use VHF radio, tablet, and electronic charts to navigate and communicate effectively

• Demonstrate strong customer service skills, exercising tact, judgment, maturity, and clear communication

• Complete accurate, grammatically correct reports and maintain records of work performed

• Safely perform assignments under all weather conditions and maintain constant situational awareness

• Operate, maintain, and use harbor vessels and equipment effectively, including proper vessel tie-ups and knot tying (bowline, rolling hitch, cleat hitch, square knot, bowline on a bight)

• Tow vessels on hip and stern, and understand and enforce relevant laws, regulations, and policies

• Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments independently

• Establish and maintain positive, effective working relationships with team members and customers

• Communicate effectively in person, over the phone, on the radio, and in writing, using clear English

• Follow directions, efficiently coordinate with the department, and contribute to team goals

• Pass pre-employment background and drug tests, including random drug tests throughout employment

DETAILS
Position Type: Seasonal
Season Dates: April-October

HOUSING

The Catalina Island Company offers shared housing as an option for eligible employees at a subsidized rate. Employees are responsible for paying a portion of the housing cost, typically deducted through payroll.

Accommodation generally includes shared bedrooms, shared bathrooms and a community kitchen. Housing is subject to availability and cost will vary based on location.

***LIVE-A-BOARDS WELCOME***

Harbor personnel residing on their own boats may be assigned a mooring and outer cove Harbor Patrol position at White's Landing, Emerald Bay, or Catalina Harbor. A Harbor Patrol vessel will be assigned for use while on shift for patrols and fee collections.

PAY TRANSPARENCY
The pay scale for this position ranges between $30.22-$34.34 per hour depending on licenses, skill set, experience and scheduled shifts worked.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This position primarily takes place outdoors and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions including sun, wind, and occasional rain. Employees should be comfortable working at heights, on uneven terrain, and performing physical tasks such as walking, climbing, or lifting equipment. Safety, communication, and guest engagement are top priorities while ensuring a fun and memorable experience for all participants.

Must be comfortable and able to stand for up to 6-8 hours per day. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. Requires dexterity, grasping, writing, standing, sitting, walking, repetitive motions, bending, listening and hearing ability and visual acuity. Talking and hearing occur continuously in the process of communicating with guests, management and team.

SCHEDULE

This position requires a flexible schedule, with rotating weekday and weekend shifts, including day, night, and holiday hours.

LIFE ON CATALINA ISLAND

• A fast paced, exciting work environment with upward mobility and growth opportunities.

• Meet and engage with people from all over the country and world!
  

COMPANY PERKS

• Employee discounts and perks - restaurant, hotels and activities.

• Beautiful island views and a summer of adventure!

BEING YOU AT CATALINA ISLAND COMPANY:
We are inclusive of, celebrate our differences, and welcome a broad range of perspectives and ideas without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and provide reasonable accommodations as needed for our candidates. Please discuss this with our Talent Acquisition team during our selection process.