Harbourmaster

Wexford Hilton Head; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Wexford Hilton Head seeks a Harbour Operations Leader to manage Harbour Center operations, staff, and safety programs on Hilton Head Island. You will ensure vessel compliance, coordinate events, and drive annual planning with cross-department teams.

The role requires strong leadership, regulatory knowledge, and hands-on boat/lock system experience to maintain high service standards for property owners and guests.

Qualifications

• Two-year college degree or five years of marina/ harbour management experience.
• Strong knowledge of boat handling, seamanship and navigation for vessels up to 75 feet.
• Solid understanding of federal, state and local harbour regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Harbour Center operations and supervise Harbour Center staff.
• Plan and manage budgets and strategic operational plans for Harbour Operations.
• Coordinate events with Property Owners and other departments.
• Ensure vessel registrations, heads, liability records, and emergency plans are current.
• Lead monthly water depth surveys and water quality testing with reports to authorities.

Skills

People management

Shift planning

Boat operation

Vessel locking system

Training & certification

Event planning

Problem solving

Communication

Time management

Confidentiality

Relationship building

Independent work

Team collaboration

Navigation rules knowledge

Docking operations

Education

Two-year college degree

Marina/ Harbour management experience (5 yrs)

Tools

GPS Navigation System

Marine radio

Vessel Locking System

Outboard motors

Job description

• The management of all Harbour operations, including but not limited to, the Harbour Center, the Harbour area, the Harbour lock system, outside contractors, and the Harbour Staff.
• Co-Chairing the Harbour Committee
• The strategic budget and business planning for Harbour Operations

Other duties may be assigned.

The successful individual must possess:

• Two-year college degree or five years experience in marina or harbour management or equivalent experience in related field
• Must have a good working knowledge of boat handling, seamanship and navigation of watercraft up to 75 feet.
• Strong technical knowledge of federal, state and local regulations pertaining to harbour operations and pleasure craft.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Ability to supervise hourly employees including annual employee performance evaluations.
• Ability to create shifts to cover Harbour Center during hours of operation.
• Ability to operate small watercraft, and land vehicles.
• Ability to operate the Vessel Locking System using the computer system, manual system and auxiliary system.
• Ability to train and certify other employees in the operation of Wexford vessels, locking system, flag and burgee display, and all documentation requirements.
• Ability to create, develop, manage alone or in conjunction with other departments, events and activities during the year for Wexford Property Owner’s and their families.
• Ability to make decisions and solve Property Owner requests and concerns in a timely manner.
• Ability to handle stressful situations in a professional manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage time and prioritize workload.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the Property Owners, other department managers, supervisors, administrative staff, employees, guests and others.
• Self-motivated and ability to work independently.
• Must be a team player.
• Ability to operate flushing structures.
• Ability to present yearly Emergency Plan to boaters.
• Rope handling and knowledge of knots.
• Must know navigation rules and have knowledge of marine navigation.
• Ability to maneuver vessels & dock.

JOB TASKS

• Monitors daily activities of all aspects of Harbour Center operations.
• Supervise and manage all Harbour Center employees.
• Ensures that all vessels entering Wexford Harbour meet registration requirements.
• Ensures that all vessel heads are sealed.
• Ensures that all vessel owners have liability requirements on file with the Harbour Center.
• Educate owners on marine related emergency procedures including hurricane preparedness.
• Ensures that all vessel owners have an up-to-date emergency plan on file with the Harbour Center.
• Ensues that dock walks are conducted each day as required.
• Plans, coordinates, create, and manage special events and activities for Property Owners.
• Coordinates activities with other departments and the Commodore.
• Coordinates with the kitchen staff to supply food items for sale in the Harbour Center.
• Ensures that the Harbour Center facility, grounds and all docks are maintained in a clean and safe condition.
• Maintains appropriate files on all vessels in Wexford Harbour.
• Ensures that all docks are kept free of debris and obstructions, all cords, hoses, and ropes are coiled or hung neatly.
• All docks are inspected daily for defects or damage and immediately scheduled for repairs.
• Creates articles for the Wexford Club Times and other articles for Property Owners.
• Reviews the Wexford Emergency Preparedness Plan and makes recommendations for changes or updates for improvements.
• Attends all meetings that pertain to the Harbour Center or is requested to attend.
• Ensures that all Harbour Center employees are trained and current in all areas of Harbour Center operations.
• Reviews green book information on Harbour Center rules and regulations to ensure accuracy.
• Ensues that Visitor Pass Policy is followed.
• Monitors water level in Harbour and operates flushing structures to increase and reduce water level.
• Conducts monthly surveys of water depths in approach channel.
• Schedules water quality testing to ensure harbour water is kept clean and submits regular reports to DHEC.
• Keeps canal in front of Wexford Pump Station clear of debris.
• Issues “Notice to Mariner” of shoaling.
• Ensures that a minimum of one harbour tour per day is performed to inspect harbour, vessels, docks, bulkhead and monitors covenant compliant.
• Creates weekly work schedule for employees.
• Performs other duties and/or tasks that may be assigned on as needed basis.
• Ability to read and understand navigation maps.
• Ability to properly secure vessels.
• Assist vessel operators during lock operation and docking.
• Ensures that Wexford Security is notified of violations of law, trespassing or Wexford Rules.

This position requires the use of the following equipment:

1. Computer with keyboard and mouse

2. Telephone

3. Marine radio

4. Flushing Structure

5. GPS Navigation System

7. Outboard Motors

8. Reset WiFi Transmitter and Modem

9. Small boats

10. Vessel Locking System including computer, manual and auxiliary systems

11. AED

12. Gator

13. Waste pump system, both fixed location and portable system

15. Calculator

This position is minimally supervised.

This position has supervisory responsibility.

This position does have access to confidential information, including property owner files, email communications, annual budgets and reports.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to work outside and tolerate various weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions & extreme heat.
• Must be able to stand for a prolonged period of time.
• Must be able to carry, push or pull weight in excess of 50 pounds.
• Must be able to stoop or kneel to secure vessels.
• Must be able to maintain balance while operating a boat.
• Must be able to see computer screen, paperwork, etc.