Watercraft Inspector Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $75,920.00 - $92,289.60 Annually
Location : Port of San Diego, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: FY 25/26 #00136
Branch: Maritime & Operations Branch
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Description
Are you an experienced marine mechanic looking for something beyond the traditional shop environment? The Port of San Diego offers the chance to work on high-performance patrol and emergency response vessels while surrounded by one of the most beautiful waterfronts in the country. Enjoy a 4/10 work schedule, great benefits, and a rewarding career that combines hands-on mechanical work, a unique vessel fleet, and an unbeatable waterfront setting.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of skilled duties in the maintenance and repair of high performance seagoing patrol vessels, to include firefighting and utility vessels with a variety of inboard and outboard marine engines (some vessels contain complex firefighting apparatus/equipment, generators, invertors, heating and cooling systems, plumbing fixtures and equipment, radios, radar, communication networks, and pneumatic/hydraulic systems); operates a variety of manual and power tools and light to heavy power-driven equipment; provides technical and specialized assistance to assigned management and supervisory staff; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This journey level classification is responsible for independently performing technical maintenance, repair, and installation of seagoing patrol vessels. Positions at this level exercise judgment and initiative in their assigned tasks, receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Represented positions are subject to the meet and confer process.
Diagnoses and performs major and minor repairs and overhauls to a variety of electronic or mechanical diesel- electric- and gasoline-powered marine engines involving inspection and replacement of broken or worn parts; inspects, troubleshoots, diagnoses, repairs, cleans, adjusts, and installs fuel, ignition, electrical, and cooling system components.
Diagnoses, repairs, and adjusts steering mechanisms and other controls, including mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical; completes vessel structural repairs and other parts to ensure proper maneuverability and navigation of the vessel; repairs specialized marine electrical and electronic system installations and repairs including network communications' lighting and communication systems; repairs or replaces engine transmissions, drive shafts, propellers, jet drives, pumps, and other specialized equipment.
Performs safety inspections on marine vessels to comply with relevant laws, codes, and regulations; performs regular preventive maintenance on vessels.
Performs emergency repairs to vessels on waterways; tows boats to the shop for repairs.
Diagnoses and performs electrical repairs in the field, including but not limited to connections, breakers, cables, fuses, outlets, and inverters.
Operates various watercraft vessels to diagnose problems and defects, and ensure repairs are performed satisfactorily, and complete sea trials.
Performs major overhauls to electronic and mechanical diesel- and gasoline-powered marine engines; repowers vessels; services and repairs a variety of outboard motors.
Operates a wide variety of shop tools and equipment required to maintain and service marine vessels, generators, and equipment.
Services, repairs, overhauls, and replaces specialized equipment on law-enforcement, firefighting, and utility vessels.
Performs precise interior/exterior modifications to vessels to meet specialized needs.
Performs wood, fiberglass, and metal fabrication, minor repairs and modifications to marine vessels or equipment; modifies and fabricates new parts for vessels as needed.
Participates in the employee safety program; follows safety practices in work methods and procedures; ensures proper safety procedures while working in dangerous situations; educates other employees on rules, regulations, codes, safe work habits, and potential hazards presented by their work environment.
Prepares cost estimates and orders parts and materials; completes inventorying/ordering of supplies, tools, and equipment; maintains a variety of records of completed work.
Performs disaster service worker responsibilities, as directed.
Observes and complies with all Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
When assigned to fleet maintenance, performs inspections, troubleshooting, diagnosis, repair, and replacement of mechanical, fuel, ignition, electrical, hydraulic, and cooling system components on District fleet vehicles and equipment.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, and procedures of the mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic repair trade, including diagnosis and troubleshooting techniques.
Principles, practices, and procedures of preventive maintenance.
Fuel systems, pumps, electronic fuel injection systems, and controls.
Electrical, engine room, hydraulic, pneumatic, cooling/heating, and steering systems.
Disassembly, inspection, and repair of various drive systems.
Occupational and safety practices and hazards of the trade.
Use and maintenance of various types of hand and shop tools and technical tools of the trade.
Towing and operating boats and other equipment.
Port and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Port staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Install, maintain, service, and overhaul a variety of equipment on vessels including electrical, engine, and body.
Read and understand specialized service manuals required to overhaul, repair, replace, and adjust engines or drive systems.
Disassemble, inspect, and repair fire equipment, including but not limited to the following: hoses, wye valves, nozzles, coupler, educators, strainers, reducers, and diffusers.
Operate a variety of equipment and tools related to the work.
Maintain a clean, neat, and safe work environment.
Coordinate work assignments with other sections, departments, divisions, or agencies.
Estimate and order necessary materials and parts to complete assignments.
Perform basic math computations and measurements necessary in the repair and servicing of equipment.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in vessel/boat repair, gas, and/or diesel engines.
Experience:
Four (4) years of experience in maintenance and repair of diesel- and gasoline-powered vessels and related equipment.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of, or successful acquisition within twelve (12) months of employment a valid California Boaters Card and completion of HPD Boat Operator Training, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of, or successful acquisition within twelve (12) months of employment, a valid first aid and CPR certification, to be maintained throughout employment.
Recruitment Information
The application review process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. In addition to the application, the applicant is required to complete the Supplemental Questions to further evaluate their education, training, and experience relative to the required knowledge, skills and abilities for the position. Applicants must submit answers that are as complete as possible.
Only qualified applicants who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the assessment process which may be administered by a written examination, panel interview, or any combination of qualifications appraisal determined by the Department of Human Resources to be appropriate. The Department of Human Resources will make reasonable accommodation in the examination process for disabled applicants. If you have an accommodation request, please indicate such on your application.
Depending upon the number of applicants meeting the minimum qualifications, applicants may be scheduled for one or more of the assessments listed below. Passing score is 70% out of 100% on each assessment section.
THE APPRAISAL PANEL (100%) IS TENTATIVELY SCHEDULED FOR THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2026.
To move forward in the application process, you must complete an online application through our website Please attach a copy of your unofficial transcripts (indicating when degree was awarded) to your application or your application may be considered incomplete. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
Placement on Eligible List:
The Department of Human Resources may limit the number of qualified applicants eligible to participate in the assessment process. Candidates who are successful in all phases of the assessment process will be placed on an eligible list. The eligible list established by this recruitment will be active for a minimum of ninety (90) days or up to one (1) year, unless otherwise determined by the Director pursuant to Rule 8, Section 4.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The District firmly believes in, and is committed to, the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and nondiscrimination. It is the policy of the District to recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to age (40 and above), ancestry, color, disability (mental or physical), gender (including identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person's sex at birth), marital status, medical condition, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, or veteran status.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess sufficient mobility to work in the field; strength, stamina, and flexibility to perform medium to heavy physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; frequently reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movement in the performance of daily duties; possible entry into confined spaces and the use of confined entry equipment, to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and other equipment, and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various work sites; and vision to inspect and operate the equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards which may include working around live electrical wires. Finger dexterity is needed to operate and repair tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 60 pounds and heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. Employees must wear and use the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in a shop and field environment, and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees also work in harbor waters which may include water conditions with low visibility, cold temperatures, high winds, strong currents, and adverse weather conditions. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Some positions may require working varied shifts and/or alternate schedules as needed. Port employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the Port's needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker. Employees in this classification are subject to on-call, which may include rotating-duty schedule, weekends and 24-hour emergency call out with little or no notice.
01
Do you possess a High School diploma or G.E.D?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of experience do you have in the maintenance and repair of diesel- and gasoline-powered vessels andrelated equipment?