Assistant Harbormaster - Seasonal

Assistant Harbormaster - Seasonal 2026

Position Grade/Level: Personnel Policies, Schedule B, Not benefit eligible

Location:

Duxbury Harbor and Waterways

Department:
Harbormaster Department

Hours:

Seasonal, part-time, variable as needed, including weekends, nights and holidays, 8 hours per day, 20-40 hours per week

Reports To:

Harbormaster and Executive Officer

Pay Range:
Starts at $17.00 per hour (dependent upon qualifications)

Seasonal

Schedule:

April through Labor Day (possible reduced off-season hours available)

Number Of Openings: 7

The purpose of this position is to assist the Harbormaster, Executive Officer in daily marine or shoreline-based operations. Assistant Harbormaster training should be maintained in applicable federal, state and local laws, bylaws, regulations, shellfish law enforcement and management, marine law enforcement, harbor management, search and rescue, first aid certification.

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position)

• Assists the Harbormaster and Executive Officer with the tasks and mandates of the Harbormaster Department.
• Required to work outside of normal business hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Aids mariners and vessels in distress and recovers boats adrift.
• Assists in providing appropriate actions to safeguard the harbor and anchorages in all aspects. Assists with ATONS, PTONS, and maintenance of safety buoys.
• Patrols harbors, town pier, floats, docks, marinas, waterways, town landings, shoreline to enforce a variety of state, and local laws, codes, ordinances and rules and regulations pertaining to marine and shellfish, marine traffic/access controls and public safety.
• Enforces, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations
• Assists in marine search and rescue assignments.
• Assist in coordinating search and rescue operations along Duxbury shoreline as directed.
• Responds and assists in emergencies and operates in coordination with additional emergency responders as required.
• Assists with Clean Vessel Act operations.
• Assists in maritime based special events and or evacuations as directed.
• Assists with transient/guest mooring assignments and related paperwork.
• Assists the public: answer questions, furnishing information. Handles the difficult customer service requests.
• Performs similar or related work as required.

Work is performed under varying conditions, either in an office, in a boat, in a vehicle or in the immediate surrounding shoreline and coastal areas. Frequent patrol work is conducted outdoors with exposure to extreme weather conditions in secluded areas. The incumbent may be required to work outside of normal business hours. In addition, incumbent is required to work on weekends and holidays and may be required to be available to attend evening meetings and emergency situations.

Operates standard office equipment and computer. Operates motor vehicles, marine units, pumps, navigational equipment, emergency medical/rescue equipment, and two way radios.

Has frequent contact with other Town departments, members of the boating public, fishing, and hunting communities, the Coast Guard, local, state and federal agencies, and the general public. Contacts and communications are by phone, correspondence, and in person and frequently require significant resourcefulness and persuasiveness to influence the behavior of others.

Errors could result in significant exposure to liability, damage to boats and equipment, monetary loss, adverse public relations, reduced level or services, and potential loss of life.

High school education or equivalent. Study, or strong interest, in criminal justice, biological sciences, marine sciences, or environmental sciences/protection. Must have the ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, the public, governmental agencies and carry out specific tasks as assigned by supervisor. Must have experience in, small boat handling. Required to attend and complete trainings/meetings provided by the Harbormaster Department and related agencies.

A valid Massachusetts motor vehicle operator's license required.

Eighteen (18) years old or older.

Qualifications to operate all department equipment and vehicles required.

Harbormaster Training Academy Certification desired, if available

Knowledge:
Applicable Massachusetts General Laws, town bylaws, and regulations relating to the maritime law and waterway operations.

Abilities:
Ability to deal effectively and diplomatically with government agencies, other town employees and general public, often in highly stressful situations. Ability to enforce rules and regulations firmly and impartially. Ability to deal effectively and cordially with all…