Boating Safety Officer

Humboldt State University; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 51,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Cal Poly Humboldt’s Marine Facilities seeks a Boating Safety Officer to oversee day-to-day small boat safety for academic and research use, including operator training, float-plan approvals, and vessel maintenance.

The role emphasizes USCG compliance, scheduling, record-keeping, and collaboration with faculty, staff, and students. This is a full-time, 12-month, benefited position with a one-year probation, offering a comprehensive benefits package.

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.
• 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.
• 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: Extensive (3+ years) of documented small boat operation across a wide variety of environments and missions.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining small boats, boat engines, boating safety equipment, trailers, and other relevant gear.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

Job description

Jobs - Job Details - Boating Safety Officer

Boating Safety Officer

Apply now Job no: 560441
Work type: Staff
Location: Humboldt
Categories: Unit 9 - CSUEU - Technical Support Services, Probationary, Full Time, On-site (work in-person at business location)

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 ourvideo 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:

• Extensive (3+ years) of documented small boat operation across a wide variety of environments and missions.
• 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).
• Documented experience in leading small‑boat safety training courses (MOTC or MOCC).
• Documented experience reviewing and approving float plans.
• Education equivalent to a four‑year university degree.
• 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).
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.
• 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.
• Knowledge of and experience with providing vessel support for scientific diving operations.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with design and execution of scientific studies sufficient to support collaborative discussions regarding operational constraints.
• Documented experience in supporting research or analogous operations on larger vessels
• 25‑ton or greater Master’s license (100‑ton preferred)

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to [e-mail] or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826‑3626.

Weacknowledgethat Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the uncededlandsof 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 thestateof 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 thestateof California. The employee must be able to accept on‑campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campuswhen 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 [e-mail] .

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 discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful and intellectual vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs and a t-